Graduate Programs
Take Your Career in Mining to the Next Level...
Graduate studies at the U of A School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources can boost your career through learning and certification. Whether you are looking to rise through the ranks or want to bring your vision to life as an entrepreneur, a graduate degree will help you achieve your goals.
… And Break Ground at a Top Research University
SMEMR is one of the leading mining research institutions in the world. It’s home to forward-thinking student leaders with a passion to preserve the Earth’s resources for generations to come.
These graduate researchers are developing better extraction and processing methods, making mining safer, converting waste into resources and bringing futuristic space mining to reality.
Graduate Student Resources
Flexible Learning Options
SMEMR offers master’s (MS or ME) and doctoral degrees in mining, geological and geophysical engineering. It also offers certificates in geomechanics, health and safety, mineral processing, and mine information and production technology.
Or find a schedule that fits your current career with online options that include master’s degrees and graduate certificates.
Wide-Ranging Research
Grad programs at the School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources provide high-profile research opportunities in focus areas including:
- Economic geology and mineral discovery
- Geophysical sensing techniques
- Mine health and safety
- Mineral and chemical characterization
- Mineral processing, geometallurgy and extractive metallurgy
- Mining law and policy
- Operations technology, AI and automation
- Rock strength, fracturing and excavation
- Responsible mining and development
- Tailings management, revegetation, and valorization
An Interdisciplinary Mission
Beyond the high-tech world of mining engineering, SMEMR also encourages students who want to branch out to studies in business, law, environmental and chemical engineering, humanities, or other highly-ranked programs on campus.
This holistic approach allows you to design the meaningful, lucrative career of your dreams.
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Become a UA Engineering Wildcat. Get more information to start you on your path.
Water in the Lifecycle of A Mine
Graduate Programs at UA Engineering
Student Spotlight
Solving Real-World Challenge
Chengetai Chinyadza is a master's student in the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. Inspired by her experiences [AP5.1]growing up in a mining-dependent community, she developed an artificial intelligence-powered underground ventilation system designed to improve miner safety while reducing energy use. Her proposal earned first place and $6,000 in the SME Arizona Shark Pit competition.
"My inspiration is deeply rooted in both personal experience and professional exposure. I grew up in a mining-dependent community where livelihoods relied on mining, but I also witnessed the serious consequences of unsafe working conditions."
Rankings
Top 25
Online engineering grad program, public universities
(U.S. News @ World Report)
best graduate school programs
(Money Magazine)
$2.1M
annual research expenditures (2025)