What is Geotechnical Engineering?
Geotechnical engineering deals with earth materials, including soil, rock and groundwater. As most engineering projects are supported by ground, geotechnical engineering interfaces with most of the other civil sub-disciplines. For example, geotechnical engineers design foundations for structures, sub-grades for roadways, embankments for water storage and flood control and containment systems for hazardous materials. In addition to participating in the design, construction and operation of most civil engineering projects, geotechnical engineers also deal with various geologic hazards impacting our society such as landslides, soil erosion and earthquakes. Employers of graduates specializing in geotechnical engineering include consulting firms, design firms, contractors, public agencies, utilities, energy companies and academia.
This specialty introduces students to a variety of employment opportunities in international organizations, public agencies, private industries, universities and consulting firms. Geotechnical graduate students have access to research facilities available on campus at the Computing Services Center and in other divisions within the department (such as the environmental, water resources, ocean and coastal areas), the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
Degree Information
Students can earn M.S., M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering in the geotechnical engineering division of emphasis.
Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis)
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Engineering degree (MEng) and Master of Science (Non-Thesis). The university places limitations on these credit hours in addition to the requirements of the Geotechnical engineering program. A complete discussion of university requirements is found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog.
Master of Science (Thesis)
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Science degree (MS). At least 24 semester credit hours must be coursework. The university places limitations on these credit hours in addition to the requirements of the geotechnical engineering program that are listed below. A complete discussion of university requirements is found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a research-oriented degree requiring a minimum of 64 semester credit hours of approved courses and research beyond the Master of Science (M.S.) degree [96 credit hours beyond the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree]. The university places limitations on these credit hours in addition to the requirements of the Department of Civil Engineering and the Geotechnical Engineering program listed below.
A complete discussion of all university requirements is found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog.