Geology and Geological Engineering Dual Degree
Start your journey toward becoming a geological engineer. Graduates earn both a bachelor's degree in geology and a bachelor's degree in engineering.
The Best of Both Worlds
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's geology and geological engineering dual bachelor's degree combines the benefits of a traditional geology degree with those of a formal engineering education. Graduates of the program receive a bachelor's degree in geology from UW-Eau Claire in conjunction with a bachelor’s degree in geoengineering from the University of Minnesota.
Most students are able to complete both degrees in under six years, with many Blugolds spending approximately three to four years at UW-Eau Claire and approximately one to two years at the University of Minnesota. The growing program is designed to prepare you for a career in geological engineering.
Throughout your time at UW-Eau Claire, you will explore the ins and outs of geology. Study the origin and evolution of sedimentary rocks; better understand digital techniques in geological sciences; and learn about the acquisition, processing and interpretation of geophysical data. Coursework is rooted in experiential, real-world learning, ensuring you are up to date on the latest field and laboratory tools and techniques.
Upon completion of the program, you'll have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and interpret scientific and geological data, develop geologic models and explain Earth processes. You'll also be well-prepared for a challenging and rewarding career in geological engineering. Whether your goal is to ensure safe building and road construction, map potential earthquakes or clean up pollution, you'll be ready to hit the ground running and help make our world a better, safer place.
Program Details
As a pre-engineering student, you'll be assigned a faculty advisor who can answer any and all of your questions related to UWEC courses, transferring, and other concerns. Together, you will work closely to plan your schedule and ensure you complete the education requirements of both UW-Eau Claire and the University of Minnesota in a reasonable time frame.
The Geology and Environmental Science Department at UW-Eau Claire, along with the Materials Science and Engineering Center, houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment that is rarely found at undergraduate institutions. With nearly 100 unique pieces of high-tech instrumentation, here, you can analyze your field samples right on campus. From analytical geochemistry equipment to mineralogy and petrology equipment to the latest software used in the field — we have it all.
Student-faculty collaborative research is the hallmark of all geology programs at UW-Eau Claire. Faculty members will regularly encourage you to become involved in their latest research projects — or encourage you to start your own. Here, our professors are committed to the philosophy that learning science is best achieved by doing science. Past projects have brought students to places like southwestern Montana, Maine, Ontario, and the Swiss Alps.
A nationally recognized strength of the geology department is the emphasis on learning — and using — field skills. Field experiences have taken Blugolds to British Columbia and Maine, and international coursework has been offered in Guatemala, Switzerland and Argentina. A required three-week field course in West Texas and New Mexico will give you firsthand, professional experience and allow you to uncover your geological passions and interests.
Blugold Stories
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Where can the geology and geological engineering dual degree program lead me after graduation?
Graduates of the geology and geological engineering dual degree program leave ready to practice as professional geological engineers, finding careers in a variety of industries, including government, construction, transportation, forestry, mining, energy, groundwater, petroleum, minerals, and more.
With degrees in both geology and geoengineering, you'll quickly find endless career paths available to you.
Example Careers
- Geological engineer
- Consultant
- Geological engineering technician
- Geotechnical engineer
- Field engineer
- Project engineer
- Environmental engineer
The geology major at UWEC will provide you with a solid foundation in areas like structural geology, hydrogeology, and mineralogy and metrology. Coursework is heavy in math and physics, preparing you well for a career in engineering.
After successfully completing the course requirements and meeting the set criteria at UW-Eau Claire, you will transfer to the University of Minnesota to begin the coursework for the geoengineering degree.
Here are a few courses in Geology and Geological Engineering Dual Degree at UW-Eau Claire.
GEOL 330
Structural Geology
The description and classification of geological structures and the theoretical and physical analysis of rock deformation. Field and laboratory techniques emphasize mapping and the tectonic analysis of geological structures.
GEOL 312
Mineralogy and Petrology I
Study of minerals and rocks with an emphasis on common rocks in field settings, hand sample identification, and description of common rocks and minerals. Origin of rocks and minerals and interpretation of processes is stressed.
GEOL 420
Glacial Geology
A process-oriented analysis of glacial landforms and sediments. Topographic maps, aerial photographs, and field mapping projects will be used to interpret glacial landforms, sediments, and to solve glacial geologic problems.
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