Hi all,
I recently changed my academic program from BS Earth Sciences, Geology option to Civil Engineering with a geology minor because I realized that what I wanted to do with my geology degree was actually a branch of civil engineering-- namely, geotechnical. My college doesn’t have a geotechnical program per se, but rather offers 2 geotech courses as part of the requisite CE program, as well as numerous geotech electives. Are there any really standard classes that I should opt to take to become a geotech? As far as my minor, I have to choose between hydrogeology, surface processes, or mineralogy for one of the terms (they are each offered only once a year, during fall term). Which would be most relevant to geotech? Mineralogy really interests me, but ultimately all geology interests me and I really want the minor to enhance my qualifications as a geotechnical engineer.
Also, does anyone know if the educational program I am doing can, in fact, lead to a career in geotech, or would I be better off getting broad coverage in my undergrad and then doing a graduate program in geotech (NOT my favorite option-- I’ll be just shy of 30 when I graduate and I really don’t want to spend any more time in school right away).
Any advice from experienced individuals, regardless of whether it addresses any of my questions, is welcome.
Thanks!
I’m neither a geologist nor a civil engineer, but I do have a friend who studied geology and was able to get geotechnical engineering internships/jobs without any issue.
Your college does not need to have defined tracks. Even your school had defined tracks, it is very unlikely that it would appear on your diploma, and it possibly may not even appear on your transcript. Typically when it comes to job hunting, it doesn’t matter if your school didn’t have defined tracks or a certain minor. You can just put a note in the education part of your resume to say that you focused in this area, or put those courses down as relevant coursework.
You can discuss your interests with your program advisor and then they can help you form a coherent sequence of coursework that will fit with your career goals.
I’m a Geotechnical engineer. I only have a year experience but I would definitely recomend the Civil Engineering degree. The important thing is getting your EIT/PE. You do not need an official Geotechnical emphasis, just take all the Geotechnical classes offered. I only took 2. You can absolutely get a job with a BSCE. A masters is becoming more and more common and is often listed as a prefered job requirement. I plan to get mine part time while working.
Also as a side note, be prepared to spend several years in the field following a drill rig around. My favorite thing about this job is the mix of field and office work. Feel free to ask me any questions.
And I would choose hydrogeology from those courses. Also structures classes are good, specifically concrete or pavement design as these interact directly with the soils.