Skip to main content

DEGREE Geological Engineering, BS

Apply Today

Major in geological engineering

As a geological engineering major, you’ll find the best way to use the earth’s resources to solve technical problems while protecting the environment. As a GLE student, you’ll also learn how to solve a variety of practical problems associated with rock and soils using principles of sustainable engineering.

View department Student services

At a glance

Civil and environmental engineering department

30
Professors of practice who mentor our students
19
civil engineering undergraduate ranking among public universities
98
Undergraduates placed in a job or post-graduate studies within a year of graduation
Facts & stats

Program and degree information

View the Undergraduate Guide for information on requirements, four-year plans and more.

Determine what kind of student you will be and learn more about what information you need to apply.

Freshman A freshman includes anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating from high school.
Transfer Student A transfer student is anyone who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school and wishes to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at UW–Madison.
Cross-campus Student Cross-campus transfer students are students who are currently enrolled in another school or college at UW-Madison who wish to transfer into the College of Engineering.
Reentry Student Students who previously attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison as an undergraduate and would like to complete their first undergraduate degree will need to apply for reentry admission. Reentry students are those who have not been enrolled in courses for a semester or more.

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

 

View tuition rates

The College of Engineering is committed to recognizing the potential and accomplishments of incoming and enrolled students by supporting their education through a variety of scholarships at the college and departmental level.

 

View scholarship information

Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering 

We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation: 

  1. apply geological engineering principles, analyses, and synthesis to design and implement projects in the natural and built environment; 

  2. incorporate economic, environmental, political, ethical, social, safety, and global considerations to generate sustainable solutions in the natural and built environment; 

  3. exhibit strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills; 

  4. serve others through professional responsibility and participation in professional and public activities and good citizenship; and 

  5. demonstrate a continuing commitment to and interest in their own and others’ education. 


Learning Outcomes

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Degrees

  • Conferred, 2023-2024
    Bachelor of Science, Geological Engineering: 9
  • Enrolled, Fall 2024
    Bachelor of Science, Geological Engineering: 23

The B.S. in Geological Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Geological and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

View the UW-Madison Guide for information on all geological engineering courses.

 

View all GLE courses

Certificate programs

In addition to our engineering majors, you also can choose from nine certificate programs that are designed to enhance your education, expand your skillset, and make you a more versatile, marketable engineer. When you successfully complete a certificate program, you’ll also see it reflected on your transcript.
Close up of putting liquid into tray of vials

Certificate for Biology in Engineering for Engineering Majors

People looking at drafting table

Certificate in Architecture

Data center with AR screens

Certificate in Engineering Data Analytics

Solar panel on blue sky background

Certificate in Engineering for Energy Sustainability

Green field, wind turbines and blue sky.

Certificate in Engineering Thermal Energy Systems

Global map with push pins in various locations

Certificate in International Engineering

CNC Laser cutting metal

Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering

atom orbit in space

Certificate in Nuclear Engineering Materials

Close up typing on Laptop

Certificate in Technical Communication

Fast track to a master’s degree

An accelerated engineering master’s program is a great choice if you’d like to earn your master’s degree by adding as little as a single year of study at UW-Madison. Here’s a program that is popular with other undergrads who are majoring in geological engineering. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, be sure to check out everything we offer!
View all accelerated programs
Overhead photo of a large Dam

Civil and Environmental Engineering: Professional, MS

The civil and environmental engineering professional (accelerated) master’s program from UW–Madison equips you with the latest scientific and technological knowledge and the skills and tools you need to analyze advanced engineering problems.

View Program

Research opportunities

You’re an undergrad at a university known for its world-changing research. As an undergrad, you can be part of that—whether in a lab in our department, elsewhere in engineering, or even in other schools or colleges across UW-Madison! And if you discover a passion for research, want to further specialize in your field, or simply enjoy the process of learning in an academic setting, you can get any of those through our advanced master’s and PhD degree programs, too!

Civil and Environmental Engineering: Research, MS

As a student in our research-based two-year master’s program, you’ll be able to advance your education in one of several areas of specialization, including construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, geo and pavement engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources/environmental fluid mechanics.

Environmental Chemistry and Technology Research, MS

If you have a strong background in chemistry and want to apply your interest and expertise to challenges in environmental systems, our interdisciplinary Environmental Chemistry and Technology program will provide you the experience you need to make a difference.

Geological Engineering, MS

As a master’s student in geological engineering, you’ll work with faculty mentors on challenges related to using earth’s resources while protecting the environment.

Research experience

As an undergrad, you can help pioneer new knowledge or technologies on your own or as a researcher in a professor’s lab.  It’s a great opportunity to apply what you’re learning in class, explore a field or topic that interests you, and gain insight into what it’s like to be a graduate student.

Undergraduate research
Student doing thermal conductivity testing.

Geological engineering spotlight: Sydney Klinzing reflects on undergrad research and student life

A native of Monona, Wisconsin, Sydney Klinzing became familiar with UW-Madison at a young age. Campus events including the UW-Madison Engineering Expo and Saturday Science at the Discovery Building piqued…

Read the article

Become a Badger Engineer