Program Overview

University of Alaska Fairbanks Mining Engineering Program

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a Mining Engineering program through the College of Engineering and Mines, Department of Mining and Geological Engineering. This program is the nation's northernmost accredited mining engineering program.

Program Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Mining Engineering program is to advance and disseminate knowledge for exploration, evaluation, development, and efficient production of mineral and energy resources, with assurance of the health and safety of persons involved and protection of the environment. The program emphasizes engineering as it applies to the exploration and development of mineral resources and the economics of the business of mining.

The program offers specializations in exploration, mining, or mineral beneficiation. The educational objectives of the Mining Engineering program are:

• To graduate competent engineers who are prepared for employment in the mineral and energy industries, prepared to solve problems germane to Alaska, and prepared for graduate studies at the master's or doctoral level.
• To advance and disseminate knowledge through competent faculty who teach and mentor students, conduct creative research relevant to the needs of the State of Alaska, and are engaged in public service to enhance the lives of the diverse people of the North.

Program Requirements

Candidates for the B.S. degree in Mining Engineering must complete the following requirements:

• Complete the general university requirements, including:
  • CHEM F105X
  • CHEM F106X
  • LS F101X
  • MATH F200X
• Complete the B.S. degree requirements, including:
  • MATH F201X
  • PHYS F211X
  • PHYS F212X
• Complete the following program (major) requirements:
  • ES F201--Computer Techniques--3 credits
  • ES F208--Mechanics--4 credits
  • ES F307--Elements of Electrical Engineering--3 credits
  • ES F331--Mechanics of Materials--3 credits
  • ES F341--Fluid Mechanics--4 credits
  • ES F346--Basic Thermodynamics--3 credits
  • GE F261--General Geology for Engineers--3 credits
  • GEOS F262--Rocks and Minerals--3 credits
  • GEOS F332--Ore Deposits and Structure--3 credits
  • MIN F103--Introduction to Mining Engineering--1 credit
  • MIN F104--Mining Safety and Operations Lab--1 credit
  • MIN F106--Mining Operations I--1 credit
  • MIN F202--Mine Surveying--3 credits
  • MIN F206--Mining Operations II--1 credit
  • MIN F301--Mine Plant Design--3 credits
  • MIN F302--Underground Mine Environmental Engineering--3 credits
  • MIN F313--Introduction to Mineral Preparation--3 credits
  • MIN F370--Rock Mechanics--3 credits
  • MIN F407W--Mine Reclamation and Environmental Management--2 credits
  • MIN F408O--Mineral Valuation and Economics--3 credits
  • MIN F409--Operations Research and Computer Applications in Mineral Industry--3 credits
  • MIN F443--Principles and Applications of Industrial Explosives--3 credits
  • MIN F454--Underground Mining Methods--3 credits
  • MIN F482--Computer Aided Mine Design--3 credits
  • MIN F484--Surface Mining Methods II--2 credits
  • MIN F489W--Mining Design Project I--1 credit
  • MIN F490W--Mining Design Project II--2 credits
  • MIN F485--Mining Engineering Exit Exam--0 credits
• Complete the following program (major) requirements:
  • MATH F202X--Calculus--4 credits
  • MATH F302--Differential Equations--3 credits
• Complete 3 credits from the following recommended technical electives:
  • GE F440--Slope Stability--3 credits
  • MIN F401--Mine Site Field Trip--2 credits
  • MIN F447--Placer Mining--3 credits
  • MIN F472--Ground Control--3 credits
  • MIN F481--Computer Aided Mine Design I--3 credits
  • Approved technical electives--3-6 credits

Accreditation and Employment Opportunities

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Mining engineers may aspire to and achieve the highest positions in the industry, including operating or engineering management, government agency director, or entrepreneur. Starting salaries are among the highest in the engineering profession. Students are prepared for job opportunities with mining and construction companies, consulting and research firms, equipment manufacturers, investment and commodity firms in the private sector, as well as with state and federal agencies.