Three master’s degrees are available from the Department of Mining Engineering. The two M.S. in Mining Engineering (M.S.Min.E.) degrees are most useful to students who plan a career in research, problem solving, or teaching as they are a prelude to the doctorate. The Master of Mining Engineering (M.Min.E.) is a professional degree intended for those students who want more coursework and study to help them with an industrial or professional career. The M.Min.E. is not intended to lead to doctoral studies. The Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering is comprised of a period of residency, coursework and original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field. The Ph.D. is primarily for students interested in research and university teaching.