Geological engineering
Master of Science
A firm footing for infrastructure
The integrity of a bridge, highway, building or other structure depends on the earth on which it stands. Geological engineers have the expertise to help ensure these types of structures are built on or in solid ground.
This program combines courses in geological engineering, civil engineering (soil mechanics), hydrogeology and site characterization. You will learn how to combine skills in geology and engineering to assist in the design and construction of civil engineering projects, evaluation of geologic hazards and development of natural energy resources. This degree program is available with either a thesis or non-thesis option.
Overview
Related Topics
Integrity in infrastructure
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in a related field
- Have a strong foundation in math, physics and science
- Are interested in geology
- Enjoy working in the outdoors
- Like to solve complex problems
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,475 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Science Teachers
$48,689 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$122,156 - Geoscientists
$62,236 - Hydrologists
$63,537 - Mining and Geological Engineers
$72,074
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
- National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology — Conduct research with faculty in one of the region’s leading transportation institutes, reducing the environmental impacts of transportation-related operations and improving the durability and sustainability of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
- Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program (INL)— Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full coverage of tuition and fees during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship – Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
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)
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- 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)
Application information
Application requirements for a M.S. in geological engineering include:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3