Online graduate certificate program Jul 2020

An online program to prepare working professional engineers to transition their career into the specialty of underground construction and tunneling is launched by the Colorado School of Mines with three signature courses covering specific topics for working in this complex interdisciplinary industry.

Multi-disciplines comprise underground engineering

Launching in Spring 2021, the Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering Online Graduate Certificate will address the needs of one of the fastest growing global industries. While underground projects, especially large and complex builds, require all manner of engineers, those with specialized training in underground construction and tunnel engineering (UCTE) have greater opportunities to take part and lead these efforts.

“Urbanization is driving underground development,” explains Mike Mooney, Grewcock Chair Professor of Underground Construction & Tunneling and Director of the UCTE graduate program. “Urban areas have less space and need more infrastructure, for water, wastewater, stormwater, energy, utilities, and data center facilities. Underground provides the opportunity to make cities livable. By providing this new certificate option to engineering professionals, we will enable them to gain specialized skills in a thriving industry.”

Visit Colorado School of Mines for details

The core courses in the two-semester, 10-credit program will comprise three signature courses delivered by faculty from three departments: CEEE, GEGN and MN. MNGN 504 and CEEN 523 are the certificate anchor courses and will cover UCTE in hard rock and soft ground respectively. Underground Construction Engineering Management will teach construction management principles specifically for UCTE projects.

A growing industry attracting both guys and girls

“Underground construction and tunnel engineering is an interdisciplinary mix of structural, geotechnical and construction disciplines from civil engineering; excavation and material handling from mining engineering; and ground and groundwater characterization from geological engineering,” said Mooney. “Our UCTE graduate program blends the key components from our civil, mining and geological engineering degree programs.”

The UCTE Online Graduate Certificate program is targeted toward both recent Bachelor degree graduates looking to expand their knowledge base and employment opportunities, as well as working professionals who have recognized the need to specialize in underground construction and tunnel design given the high industry demand and the complexity of projects.

Applications for Spring 2021 will be accepted through to 4 January 2021. Visit the Colorado School of Mines for further information.