Geology and Geological Engineering MSMS

In our Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program, you will learn by doing, gaining hands-on experience with technology and software used by professional engineers. Civil engineers are the backbone of our modern infrastructure. Become a builder, a problem-solver, and a visionary for the future of our roads, bridges, waterways, and more.

Why Mines?

Take advantage of award-winning instructors, small class sizes, and ready access to undergraduate research opportunities, co-ops and internships, and activities and organizations.
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Requirements

Admission Requirements

Requirements

  • 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • GRE Test Scores

Bachelor’s Degree

  • civil engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • closely related engineering field

Application Deadline

Fall / August
February 15
Spring / January
August 15
Admission Requirements

Thesis

The thesis option focuses on graduate coursework and independent research. By the end of the program, you will have a written thesis and an oral presentation that defends your original work and contribution to the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Credits

Elective:24 Credits
Research:6 Credits
Program Requirements

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Type

In-Person
Interested in Online

Non-Thesis

The non-thesis option focuses on graduate coursework. There is no requirement for a thesis, project paper, or final exam. Learn the latest in CENE and apply it to your work in the field.

Credits

Elective:24 Credits
Research:6 Credits
Program Requirements

Cost

~$ 14,199
Tuition and Fees

Type

In-Person
Interested in Online

Reach Out to Us

If you're not sure this is the right program for you or you have questions about the admissions requirements, consult with the program coordinator before you apply.
Find Your Admission Counselor
(605) 394-2511
SDadmissions@email.com

Additional Opportunities

Accelerated Masters Program

Accelerated Masters Program

Ph.D. programs

Ph.D. programs

Distinguished Faculty

Faculty & Staff
Prepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge research, practical applications, and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors bring to the field. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and advancement as you learn from the pioneers shaping the future of civil engineering.

Christopher Shearer

My research investigates the chemical, physical, mechanical, and durability properties of infrastructure materials. A primary focus is on characterizing and developing innovative, but practical, cement-based and alternative materials for a future sustainable infrastructure that reduces the global footprint of the construction materials industry.

Mengistu Geza Nisrani

My research focuses on improving prediction of hydrologic and contaminant fluxes for better management of water resources using combination of field, laboratory, and modeling approaches.
Faculty & Staff

 

Expand Your Horizons

Career Services
Find jobs in civil engineering, resource management, renewable energy, environmental remediation, and more! Work with a career specialist to explore your options.

Possible Industries

  • Construction
  • Renewable Energy
  • Transportation

Career Outcomes

  • Civil Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Urban Planner

Average Starting Salary

  • $55k - $78k per year
Career Services
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John Doe
John Doe
Civil Engineering '23, Senior Mechanical Director

Research Labs & Centers

Work with our renowned faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges. The hands-on experience and expertise you will acquire here will not only contribute to your academic growth but also prepare you for successful careers in academia, industry, or government agencies.
geoscientist

Clean Energy

Researching the Cutting Edge of Geoscience to Revolutionize Clean Energy
geoscientist

Entrepreneurship

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geoscientist

Industry Partners

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Contact Information

Dr. Robert Hall, Interim Department Head 
Department of Geology and Geological Engineering
Mineral Industries 303
(605) 394-2461
E-mail: Robert.Hall@sdsmt.edu

Geological Engineering Faculty

Professor Stetler; Associate Professors Katzenstein and Li; Assistant Professor Ye; Professors Emeritus Davis, Rahn, Roggenthen, and Sawyer.

Geology and Paleontology Faculty

Professors Duke, Hall, Masterlark, Pagnac, and Uzunlar; Associate Professor Ustunisik; Assistant Professors Keenan, Waldien, and Ward; Instructor Karnes; Professors Emeritus Bjork, J. Fox, Martin, and Paterson.

Adjunct Faculty

M. Anderson, Benton, and Valder.

Staff

Research Scientist Nielsen; Coordinator and Instructor Pellowski; Museum of Geology Associate Director and Instructor N. Fox; Museum of Geology Assistant Director and Instructor Johnson; Museum Preparator and Lab Manager Wright.

Geology and Geological Engineering

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering offers advanced study leading to a M.S. degree in Geology and Geological Engineering*. Students elect to pursue either a Geology or a Geological Engineering emphasis, each of which has different background and program requirements. Both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) tracks are available.

* Students concentrating in paleontology at the Master's level may apply for the separate M.S. in Paleontology. 

The Accelerated MS option is available for this degree. Learn more: Accelerated MS programs. 

Research Areas

The available coursework and current faculty expertise in Geology and Geological Engineering support the following areas of concentration.

  1. Energy and Mineral Resources
  2. Geomechanics
  3. Geophysics
  4. Groundwater and Environment
  5. Petrology and Mineralogy
  6. Structure and Tectonics

Additional information is available on the Department's Research and the Research Facilities pages.

    Graduate Programs Outcomes

    Expectations for Geology and Geological Engineering graduate programs are designed to target program outcomes in the context of the GGE Strategic Plan and greater professional community:

    Program Outcomes for Geology and Geological Engineering MS (non-thesis track)

    Outcome 1: Demonstrates knowledge of concepts and terminology of the discipline
    Outcome 2: Critically explores and evaluates scientific and technical literature
    Outcome 3: Communicates effectively
    Outcome 4: Acts professionally and ethically

    Program Outcomes Geology and Geological Engineering MS (Thesis track)

    Outcome 1: Demonstrates knowledge of concepts and terminology of the discipline
    Outcome 2: Critically explores and evaluates scientific and technical literature
    Outcome 3: Analyzes, interprets, and evaluates scientific and/or engineering data and methods
    Outcome 4: Communicates effectively
    Outcome 5: Acts professionally and ethically

    Applying for the thesis-based MS track

    We strongly encourage students to the thesis-based MS to contact potential graduate research advisors prior to or during the application process. Many factors contribute to the success of an application, including the goals statement, coursework, grades, test scores, work experience, recommendations, and availability of a faculty member in the student's anticipated research area. In general, we prefer to see a GPA of 3.0 or above.

    Applicants interested in the Geology emphasis should have substantial preparation in general science, math, and geological sciences, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for admission.

    Applicants interested in the Geological Engineering emphasis should have substantial preparation in science, math, geological sciences, and engineering, although a particular baccalaureate degree is not required for admission.

    Degree requirements for the MS program are available in the university catalog. 

    Additional Information

    Information on required examinations is outlined on the Program Curriculum and Checklist webpage.

    Any physical specimens (and associated documentation) collected, prepared, and cited in a thesis or dissertation are to be deposited in the Museum of Geology as part of the student's work.

    See course catalog for more information: Loading...

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