Program Overview

Mining Engineering

Program Description

Mining provides the raw materials and energy resources needed to sustain modern civilization. Resources such as copper, iron, silver, gold, lithium, lead, nickel, and other minerals are all mined, processed, and then used to create things from computer processors to construction materials. The Mining Engineering program at the University of Utah is ABET accredited and prepares you to pursue a productive, life-long career in this exciting industry. The Mining Engineering curriculum combines basic engineering subjects, topics in geology, and essential courses in mining to prepare graduates to discover, evaluate, and develop mineral deposits. Additional coursework includes mathematics, computer applications, economics, communication skills, and physical sciences.

Emphasis Areas

• Aggregates and Mineral Processing
• Geomechanics and Spatial Analytics
• Operations Management
• Safety and Health
• Sustainable Resource Development

The Student Experience

While in the program, consider completing an undergraduate research project or internship—the hands-on skills you gain from these opportunities are excellent preparation for both your studies and your career. If you want to get involved on campus, you can join one of the department’s student organizations: the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), Women in Mining (WIM), Mine Rescue Team (MRT) and the Utah Student Robotics (USR) which competes annually at NASA.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Mining Engineering program will be prepared to pursue a number of career paths including: mine design, mine production, corporate management, and mine product marketing. Additional job opportunities include becoming an operations manager, a safety engineer, an environmental scientist, a project engineer, or a superintendent of mining. Students may also choose to attend graduate school in mining engineering or an allied field—such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, or geology—to gain further knowledge or to open the door to jobs in education or administration.

Catalog

• Mining Engineering BS

Exploratory Classes

• LEAP 1500 - Exploring Identity through Storytelling for Engineers
• MET E 1610 - Intro to Extractive Metallurgy
• MG EN 3010 - Intro to Mining
• MG EN 4990 - Mining Seminar

Related Programs

Major

• Physics: Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Physics is a discipline that develops analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Mathematics: Mathematics is the science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement. This major prepares students for postgraduate study or employment in a variety of professions requiring the ability to analyze problems and think critically.
• Operations and Supply Chain: Operations and Supply Chain involves working within an organization to oversee the quality and speed of business processes. Students study a firm's profitability, process flows, output quality, and supply chain.

Minor

• Strategic Communication: This minor will serve students who are interested in pursuing knowledge of public relations, advertising, marketing, event planning, and campaign design/evaluation to compliment majors outside the Department of Communication.