Humankind faces issues that are geologic, atmospheric, and environmental. The world needs professionals who can apply engineering to solve such complex problems.
Protect the Earth and its inhabitants. Adapt geologic features to society's needs. At Michigan Tech, you can learn to apply these methods in a safe and efficient manner. Many hazards pose threats to civil structures, infrastructure, and people. Such dangers may be man-made or natural, such as volcanoes, landslides, and earthquakes. Geological engineers use their training to identify and mitigate these hazards.
Their work includes performing site investigations for planned tunnels, dams, or roads. They may locate sites and design facilities for nuclear waste disposal. A geological engineer can help develop and restore groundwater resources. They can stabilize rock and soil slopes for dams, highways, and property development. They explore and harvest mineral and energy resources.
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Tomorrow Needs Geoscientists in Diverse Landscapes
Investigate natural phenomena and collect data on location. Interpret results in a lab and write a report. These are some daily duties of geoscientists and geological engineers.
Field studies bring geoscientists to diverse landscapes around the globe. Your work can send you to volcanoes, oceans, and oil fields. Geoscientists must have the ability to develop a picture of a field site based on limited data. Sound critical-thinking skills are part of this discipline. Learn to adapt to a variety of situations and working conditions.
Specialty areas in geological engineering include the following:
- Soil mechanics
- Rock mechanics
- Geotechnics
- Groundwater engineering
- Hydrogeology
- Civil design
- Hazard investigation and planning
- Natural resources
Mission Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering will provide students with a broad background in science and engineering, a thorough foundation in geology and sufficient depth and breadth in the areas of humanities, social science, and economics, to ensure that they can function and communicate in an effective and responsible way in meeting the needs of society. Students will receive a thorough background in applied geophysics, which will support advanced engineering courses. To maximize the benefits to society, students will receive a balanced curriculum of junior and senior level engineering courses in energy resources, mineral resources, groundwater engineering, and geomechanics.
My story: John Myaard, MTUengineerOriginally I was going to major in computer science, but after being exposed to some geology courses in high school and then experiencing a favorable tour of the GMES Department, I decided geological engineering would be a better fit.