Colorado School of Mines offers the only graduate degree program in Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering in North America. This unique, interdisciplinary degree program provides students with a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of underground construction. Faculty and student researchers involved in UCTE have backgrounds in civil engineering, geology and geological engineering, mining engineering, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, geophysics and computer science.

Undergraduate students can pursue a minor in UCTE or specialized courses in UCTE as an Area of Special Interest. We offer courses that directly address site investigation, analysis, design, construction and project management of underground structures as well as fundamental courses in soil mechanics, rock mechanics, groundwater, structures and risk assessment needed for this complex field.

Colorado School of Mines is also home to the only Underground Construction Association (UCA of SME) local chapter in the U.S. and holds weekly “Lunch & Learn” seminars featuring presentations from underground construction industry leaders.

In addition, the department hosts several industry-focused multi-day short courses each year on topics such as Tunneling Fundamentals, Practice and Innovations and Underground Grouting and Ground Improvement. Students can assist with and attend these short courses to learn about innovations in the underground construction and tunneling industry and to network with industry professionals.

The Underground Construction and Tunnel Engineering program is always looking for outstanding graduate students and undergraduate student researchers to join our exciting team. Please contact faculty that you are interested in working with directly, letting us know about your research interests and experience.