Geological engineering is dynamic and exciting because of the variety of career pathways and projects available. These include, but are not limited to, geotechnical consulting, environmental consulting, water management and planning, the petroleum and mining industries, and construction operations.

Career as a geological engineer

As a geological engineer, you might divide your time between field, laboratory and office work. In the field, you might examine and map the extent, structural features, and stability of rocks and soils. You may collect samples for testing of their physical and chemical properties, or you may conduct programs for on-site testing. In the laboratory, you might perform direct testing of strength or permeability or organize research programs. Office work will include the evaluation of data, computer modeling of geological conditions, writing of scientific reports and participation in the planning, designing and construction of engineering projects.

For geologists and geophysicists, the complexity of our Earth is an opportunity for constant discovery. Geologists study everything from the origin and evolution of the Earth, to environmental issues that affect the world around us. As a geoscientist, you might explore oil and natural gas resources in the deep ocean, identify adequate sources of water and other natural resources for villages around the world, or help to predict when and where the next earthquake, volcanic explosion or tsunami may happen.

Career as a geologist or geophysicist

S&T graduates in geology and geophysics work for oil, mining and environmental companies, higher education institutions, and state and federal government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and NASA. They travel and work all over the world and tend to have tremendous job satisfaction.

Petroleum engineers extract oil, gas, and other resources from the Earth, and they do it all over the world. They plan and supervise the drilling of wells, evaluate oil and gas production, and predict future production from the Gulf of Mexico to the coasts of Singapore. Aside from everyday gasoline, petroleum is also used in many different fuels and its byproducts are found in everything from car tires to toys.

Career as a petroleum engineer

S&T petroleum engineering grads work all over the world in the areas of drilling, production and reservoir engineering of oil and gas fields.