Geological Engineering M.S.

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Minimum Requirements for Geological Engineering M.S. Degree (Thesis Option): 30 credits

Thesis Option

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master’s degree requirements.
As part of the master's degree requirements, complete the following:
GE F699Thesis6
Geological Engineering with Thesis Program Requirements
Complete four of the following:12
GE F420
Groundwater Engineering
GE F430
Geomechanical Instrumentation
GE F440
Slope Stability
GE F620
Advanced Groundwater Hydrology
GE F622
Advanced Soil Physics
GE F624
Stochastic Hydrology and Geohydrology
GE F626
Thermal Geotechnics
GE F635
Advanced Geostatistical Applications
GE F665
Advanced Geological Materials Engineering
GE F666
Advanced Engineering Geology
GE F668
Tunneling Geotechniques
MIN F621
Advanced Mineral Economics
MIN F673
Advanced Rock Mechanics
Geological engineering courses and technical electives11
GE F692Graduate Seminar1
Total Credits30

Minimum Requirements for Geological Engineering M.S. Degree (Non-thesis Option): 33 credits

Non-thesis Option

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master’s degree requirements.
As part of the master's degree requirements, complete the following:
GE F698Non-thesis Research/Project6
Geological Engineering Non-thesis Program Requirements
Complete five of the following:15
GE F420
Groundwater Engineering
GE F430
Geomechanical Instrumentation
GE F440
Slope Stability
GE F620
Advanced Groundwater Hydrology
GE F622
Advanced Soil Physics
GE F624
Stochastic Hydrology and Geohydrology
GE F626
Thermal Geotechnics
GE F635
Advanced Geostatistical Applications
GE F665
Advanced Geological Materials Engineering
GE F666
Advanced Engineering Geology
GE F668
Tunneling Geotechniques
MIN F621
Advanced Mineral Economics
MIN F673
Advanced Rock Mechanics
Geological engineering courses and technical electives11
GE F692Graduate Seminar1
Total Credits33
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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs:

  1. Submit an application for admission

  2. Submit official transcripts

  3. Official test results: GRE scores are required for this program

  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae

  5. Submit statement of academic goals

  6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

  • The GRE requirement is waived for any applicant graduating with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an ABET-accredited CE or GE BS program. 
  • Complete one of the following admission requirements:

    • Complete a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering;

    • Complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering and complete the following courses:

Credits
GE F326Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations3-4
or MIN F370 Rock Mechanics
GE F405
and GE F420		Engineering and Environmental Geophysics
and Groundwater Engineering		6
Complete one of the following:6-8
GEOS F262
and GEOS F332
Rocks and Minerals
and Ore Deposits and Structure
GEOS F322
and GEOS F314
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
and Structural Geology
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in geology and complete the following courses:
Credits
ES F208Mechanics4
ES F331Mechanics of Materials3
ES F341Fluid Mechanics4
GE F326Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations3-4
or MIN F370 Rock Mechanics
GE F405Engineering and Environmental Geophysics3
GE F420Groundwater Engineering3
MIN F390Geostatistics and Mineral Economics 3
  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences and complete the following courses:
Credits
ES F208Mechanics4
ES F331Mechanics of Materials3
ES F341Fluid Mechanics4
GE F326Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations3-4
or MIN F370 Rock Mechanics
GE F405Engineering and Environmental Geophysics3
GE F420Groundwater Engineering3
MIN F390Geostatistics and Mineral Economics 3
Complete one of the following:6-8
GEOS F262
and GEOS F332
Rocks and Minerals
and Ore Deposits and Structure
GEOS F322
and GEOS F314
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
and Structural Geology

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.

Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GE F692201GE F699186
Program Elective3 
Program Elective2 
 6 6
Total Credits 30

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Non-Thesis Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
GE F692201GE F698186
Program Elective3 
Program Elective2 
 6 6
Total Credits 30

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Catalog Department Overview ►

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Apply advanced knowledge of mathematics and engineering sciences related to geological engineering
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in the areas related to geological engineering, particularly in the student’s specialized field
  • Carry out a design or research project independently
  • Identify and solve engineering problems independently
  • Demonstrate leadership ability and/or ability to interact with industry
  • Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills