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Overview of Programs

» Undergraduate Geology Program Page
» Undergraduate Geological Engineering Program Page
» Graduate Programs Page

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering offers studies in the following undergraduate and graduate level degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Geology
  
• Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering
  
• Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geology
  
• Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geological Engineering
  
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geology
  
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geological Engineering

The Department also supports graduate degrees in Hydrology:

• Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Hydrology
  
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Hydrology

Geology/Geological Engineering Distinctions

Geology

Geology is the branch of science that studies a wide variety of Earth systems including (1) the origins and history of the Earth, (2) extraction of earth resources such as coal, oil and natural gas, (3) natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism and landslides, (4) global climate change, (5) hydrology, and (6) interactions between the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Geological Engineering

Geological engineering combines the two challenging disciplines of geology and engineering, which makes for a rewarding career. In planning a construction project, the "geologist" part looks for the most stable, ideal piece of land for building. The location is identified by examining factors like the slope of the land and the composition of the soil and rocks beneath the surface to assess erosion or unstable conditions. The geological engineer then relies on his or her engineering training to evaluate how the structure to be built will affect the environment as well as the structural design considerations related to data from analyzing the geology of the site.

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