Skip to main content

A history of advancing mineral technologies

Mining engineering at WVU is a renowned program with over 150 years educating students about the advancements in science, safety and innovative technology of mineral extraction and processing. Dig deep into this field and explore new areas of opportunities.

Learn more about our undergraduate programs

Learn more about our graduate programs

Mining Engineering

Mining engineers deal with the science and technology of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. The program at WVU, which is one of only 14 mining engineering programs in the United States, dates back to 1868 when the first mine surveying course was offered.

WHY CHOOSE MINING ENGINEERING AT WVU?

As one out of only 12 ABET-accredited mining engineering programs in the United States, the program at WVU is designed to provide graduates with a broad background in mining engineering practice, provide experiential opportunities to gain real-world experience and prepare them to become professional engineers. Each year more than 50 departmental and external scholarships are distributed to mining students to help them pursue their degree. WVU mining graduates are employed by mining industry, explosives and blasting companies, equipment manufacturers and governmental agencies with starting salaries typically ranging from $70,000-$80,000

Our Mission

Employment outlook

The mining engineering curriculum is designed to provide graduates with a broad background and to prepare them for a successful career in the industry. At nearly a 100 percent job placement rate, graduates are highly sought after by companies such as Caterpillar, Laurel Aggregates, Peabody Energy, Arch Resources, Vulcan, Nevada Gold Mines and many others. Students are prepared for positions in operations, mine development, mine design, construction, sales and management of mines.

Quick Facts

OVER 95%

Over 95% of our undergraduate students get summer internships. WVU mining engineering students have at least one or two summer paid internships; offering real-world applications prior to graduation.

We are 1 of 12 ABET accredited mining engineering schools and 1 of only 14 mining engineering schools in the U.S.

$70,000

A starting salary for mining graduates is approximately $70,000.

Jared Morse operating a computer

Mining engineering faculty conduct cutting edge research that is not only highly relevant, but also critical to a sustainable development of our mineral resources for the benefit of our communities, environment, economy and national security.

WVU has taken first or second place at SME/PCMIA Senior Design Competition contests 13 times in the last 19 years.

In The News