Program Overview

Geological Engineering Program

The Geological Engineering program at the Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of geological engineering. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the geological sciences, as well as the engineering principles and techniques necessary to apply this knowledge in a variety of professional settings.

Course Offerings

The program offers a wide range of courses, including:

• GEO ENG 1001 Special Topics: A variable-title course designed to give the department an opportunity to test a new course.
• GEO ENG 1150 Physical and Environmental Geology: A study of the materials, structure, and surface features of the Earth and planets, with a focus on the processes that continuously transform the Earth and affect management of Earth resources, hazards, engineering problems, and environmental challenges.
• GEO ENG 1175 Geological Engineering in Popular Media: An examination of the issues and topics related to geological engineering as presented in movies, television programs, and other communications media.
• GEO ENG 1605 Mathematical Concepts for Military Engineers: A review of fundamental concepts in Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus for students in Geological Engineering, designed as a bridging course for Military Reserve officers enrolled in the On-Line Certificate in Military Geological Engineering.
• GEO ENG 1810 Humanitarian Engineering and Science Colloquium: A course that introduces Humanitarian Engineering & Science Minor students to topics such as the impact of Western interventions on developing cultures, ethics and engineering, frugal engineering, the role of civic engagement in corporate culture, responsible behavior in outreach programs, and others.
• GEO ENG 1880 Civic Engagement: A course that provides a formal independent study framework for Humanitarian Engineering & Science Minor students and other students to achieve formal recognition of experiential service learning that may occur during participation in extracurricular programs.

Advanced Courses

The program also offers advanced courses, including:

• GEO ENG 5090 Geological Engineering Design: An open-ended project course requiring the collection of data, analysis and synthesis of that data, and design of a socially acceptable, economical solution to a selected problem.
• GEO ENG 5092 International Engineering and Design: A multi-disciplinary engineering course focused on sustainable design and technology transfer to developing countries, with elements of traditional capstone design classes and experiential learning through competitions and/or field work.
• GEO ENG 5144 Remote Sensing Technology: A course that covers the principles of digital image processing, including image enhancement and multispectral classification, with an emphasis on the design and implementation of remote sensing systems and analysis of remotely sensed data for geotechnical and environmental investigations.
• GEO ENG 5172 Soil Science In Engineering Practice: A study of the ways in which soils and geologic conditions influence engineered projects, covering topics such as soil formation, soil chemistry, and properties, as well as erosion control and revegetation.

Graduate Courses

The program offers a range of graduate courses, including:

• GEO ENG 6000 Special Problems: A course that allows students to work on specific subjects or projects in the department, with consent of instructor required.
• GEO ENG 6010 Seminar: A discussion of current topics, with a prerequisite of graduate student status.
• GEO ENG 6040 Oral Examination: An oral examination for on-campus M.S./Ph.D. students, which may be processed during intersession.
• GEO ENG 6050 Continuous Registration: A course that requires doctoral candidates who have completed all requirements for the degree except the dissertation to continue to enroll for at least one hour of credit each registration period until the degree is completed.

Research Opportunities

The program offers a range of research opportunities, including:

• GEO ENG 6099 Research: Investigations of an advanced nature leading to the preparation of a thesis or dissertation, with consent of instructor required.
• GEO ENG 6146 Advanced Remote Sensing And Image Processing: A course that covers quantitative methods of utilizing remote sensing technology for terrain analysis, with a prerequisite of Geo Eng 5146.
• GEO ENG 6235 Advanced Concepts Of Environmental Geological Engineering: A course that applies the principles of geology to the solution of engineering problems in environmental protection and remediation, with a prerequisite of graduate level course in environmental geologic studies.

Faculty and Research Areas

The program has a diverse faculty with research areas including:

• Geotechnical engineering
• Environmental geology
• Hydrogeology
• Remote sensing and geophysics
• Geological engineering