The instructional mission, embodied within the larger instructional mission of a comprehensive university, is to provide students competencies in the endeavors of mining engineering.  Kentucky is a diverse mineral-producing state with active operations in coal, clay, sand and gravel, construction stone and limestone.  In addition, Kentucky’s mineral industry is comprised of both the largest and most sophisticated mineral corporations in the United States, and the greatest population of small and family-held companies.  There are nearly 700 coal mines in Kentucky, many of which have either one, or no technical person employed.  consequently, basic instruction in mining engineering, within a four-year period, has as its mission the production of an engineer capable of independent activity in a mine.  However, this same instruction must also prepare students to perform as integral members of sophisticated engineering teams.  Recognizing the value and need for advanced instruction, the basic degree has the additional  mission of providing enough theoretical and intellectual content to prepare students for advanced study.

Mining students may direct their studies, by choice of electives, toward one subdiscipline or another.  Numerous cooperative training opportunities are available.  These programs offer on-the-job training, with a steady income, to students who elect to co-op.  Typically, a student will take a minimum of five years to complete the program, spending alternate periods of the spring, summer and fall academic semesters in industry.

Scholarships based either on financial need or on academic merit, exclusively for students studying mining engineering, are available.  Approximately half of the funds are provided by the Center for Applied Energy Research.  The remainder are grants from mining companies, the Mining Engineering Foundation, and private endowments.

Scholarship Application

For more information on the mining engineering undergraduate program, see the undergraduate handbook.

Information on careers in mining

Educational Objectives

Program Learning Outcomes

The Mining Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700.