Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering:

Geological Engineering Specialization, PhD

Background info:

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

Program info:

Students must take GEOE 700 Developing and Planning Research and GEOL 808 Fundamental Problems in Engineering and Science (total of 4 credits).
The completion of a doctoral dissertation, approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee and the Dean of Graduate Education, is required for this degree. Thirty-six (36) credit hours of GEOE 898D are required. No more than 36 credits of 898D may be counted toward the degree.

All PhD students in the Geological Engineering specialization are expected to focus in one of the three areas of groundwater/environmental, geomechanics, or energy/mineral resources. A total of 32 elective credits are required. At least fifteen (15) credits of electives with a GEOL/GEOE/PALE prefix and at least seventeen (17) credits of additional GEOL/GEOE/PALE or other electives are required.

It is recommended that six (6) to twelve (12) hours of coursework be taken outside the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering.

The candidate’s committee is responsible for assisting the student in developing a program of study that prepares the student for his/her intended field as well as provides general knowledge for the discipline.
Total credits: 72

At least 36 of the required 72 credits must be taken at the 600-level or above.

Students may apply 24 coursework credits and 6 research credits from a previous MS degree toward the PhD requirements, subject to approval by the student’s committee.

When the student has substantially completed the required 36 credits of coursework for the PhD, and before work on the dissertation research commences in earnest, the student must complete a combined examination composed of two parts: a qualifying examination and a comprehensive examination. After successful completion of both exams, the student will be admitted to PhD candidacy.

If the student has not completed all requirements for the PhD degree by the fifth year following the comprehensive examination, his/her active candidacy status will be automatically terminated, and the comprehensive examination must be repeated.

Contact info:

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