Master of Science in Geological Engineering

Geological engineering is the application of principles of geology to the solution of a wide range of problems in engineering practice, such as assessing and mitigating geologic hazards (subsidence, landslides, flooding, etc.), evaluating and improving groundwater resources, sustainably developing mineral and energy resources, selecting appropriate sites for civil and military infrastructure, and analyzing land use and environmental impacts. 

This is a non-thesis master's degree program. It consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours, including at least one course in each of the three core areas, plus one or more courses from each of the four emphasis areas (see below). No fewer than four courses of the total must be geological engineering courses. Course substitutions may be made on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the graduate adviser.

(Take all 3) = 9 credit hours

  • GEO ENG 5331 Subsurface Hydrology – or – GEO ENG 5381 Intermediate Subsurface Hydrology and Contaminant Transport
  • GEO ENG 5441 Engineering Geology and Geotechnics – or – GEO ENG 6441 Geotechnical Construction Practice – or – GEO ENG 6625 Applications in Geological Engineering
  • GEO ENG 5443 Subsurface Exploration

(Choose 1 to 3 courses; at least one must be Geo Eng) = 3 to 9 credit hours

  • GEO ENG 5471 Rock Engineering
  • GEO ENG 6441 Geotechnical Construction Practice
  • GEO ENG 6477 Discontinuous Rock
  • GEO ENG 6625 Applications in Geological Engineering
  • CIV ENG 5715 Intermediate Soil Mechanics
  • CIV ENG 5716 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
  • CIV ENG 5729 Foundation Engineering II

(Choose 1 to 3 courses) = 3 to 9 credit hours


  • GEO ENG 5233 Risk Assessment in Environmental Studies
  • GEO ENG 5235 Environmental Geological Engineering
  • GEO ENG 5237 Geological Aspects of Hazardous Waste Management
  • GEO ENG 5381 Intermediate Subsurface Hydrology and Contaminant Transport
  • GEO ENG 6235 Advanced Concepts of Environmental Geological Engineering
  • GEO ENG 6237 Advanced Geological and Geotechnical Design for Hazardous Waste Management
  • GEO ENG 6331 Advanced Subsurface Hydrology

(Choose 1 to 2 courses) = 3 to 6 credit hours

  • GEO ENG 5736 Geophysical Field Methods
  • GEO ENG 5761 Transportation Applications of Geophysics
  • GEO ENG 5782 Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
  • GEO ENG 6782 Surface Waves (MASW) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • GEO ENG 6784 Advanced Engineering and Environmental Geophysics

(Choose 1 to 2 courses) = 3 to 6 credit hours

  • GEO ENG 5144 Remote Sensing Technology
  • GEO ENG 5146 Applications of Geographic Information Systems
  • GEO ENG 5315 Advanced Statistical Methods in Geology and Engineering
  • GEO ENG 5556 Renewable Energy Systems
  • COMP SCI 5204 Regression Analysis
  • STAT 5260 Statistical Data Analysis Using SAS
  • STAT 5346 Regression Analysis
  • STAT 5353 Statistical Data Analysis
  • STAT 5814 Applied Time Series Analysis

Admission Requirements

  • Previous degree in geological engineering or a related engineering or science field. If the previous degree is non-engineering, the student may be required to take remedial course(s).
  • GPA ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the immediately preceding degree program (BS or MS).
  • GRE Q ≥ 150; GRE V+Q ≥ 300; GRE A(W) ≥ 3.0
  • International Requirement: TOEFL ≥ 79 or IELTS ≥ 6.5 or Pearson ≥ 53

Graduate Certificates

Your Pathway to a Graduate Degree

Start earning college credit toward a graduate degree. The GRE is not required to enter a certificate program, and credit earned may be applied toward your master’s degree.*

Graduate Certificate Programs

*restrictions may apply 

Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply. Check with the academic department for program specific details and requirements. Learn more about the certificate to master's program.

Have a Question?

Missouri S&T Online Education

Sylvia Skouby, Associate Director for Online Admissions

Phone: 573-341-6903
Email: stgrad@mst.edu

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

Dr. Ryan Smith
Assistant Professor of Geological Engineering
129 McNutt Hall
Rolla, MO 65409
Email: smithryang@mst.edu
Phone: 573-341-4466

Missouri S&T Online Education

Sylvia Skouby, Associate Director for Online Admissions

Phone: 573-341-6903
Email: stgrad@mst.edu

Geological Engineering

Dr. Jeffrey D. Cawlfield
Professor, Geosciences & Geological and Petroleum Engineering 
123 & 127 McNutt Hall
Rolla, MO 65409
Email: jdc@mst.edu
Dept. Email: rocks@mst.edu
Phone:  573-341-6774