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The Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, , under the General Criteria and the Geological Engineering Program Criteria. The program regularly assesses student attainment of learning outcomes that prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. This page documents ABET student learning outcomes; program criteria developed by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration; program educational objectives; and student numbers in each of the programs.

Student outcomes

Students will have:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. 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
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. 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
5. 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
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
8. an ability to identify rocks and minerals and proficiency in geological science topics including the application of geologic field proficiency to engineering practice

Program criteria

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration defines program criteria specific to each degree.

Students in the Geological Engineering program will demonstrate:

1. the ability to apply mathematics including differential equations, calculus-based physics, and chemistry, to geological engineering problems
2. proficiency in geological science topics that emphasize geologic processes and the identification of minerals and rocks
3. the ability to visualize and solve geological problems in three and four dimensions
4. proficiency in the engineering sciences including statics, properties/strength of materials, and geomechanics
5. the ability to apply principles of geology, elements of geophysics, geological and engineering field methods
6. engineering knowledge to design solutions to geological engineering problems, which will include one or more of the following considerations: the distribution of physical and chemical properties of earth materials, including surface water, ground water (hydrogeology), and fluid hydrocarbons; the effects of surface and near-surface natural processes; the impacts of construction projects; the impacts of exploration, development, and extraction of natural resources, and consequent remediation; disposal of wastes; and other activities of society on these materials and processes, as appropriate to the program objectives

Program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Graduates from the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering with a major in Geological Engineering will:

• Demonstrate excellence in engineering competence and communication when applying engineering fundamentals to a variety of geological engineering design problems and scientific investigations and when presenting design solutions in writing, graphically, and verbally.
• Demonstrate professional development and lifelong learning as evidenced by continued ascension towards leadership roles and attainment of professional licensure or further post-graduate education and entrepreneurship, active participation in professional societies and community organizations, and completion of professional development courses.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the global, societal, environmental and ethical context of their engineering as shown in just and sustainable engineering solutions and fostering of a professional environment that promotes honesty, integrity and respect.

Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering enrollment and graduation data

The following table shows the number of students enrolled in and graduating from the Geological Engineering program by academic year.