Welcome to Geological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!
Geological Engineers make a difference by blending geoscience and engineering principles to solve practical
problems that are important to society. Our graduates work around the world in careers ranging from energy
exploration to sustainable design. They work for major corporations, small businesses, government agencies,
and non-government organizations. We focus on delivering projects rather than products, and we believe that
our actions improve society and the world.
Because Geological Engineers have a diverse set of skills, they are always in demand even in times of economic
distress. Geological Engineers are compensated competitively, and some industries compensate Geological Engineers
with some of the highest salaries in all engineering disciplines. Employers like the diverse interdisciplinary
training our students receive at UW-Madison, and particularly value our dual degree in Geological Engineering
and Geoscience. In addition, our faculty interacts regularly with industry and government agencies, and we
use these relationships to identify employment connections for our graduates. One of the best aspects of
Geological Engineering is not being tied to an office or a cubicle. Our graduates work both outside in the field
and in the office. That is a primary reason why our motto is "The Earth is Your Office."
Our faculty conduct interdisciplinary research ranging from basic earth science to applied applications in geological
engineering. We have strong engagement with government and industry, and our research products rapidly find their
way into practice in disciplines as diverse as wind energy to mining. Nearly all of our research activities include
undergraduate and graduate students, and many involve post-doctoral researchers.
I hope our website provides you with the information you need about Geological Engineering at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me at
chbenson@wisc.edu.
Craig H. Benson, PhD, PE, DGE
Wisconsin Distinguished Professor and Chair
