Geological Engineering
The Geological Engineering undergraduate program at METU is designed to educate engineers with the expertise to study Earth processes, analyze geological formations, assess natural resources, and contribute to sustainable use of geological, mineral and water resources. The curriculum integrates core sciences — mathematics, physics, chemistry — with specialized courses in mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, structural geology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, geotechnics and geological mapping. Through field training, lab work, and theoretical study, students develop skills in geological surveying, resource exploration, hazard assessment, and environmental protection.
Located in Ankara, within METU’s engineering and science-oriented academic environment, the program combines academic rigor with practical experience. Students benefit from modern laboratories, fieldwork opportunities, and a multidisciplinary approach — preparing them to address geological-environmental challenges, contribute to resource management, civil engineering projects, environmental consulting or geological research in public or private sectors.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geological Engineering
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-medium)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Mineralogy & Petrology, Structural Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology, Geological Surveying & Mapping, Geotechnics, Natural Resources & Resource Engineering
- Admission modus: Regular undergraduate admissions
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Science & Intro to Geological Engineering
- Calculus I / Mathematics for Engineers
- General Physics I
- General Chemistry
- Introduction to Geological Engineering / Earth Sciences Basics
- Academic English & Foundation Courses
Semester 2 – Basic Sciences & Geological Fundamentals
- Calculus II / Mathematics II
- General Physics II / Applied Physics
- Mineralogy / Crystallography & Earth Materials I
- Computer Applications / IT for Geological Studies
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 3 – Core Earth Sciences I
- Petrology & Petrography / Rock and Mineral Studies
- Structural Geology / Geology I
- Geophysical Methods Introduction / Geophysics Basics
- Differential Equations or Applied Mathematics for Geology
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 4 – Core Earth Sciences II & Laboratory Work
- Hydrogeology I / Groundwater & Water Resources Geology
- Geophysics I / Geophysical Data Methods
- Geological Field Methods / Surveying & Mapping I
- Geology Laboratory / Mineral & Rock Analysis
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 5 – Environmental & Engineering Geology
- Environmental Geology / Earth-Environment Interfaces
- Engineering Geology / Geotechnics for Civil Works
- Hydrogeology II or Water Resources Engineering Principles
- Geological Surveying & Mapping II / GIS for Geology
- Elective / Supporting Courses
Semester 6 – Resource Geology & Applied Geosciences
- Economic Geology / Mineral & Energy Resources
- Geotechnical Analysis / Soil & Rock Mechanics for Geological Applications
- Geophysical Methods II / Advanced Geophysics & Data Interpretation
- Elective Courses (resource exploration, hydrogeology, environmental geology)
Semester 7 – Specialization, Fieldwork & Practical Training
- Field Practicum I (Geological Mapping, Surveying, Sampling)
- Applied Hydrogeology or Resource Exploration Project
- Elective Courses (environmental geology, geophysics, resource engineering)
- Technical Electives / Free Electives
Semester 8 – Graduation Project & Professional Preparation
- Senior Project or Capstone Geological Engineering Project (e.g. resource assessment, environmental impact, hydrogeology)
- Final Electives (specialization-based)
- Graduation preparation, professional readiness or planning for advanced studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates are qualified to work in sectors including mineral and energy resource exploration and management, hydrogeology and water resources, environmental consulting, geotechnical and civil engineering projects, surveying and mapping firms, government or private research institutions, mining industry, environmental protection agencies, and hazard / georisk assessment organizations. They may also pursue graduate studies (M.Sc. / Ph.D.) in geology, geosciences, environmental geology, hydrogeology, mining engineering or related fields.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing Geological Engineering at METU offers a strong combination of Earth science knowledge and engineering principles — enabling graduates to address complex geological and environmental challenges. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum, fieldwork opportunities, laboratory facilities and focus on both resource management and environmental sustainability create versatile professionals.
With training in surveying, resource exploration, hydrogeology, geophysics and environmental geology, students gain a broad skill set suited for industries, research or consultancy — making this program ideal for those passionate about Earth sciences, natural resources, environmental protection or geotechnical engineering.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Department of Geological Engineering
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4000
Email: geo-eng@metu.edu.tr
Student Affairs Office – Geological Engineering Program
Faculty of Engineering, METU
06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4001
Email: geo-eng-undergrad@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU Campus
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
