Geological Engineering Ph.D.
Create a free account to unlock full content!
By registering, you agree to our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Geological Engineering Ph.D.
The Geological Engineering Ph.D. program at the University of North Dakota is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in geological engineering, preparing them for careers in research, teaching, and advanced professional practice.
Program Overview
The program is a doctoral degree that can be completed in 3-5 years, requiring 90 credit hours. It is offered on campus, providing students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty and researchers in multiple disciplines.
Program Requirements
The program requires students to complete two consecutive semesters in residence, pass a written and oral exam, complete oral progress reports detailing their research, and complete and defend a dissertation.
Why Earn a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering?
The program provides students with the technical prowess to offer significant solutions to 21st-century challenges, while also gaining broad knowledge in related areas. Students will work with faculty and researchers in multiple disciplines, preparing them for careers in:
- Advanced professional practice
- Teaching
- Careers in research
- Creative activity in engineering or a related field
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines for the program are:
- Fall: March 1 (priority deadline) and August 1
- Spring: September 1 (priority deadline) and December 1
Geological Engineering Ph.D. at UND
The program at UND offers students the opportunity to:
- Work side-by-side with faculty who have active research grants totaling more than $8 million
- Access the Willard M. Laird Core and Sample Library, a vast resource containing 40,000 cores from nearly every oil well drilled in North Dakota
- Utilize the F.D. Holland Jr. Geology Library, one of the largest geoscience libraries in the upper Midwest
- Benefit from extensive state and industry support bolstering UND facilities and faculty
- Enhance their professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies
Geological Engineering Ph.D. Careers
Graduates of the program play critical roles in many industries, including:
- Environmental engineering
- Geological engineering
- Petroleum geologist
- Hydrogeology
- Remote sensing/GIS
- Mining
- Mapping and surveying
- Teaching
The median annual salary for mining and geological engineers is $101,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Geological Engineering Ph.D. Skills
A doctorate in Geological Engineering provides students with strategic skills, including:
- Geology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Soil Science
- Geologic Mapping
- ArcGIS (GIS Software)
UND Geological Engineering Alumni
Alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers with companies such as:
- American Engineering Test, Inc.
- Barr Engineering Co.
- Center for Energy and Environment
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- Archaeological Research, Inc.
- BJ Services Company
Geological Engineering Ph.D. Courses
The program offers a range of courses, including:
- Advanced Rock Mechanics (GEOE 555)
- Advanced Subsurface Energy Recovery in Engineering (GEOE 591)
- Hydrogeology (GEOE 417)
- Advanced Paleontology (GEOL 515)