Program Overview

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Geological Engineering, PhD

The graduate program in Geological Engineering offers training leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Geological engineering is a rapidly growing field of study that integrates the two disciplines of geology and engineering. Geological engineers help find the best ways to use the earth's resources for solving technical problems while protecting the environment.

Program Description

The need for graduate education in geological engineering has been brought about by modern developments and activities in science and industry that have an impact on earth materials including soil, rock, water, and air. The area of study combines research and application methodologies of geology and of several engineering disciplines to address engineering problems in which the geologic nature of a site or geologic processes constitute major design objectives or constraints.

Emphasis and Research Areas

Emphasis in the program is on development of the student's ability to originate and perform analytical, numerical, and/or laboratory analysis techniques to address new and challenging earth-related problems associated with modern land-use practices, earthen construction, energy and mineral extraction, and environmental pollution control and remediation. Students select their research topics from such areas as:

• Geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering
• Applied geophysics
• Hydrology and hydrogeology
• Numerical modeling of rock masses
• Remote sensing
• Rock mechanics
• Soil and rock engineering

Facilities and Support

Modern facilities include soil and rock mechanics laboratories; drilling equipment and instrumentation for rock and soil mechanics field testing; and soils, geosynthetics, and geo-environmental laboratories. Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships are available to qualified applicants either upon admission or one to two semesters after entering the program.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).

Admissions Requirements

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: September 1
• Summer Deadline: December 15
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Process

All applicants must meet the Graduate School's admission requirements to be considered for admission. Departmental admission is by committee review. Applications submitted after the fall deadline through March 15 will be reviewed if complete and will be considered for admission by the program if space is available.

Funding

Financial support is available through fellowships, project/program assistantships (PA), research assistantships (RA), and teaching assistantships (TA). Faculty will contact successful applicants directly regarding funding opportunities. Admission is not a guarantee of funding.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

The program is offered face-to-face.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to complete a qualifying exam and a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination
• Language Requirements: No language requirements
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate

Required Courses

The academic program for each Geological Engineering doctoral student is planned on an individual basis with their advisor. Basic requirements for a PhD degree in Geological Engineering include:

1. PhD major coursework
2. Qualifying examination
3. Breadth coursework
4. Preliminary examination
5. Dissertation research
6. Final oral examination (dissertation defense)

Policies

Prior Coursework

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on transfer credits for prior coursework.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on probation.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School's policies on advisor and committees.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum.

Time Limits

A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

Grievances and Appeals

Students who feel that they have been treated unfairly have the right to a prompt hearing of their grievance. The grievance procedure is outlined in the Graduate School's policies.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to synthesize knowledge from a subset of the biological, physical, and social sciences to help frame problems critical to the future of their discipline.
2. Conduct original research.
3. Demonstrate an ability to create new knowledge and communicate it to their peers.
4. Fosters ethical and professional conduct.