Earn a PhD in Mining Engineering

Missouri S&T’s Ph.D. degree in mining engineering prepares students for careers in academia, consulting and industry. 

You will be mentored by leading experts in mining engineering and work with unique research facilities that will provide you the opportunity to conduct novel research in mining and related areas.

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Degree Information

The Ph.D.degree requires a minimum of three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor’s degree, including research work for the dissertation. Ph.D. candidates must complete course requirements and novel research in mining-related topics. 

For more information, check out the university catalog:

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Ph.D. candidates must complete at least 15 credit hours of coursework at Missouri S&T and are required to pass the qualifying, comprehensive and final oral examinations of the Ph.D. program. Doctoral students in mining engineering must consult the graduate degree requirements in mining engineering, Missouri S&T’s graduate catalog and their respective advisors to develop a program of study.

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We recommend that you secure a tentative graduate advisor even before you formally apply. Check the department's faculty directory to review our faculty members’ research interests to see how they align with your aspirations. Contact those faculty members who fit your own aspirations by email with your portfolio (CV, transcript, publication, etc.) to ask if they are willing to serve as your Ph.D. advisor. If you find a tentative advisor prior to applying, specify them in your statement of purpose as part of your application package. The confirmation from the faculty member to serve as your advisor does not mean you will be automatically offered a paid assistantship. You will need to ask the potential advisor about the availability of any assistantship or fellowship.

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Research in Mining Engineering

As the world transitions to green energy systems, the projected demand for critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt and copper is orders of magnitude higher than current demand. S&T mining engineering faculty and students conduct research on various topics to ensure the mines of the future are safe and have a low ecological footprint. The research includes sustainability, automation, health and safety, and ground control.

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Your Career in Mining Engineering

The need for materials to support our way of life has never been higher.

As the world transitions to green energy systems, the projected demand for critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt and copper will increase in the near future. Mining engineers can choose from a variety of exciting careers such as frontline production supervisors, technical engineering support, safety and health professionals, and environmental and sustainability professionals.

  

Starting Salary

Average entry salary for S&T graduates with a PhD degree in mining engineering is $115,000

 

Mining Engineers Work With:

  • Technical services engineers
  • Product design engineers for original equipment manufacturers
  • Consulting engineers
  • Academics  

A student standing at the entrance to a mine wearing a mining uniform a backpack a hardhat with a head lamp blue latex type gloves a gas mask with tubes leading to the backpack with a face shield built into the gas mask

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