Geological and Geophysical Engineering
Overview
Geological and geophysical engineering programs prepare people to apply geological principles to engineering problems.Geological and geophysical engineering programs include topics such as:
- Oil and gas recovery sites
- Geological force analysis
- Geological evaluation of construction sites
- Natural resource recovery site analysis
- Underground exploration
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in geological and geophysical engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in geological and geophysical engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in geological and geophysical engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Chemistry
- Computational Mathematics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering, General
- Geochemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Petroleum Technology
- Physics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Engineers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Chemists
- Civil Engineers
- Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering or geology, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Dynamics
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Fluid Mechanics
- General Geology for Engineers
- Geological Engineering Design
- Geological Materials Engineering
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Introduction to Geological Engineering
- Linear Algebra
- Linear Differential Equations
- Rock Mechanics
- Senior Design Project
- Statistics
- Strength of Materials
- Structural Geology
- Subsurface Hydrology
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program typically includes the following:
- Required courses
- Thesis
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
To become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Applied Geosciences