Program Overview

Introduction to the Mining Engineering Program

The Mining Engineering program at the University of Utah prepares students to meet the unique 21st-century needs of the mining industry and the world. Our graduates design, operate, manage, and reclaim mines and mining facilities in a profitable, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.

Program Overview

The Mining Engineering program combines basic engineering subjects, geology, and essential courses in mining. It aims to prepare graduates to discover, evaluate, and develop mineral deposits. Individuals with a strong background in mathematics, computer applications, economics, communication skills, and physical sciences will thrive and enjoy a challenging and rewarding undergraduate experience.

Curriculum

Undergraduate students take courses in math, physics, chemistry, statics and strength of materials, hydraulics, electrical engineering, and thermodynamics. Students also take structural geology and petrology. Specialized mining engineering courses include underground and surface mining methods, surveying, ventilation, rock mechanics, mine finance, mineral evaluation, and sustainable resource development. Additionally, students also take two technical elective courses which can include topics like data science, computational intelligence, and surveying with drones.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mining Engineering provides students with a versatile education. Throughout industry, mining engineers fill broad roles; from corporate managers to technical specialists to commodity traders. The majority of graduating students find employment working as engineers for mining and construction companies. Students also pursue employment in government and industry organizations that support mining and extractive industries.

Accreditation

The University of Utah Mining Engineering undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Student Organizations

Student organizations can be an important part of your college career. They provide access to opportunities you won’t find anywhere else while helping you build a bigger network, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in the community. Some of the student organizations available to Mining Engineering students include:

• Women in Mining
• Mine Rescue
• SME
• Utah Student Robotics

Internship Opportunities

The majority of our students secure at least one paid internship by the time they graduate. Land your dream internship by beginning your search early and by using the various resources available to you.

Program Details

• Small Classes
• Faculty interested in your success
• Computer lab with up-to-date mining software
• Annual professional meetings
• Field trips to mine sites your freshman year
• Active recruitment by mining companies
• Summer internships at mine sites around the U.S.

What Does a Mining Engineer Do?

Mining Engineers work in mining and mineral extraction facilities. Their work may be office-based, on site, or a combination of both. They are in charge of coordinating and supervising the many activities associated with the digging, extraction, and transportation of materials out of a mine - all the while being mindful of worker’s health and safety. Additionally, Mining Engineers also need to be environmentally aware, finding ways to reduce the negative impact their activities have on nature.

Why Major in Mining Engineering?

As the world moves toward building a greener future, engineers are discovering opportunities to improve sustainability and reduce society’s impact on the environment. They are being tasked with improving infrastructure, utilizing resources more efficiently, and developing better technologies and equipment. Unknown to many, addressing the needs of a more sustainable future will require us to responsibly mine more raw materials than we ever have in the past. Among other things, it will require more steel and concrete to build infrastructure, copper to electrify vehicles, and rare earth elements to build wind turbines.

Is This Program a Good Fit for Me?

The Mining Engineering program combines basic engineering subjects, geology, and essential courses in mining. It aims to prepare graduates to discover, evaluate, and develop mineral deposits. Individuals with a strong background in mathematics, computer applications, economics, communication skills, and physical sciences will thrive and enjoy a challenging and rewarding undergraduate experience. If you are interested in finding a program with the following attributes, then we are confident the Mining Engineering degree at the University of Utah will prove to be a good fit for you:

• Small Classes
• Faculty interested in your success
• Computer lab with up-to-date mining software
• Annual professional meetings
• Field trips to mine sites your freshman year
• Active recruitment by mining companies
• Summer internships at mine sites around the U.S.