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Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Mining Engineering, BSMinE

Mining engineering includes exploration, extraction, processing, transportation, marketing, sales and utilization of mineral resources. Professionals are well-versed in mining and geology and also in the principles of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering as they apply to the mining industry.

The Mining Engineering program is designed to produce a professional capable of designing and managing a modern surface and/or underground coal, metal and/or non-metal mining operations.

Our Department features state-of-the-art laboratories, including rock mechanics, mine ventilation, mineral processing and surface mining labs.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

This major addresses society's needs for mineral resources and the management, health, safety and environmental impacts associated with producing and processing these resources in a sustainable and responsible way.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Dual Major

    This major offers the option to simultaneously complete a second bachelor's degree in:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Students train and make connections in industry by competing on the Mine Rescue Team.
  • West Virginia is uniquely positioned to become one of the country's significant sources for rare earth elements, the "vitamins of modern industry."
  • Mining Engineering has one of the largest scholarship endowments in the Statler College, providing more than $100,000 annually for scholarships within the Department.
  • Students can attend professional meetings and conferences through the Department's student organizations.
  • The Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • Students can specialize in a variety of materials, including coal metallic ore, industrial minerals and aggregates.
  • Students are receive rigorous training to operate and effectively use programs in mine design — from from SurvCADD to the Rocscience program.
  • For their own development, students often take courses offered by other departments, including Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers

Conduct sub-surface surveys to identify the characteristics of potential land or mining development sites. May specify the ground support systems, processes and equipment for safe, economical, and environmentally sound extraction or underground construction activities. May inspect areas for unsafe geological conditions, equipment, and working conditions. May design, implement, and coordinate mine safety programs.

Median Salary: $100,640

Possible job titles include: Engineer, Geologist, Mine Engineer, Mining Engineer.

Explore Career

Sales Engineers

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $116,950

Possible job titles include: Account Executive, Account Manager, Customer Engagement Manager, Technical Sales Engineer.

Explore Career

Where Graduates are Working

Graduates have worked in careers such as:

  • Management or technical track positions at mining operations (including surface and underground, coal, metal and non-metal)
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Government agencies
  • Consulting companies

Most find employment at mines across the U.S.; however, a number of students have taken positions abroad in locations including Australia, Canada and Brazil.

Areas of Graduate Study

Graduates have pursued advanced degrees in:

  • Mining engineering
  • Law
  • Business

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Mining Engineering major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Mining Engineering at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Mining Engineering major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Mining Engineering can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Learn More

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Mining Engineering at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

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Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

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