地质工程课程旨在提高学生的工程和地质科学专业能力。尽管通常将岩土工程等同于与土木工程紧密结合的一门学科，但地质工程被更正确地表征为侧重于减轻地质灾害和自然资源表征的计划。从某种意义上说，地质工程学是环境工程学的一种形式。地质工程学学位应用物理学，化学，气象学，水文学，生物学，地质学和工程学来理解地球，认识和应对环境危害，在保护自然资源的同时开发自然资源环境，并探索太阳系中的地球背景。该学位的主要目标是培养能够解决多种技术问题的独特技能的专业人员。毕业生在政府机构从事地质工程工作，涉及运输项目，自然资源监测
A truly interdisciplinary degree program, geological engineering applies physics, chemistry, meteorology, hydrology, biology, geology and engineering science to understanding Environment Earth, recognizing and coping with environmental hazards, exploiting natural resources while preserving the environment, and exploring Earth’s context in the solar system. The primary goal of the geological engineering program is to produce a professional who is uniquely skilled in solving problems in multiple technical disciplines.<br>Students are required to meet with their advisors for program approval and for review of academic progress at least once each semester.<br>Because of the significant amount of common interdisciplinary coursework, students having their major within the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering may not also have a minor from within the Department.<br>Students will have:<br>an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.<br>an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.<br>an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.<br>an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.<br>an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.<br>an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.<br>an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.<br>an ability to identify rocks and minerals and proficiency in geological science topics including the application of geologic field proficiency to engineering practice.