Humanitarian Engineering & Science: Geological Engineering
This track focuses on applying the principles of geological engineering to improve the lives of communities and the natural environments in which they exist
Geological Engineering spans a wide range of topics including:
- Management of geologic hazards
- Protection of water resources
- Siting and layout of communities
- Responsible extraction of earth resources
- Emergency management
- Sustainability
Geological Engineering advisor:
Paul Santi, psanti@mines.edu
Required Courses
Regardless of track, all HES graduate students take the required core EDNS courses.
*See those on homepage
Geological Engineering Professional Degree Requirements:
- GPGN 577 Humanitarian Geoscience
- GEGN 532 Geological Data Analysis
- 3 additional GEGN courses – see current list here
- EDNS 580: HES Capstone Practicum
Geophysics Thesis Degree Requirements:
- GPGN 577 Humanitarian Geoscience
- GEGN 532 Geological Data Analysis
- 2 additional GEGN courses – see current list here
- 6 thesis research credits
Application Requirements
- Degree candidates should have an undergraduate degree in engineering or the equivalent coursework. In addition, candidates will need to complete necessary prerequisite courses for the graduate courses, including engineering geology, ground-water engineering, soil mechanics, and rock mechanics, also found in the Mines graduate catalog.
- Statement of purpose, updated curriculum vitae or resume and transcripts for post-secondary degrees are required for all students.
- Three letters of recommendation are required for students pursuing the MS thesis option.
- Non-native English speakers must prove language proficiency. Please review requirements provided by the graduate admissions office.
- Mines undergraduate students may include up to 6 credits from their undergraduate program counted toward a combined BS/MS degree. External applicants may transfer graduate credit from elsewhere with written permission from the HES program director.
- Applications are directed through the graduate admissions office.


