Geological Engineering

Bachelor's Degree Program

Earn your degree in geological engineering in a hands-on, ABET-accredited program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. One of only a handful of geological engineering programs in the United States, we are the only program in the nation that focuses on issues specific to the Arctic.

This is an ideal engineering degree if you want to be outside conducting field work. With numerous laboratory and field experiences built in to the curriculum, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply what you learn. We also offer an excellent summer field program for geological engineers.

At UAF, you'll have exciting interdisciplinary learning opportunities between geological engineering, and civil and mining engineering. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers across the state for their unique training in the geological hazards of Alaska.

What Is Geological Engineering?

Geological engineering integrates geology and engineering concepts to mitigate geohazards like landslides, ensure safe construction at a site, find and manage groundwater and locate mineral resources. Geological engineers are also interested in what the terrain can tell us about the stability of the soil or rock underneath.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Availability:

  • UAF’s main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska

Accredited by:

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

 

Why Study Geological Engineering at UAF?

Geological engineering is a unique degree program that offers small class lectures by award-winning faculty, and hands-on field and laboratory experiences. These are some of the opportunities you can look forward to as a geological engineering major at UAF.

Get hands-on training in the field

  • Most of our classes include field trips that will take you on journeys throughout Alaska, connecting classroom lessons with the real world.
  • Our program includes a summer field methods course that explores rocks and geological engineering problems in Interior Alaska.

Take part in laboratory and research experiences

  • Our students participate in faculty research projects that involve field work, laboratory testing and specialized computer modeling. Many students also design their own research programs and fund them through URSA grants.
  • Most classes include laboratory experiences and we have several labs containing specialized equipment and computer software programs.

 
Participate in professional organizations

  • Our geological engineering majors lead the student chapter of the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG), which offers students opportunities to present research attend presentations, meet and network with professionals and find internships. This organization is also a source of scholarships for our students. Our expertise in design and construction in Arctic conditions is the strongest in the nation.

 
Work closely with award-winning faculty

  • Our faculty are experts in Arctic, frozen ground and Alaska-related phenomena. Their research programs focus on these areas, and we often involve undergraduate and graduate students in this research.
  • Our faculty have won nationally competitive research grants, conference paper awards and teaching awards.

Geological Engineering at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

 

What Can You Do With a Degree in Geological Engineering?

Earn your bachelor’s in geological engineering at UAF and get an edge in the job market. Alaska has the second highest concentration of geological engineering jobs of any state in the nation, and we provide the training to set you apart in this market.

Our students enjoy an extremely high employment rate after graduation. In fact, all of our graduates in recent years are either employed or in graduate school.

We also provide our graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to work in a variety of other fields related to geological engineering.

 

 

Geological Engineering Degree Requirements

The geological engineering curriculum explores topics related to geohazards, engineering site selection, construction material production, groundwater and geoenvironmental engineering, and mineral and energy production. The program integrates classroom lessons, lab and field experiences and research with an emphasis on Alaska, the North and its diverse peoples.

View all required classes for the degree in geological engineering

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Geological Engineering

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Geological Engineering

Take the next step toward earning your geological engineering degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in geological engineering at UAF. Submit your application online today.