Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Mining Engineering

The Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the mining industry. This degree is awarded by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering.

Program Overview

Mining engineering is a broad discipline that involves the application of math and science to solve design problems. The program focuses on developing versatile problem solvers who can plan, design, and operate mines in an ethically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes foundational courses such as calculus, English, chemistry, geology, introductory mining, and physics. As students progress through the program, they will take courses that cover specific mining topics, including:

• Mine planning, design, and operation
• Mine automation and robotics
• Mine closure
• Fundamentals of engineering topics such as thermodynamics, circuits, hydraulics, and materials
• Industrial health and safety
• Mineral economics
• Environmentally sustainable mining

Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Mining Engineering will learn to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in mathematics, science, and engineering areas necessary to identify, formulate, and solve practical engineering problems
• Demonstrate proficiency in engineering topics related to surface and underground mining
• Plan and design a technically sound mine in an ethically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner
• Communicate plans, designs, and operational practices to mine representatives, regulators, and the public
• Prepare for entry-level positions in the operations and management of mines, or for graduate-level study in engineering

Senior Capstone Course

The program culminates in a senior capstone course, where students will complete a mine feasibility study, designing a mine from start to finish, including financial, social, and environmental concerns. Students will present their design to a panel of engineers and managers from the mining industry.

Specializations

The Mining Engineering program offers several specializations, including:

• Minor in Mining Engineering: Students take courses in mine design, technology, computer applications, environmental concerns, industrial safety and health, and mineral economics
• General Option: A broad-based mining engineering program that prepares students for a wide variety of areas in the mining industry
• Intelligent Mining Systems: Focuses on the application of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and automation in the mining industry
• Process Metallurgy: Students focus on the processing of minerals into salable commodities such as metals or chemical compounds
• Quarry Option: Focuses on the issues specific to the construction aggregates and quarry sectors of the mining industry

Career Opportunities

A career as a mining engineer generally involves developing ways to safely and efficiently remove mineral and metal resources from the earth. Mining engineers may focus on a particular kind of mining, such as coal or gold, or specialize in refining processing techniques or mine safety. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4 percent growth for mining engineers, with median annual pay in 2021 of $97,090.

Related Programs

Related programs include:

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Geology
• Civil Engineering

Accreditation

The program maintains compliance with ABET Accreditation, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets the standards of the engineering profession.