Geological engineering

The B.S. in geological engineering requires either 123 or 130 credits and combines coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.  

Four-year option

The four-year, 123-credit plan is designed for students who are ready to begin calculus and the program’s core science and engineering coursework in their first year. You’ll move through mathematics, geology, science and engineering courses at a full-time pace, building toward advanced technical coursework and a team-based senior design experience in your fourth year. This option is a good fit if you have a strong foundation in math and are ready for a rigorous engineering course load from the start.

Five-year option

The five-year, 130-credit plan gives you more time to build your foundation while completing the same rigorous geological engineering curriculum. Instead of beginning with Calculus I, you’ll start with precalculus and progress into calculus as you build your math skills. The plan also spreads coursework across an additional year, with lighter semester loads that can give you more time to adjust to college-level science and engineering coursework, develop confidence in mathematics and stay on track toward your degree. 

View the degree map

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

The B.S. in geological engineering develops your ability to apply mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering principles to complex earth systems challenges. You’ll gain expertise in identifying rocks and minerals, conducting geological field investigations and applying geologic and geophysical concepts to engineering practice. You will learn to analyze geological conditions in multiple dimensions and design solutions for challenges involving hydrogeology, natural processes, infrastructure impacts, resource development, environmental remediation and sustainable management of earth materials.

Class format

The B.S. in geological engineering combines foundational coursework in science, mathematics and engineering with specialized study in geology, geotechnical engineering and earth systems. Early courses introduce engineering fundamentals, geology, surveying, physics, chemistry and mathematical analysis. As you progress through the degree, you’ll explore geotechnical engineering, hydrology, rock mechanics, mineralogy, structural geology, hydrogeology, geophysics and geostatistics. Upper-division coursework emphasizes engineering design, applied problem-solving and technical electives, culminating in a two-semester senior design experience that applies geological engineering principles to real-world challenges.

You will participate in the college’s nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Capstone Design program, collaborating with a team on an industry- or department-sponsored project that builds teamwork, technical expertise and problem-solving skills while creating innovative solutions to real-world engineering challenges.

Customize your engineering degree to match your career and educational goals through technical electives and certificate programs. Develop specialized skills for evolving industry needs or prepare for graduate study, research and advanced opportunities in engineering and related fields.

Industry connections throughout your academic journey provide valuable opportunities to build your professional network through paid internships, career networking events and employer engagement. These experiences help position you for successful placement in engineering careers and graduate programs.  

Faculty expertise

Faculty support academic and experiential learning with expertise in:  

• Water resources, hydraulics and ecohydraulics
• Environmental engineering and water quality
• Structural engineering and resilient infrastructure
• Transportation engineering and mobility systems
• Geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics
• Construction, pavements and materials engineering
• Sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience
• Watershed science and ecosystem restoration
• Natural hazard mitigation and infrastructure resilience
• Applied engineering research with industry and community partners

Professional licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering, which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

Advising

First-year undergraduates — Our professional advisors can help you learn more about degree options, select a major, Identify required and elective courses and build a plan toward graduation. As you progress through your degree, you’ll transition to a faculty advisor.  

Transfer students — If you have 13 or less transfer credits, email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have more than 13 credits, contact the department you're transferring into.

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students, especially undergraduates, participate in hands-on activities through:

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the engineering design process and the development of a fully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary student teams present their industry-sponsored projects at the annual Engineering Design EXPO.  
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.    

• Earn funding to explore areas that interest you – Customize your college experience through opportunities that support academic, professional and personal development in the College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy. Pursue technical certificates in engineering and computer science, build professional networks with faculty and industry partners and engage in hands-on research and project-based learning. 

• Internships and summer programs – Gain real-world experience through paid internships, fellowships and research mentorship programs. Work with leading companies, national laboratories and research centers to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and build industry connections. 

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Clean Energy Club 

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.

• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

  Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.  

• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• Additional College of Engineering scholarships – Additional scholarships are available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance. 

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.