Education · 1 of 4
The path
An accredited engineering degree, then experience, then a license if you want to sign off on work.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Calculus, physics and chemistry. Geology if your school offers it, but the math matters more.
- 2
Bachelor's degree in mining engineering
4 years
Four years at a program accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Only a couple of dozen schools offer it, including Colorado School of Mines, Virginia Tech, the University of Arizona and Penn State.
- 3
Field session and internships
Summers
Most programs put you underground in a real mine as part of the degree, and summer internships at operating mines are close to standard.
- 4
Fundamentals of Engineering exam
Final year
Sit it in your final year while the theory is fresh. Passing makes you an engineer in training.
- 5
Four years of supervised experience
About 4 years
Working under licensed engineers on real projects. This is the part nobody can shortcut.
- 6
Principles and Practice of Engineering exam
After the experience
There is a specific Mining and Mineral Processing version. Pass it, apply to your state board, and you are a licensed Professional Engineer.