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Career-ready geoscience graduates with global experience
What if your love for mountains and minerals could launch a high-impact career? At the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, near Denver, the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering (GGE) turns that possibility into reality. Students combine chemistry, physics, and other sciences with hands-on fieldwork in Colorado’s mountains, developing skills in research, problem-solving, and innovation.
Graduate programmes — including the Master of Science in GIS & Geoinformatics, ABET-accredited Master of Engineering in Geological Engineering, Professional Master’s in Mineral Exploration, and Professional Master’s in Analytical Geochemistry — expand this foundation, equipping students to become versatile engineers and scientists. For instance, Geology and Geological engineering students receive compensation for working in international fieldwork, such as in Antarctica, Africa, or Australia.
By merging classroom theory with advanced computational methods and field experience, Mines helps students build confidence and competence, preparing them to excel in geoscience and engineering careers.
Graduates are set for successful, impactful careers
Graduates are set for successful, impactful careers
#3
in the US for return on investment (ROI)
ranked
#3
in the US (Petroleum Engineering Graduate Programme ranking)
ranked
#24
in Earth Sciences graduate programmes (US News & World Report)
ranked
#13
in Geochemistry (US News & World Report)
ranked
#8
in Geology (US News & World Report)
ranked
#5
in Geophysics and Seismology (US News & World Report)
ranked
Where careers take off
At Mines, geoscience students tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, including climate change, energy security, responsible mineral resource exploration and development, and water management. This approach is supported by strong industry links, which allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
As a result, graduates stand out for the skills highly valued by employers across various fields today, including environmental consulting, construction, natural hazards, water resources, data science, and policy. These employers include long-standing partners with Mines like Chevron, Newmont, and the US Geological Survey, where the expertise of Mines graduates in locating sustainable energy, protecting communities, and supporting environmental resilience are recognised and rewarded.
“Almost 100% of students who come out of Mines have jobs,” says Geology and Geological Engineering Professor, Lesli J. Wood.
Statistics to know about us
#3
in the US for return on investment (ROI)
ranked
#3
in the US (Petroleum Engineering Graduate Programme ranking)
ranked
#24
in Earth Sciences graduate programmes (US News & World Report)
ranked
#13
in Geochemistry (US News & World Report)
ranked
#8
in Geology (US News & World Report)
ranked
#5
in Geophysics and Seismology (US News & World Report)
ranked
Where careers take off
At Mines, geoscience students tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, including climate change, energy security, responsible mineral resource exploration and development, and water management. This approach is supported by strong industry links, which allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
As a result, graduates stand out for the skills highly valued by employers across various fields today, including environmental consulting, construction, natural hazards, water resources, data science, and policy. These employers include long-standing partners with Mines like Chevron, Newmont, and the US Geological Survey, where the expertise of Mines graduates in locating sustainable energy, protecting communities, and supporting environmental resilience are recognised and rewarded.
“Almost 100% of students who come out of Mines have jobs,” says Geology and Geological Engineering Professor, Lesli J. Wood.
Meet the Alumni Driving Change
“I came to Mines because the professors were so willing to involve me in their research, really teach me their methods, and provide the opportunity for more hands-on mentoring. The exciting thing about the hands-on learning experiences here is that, starting as early as sophomore year, you get to participate in an outdoor lab almost every semester. This deeply strengthens your understanding throughout your education, allowing you to apply concepts in the real world as soon as you learn them.
This past summer, I was able to reach my dream job at US Geological Survey (part of the US Department of the Interior) because of the opportunities here at Mines.”
Isaac Pope
BS degree in Geological Engineering and MS degree in GIS and Geoinformatics
“I love the variety of projects and the constant opportunities to learn something new. The work is hands-on, adventurous, intellectually challenging, and meaningful, allowing me to engage in a wide range of mine reclamation, land reclamation, and geohazard mitigation projects across the western US and beyond. My work seamlessly combines field investigations, such as geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and subsurface drilling, with remote sensing, data analysis, and modelling.
With the support of my advisors and mentors, I was able to transform an emerging area of research on underground coal fires into a rewarding career.”
Robert Oates,
BA Hons in Asian Studies
Jessie Hiatt
PhD student in Geological Engineering
“A GIS/Geoinformatics degree is invaluable in geosciences, especially in the coming years and with the advent of AI. It opens a whole new way of understanding the Earth and its resources. We can connect field data, remote sensing, and modelling to see and analyse how natural systems work. A combination of a GIS/Geoinformatics degree and a geology background makes you stand out in the job market.
My favourite thing about this programme is that every project feels like solving a puzzle — combining spatial data, remote sensing, and analysis to uncover patterns that aren’t obvious at first glance and make predictions. What stands out to me is the balance between technical rigour and hands-on experience. You get to apply what you learn through research projects, fieldwork, and collaborations that reflect real-world challenges. The faculty and students create such a supportive community; I had a wonderful advisor whose guidance had a lasting impact on me, and she made a collegial and kind research group.”
Dorcas Idowu
PhD degree GIS and Geological Engineering
Hear from the graduates
Hear from the graduates
A GIS/Geoinformatics degree is invaluable in geosciences, especially in the coming years and with the advent of AI. It opens a whole new way of understanding the Earth and its resources. We can connect field data, remote sensing, and modelling to see and analyse how natural systems work. A combination of a GIS/Geoinformatics degree and a geology background makes you stand out in the job market.
My favourite thing about this programme is that every project feels like solving a puzzle — combining spatial data, remote sensing, and analysis to uncover patterns that aren’t obvious at first glance and make predictions. What stands out to me is the balance between technical rigour and hands-on experience. You get to apply what you learn through research projects, fieldwork, and collaborations that reflect real-world challenges. The faculty and students create such a supportive community; I had a wonderful advisor whose guidance had a lasting impact on me, and she made a collegial and kind research group.”
Dorcas Idowu
PhD degree GIS and Geological Engineering
Pursue world-class graduate studies in geoscience at Colorado School of Mines.
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