NEED FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Over the past 20 to 30 years geology has changed from a science with applications in the exploration for and development of natural resources to a science that directly influences public health, safety and well being. The American Geological Institute determined that 26% of all undergraduates and 22% of all Masters graduates enter the combined professions of environmental geology, hydrogoelogy and engineering geology. Over one-half of the states now require geologists to be licensed by examination to practice geology before the public, just as they require engineers. The fundamentals of geology examination pass rate has been nearly level at 57% since October 1992. The blueprint for the examination includes about ¼ field methods & remote sensing, ¼ classical geology (except structural, which accounts for 10% of the exam), ¼ hydrogeology and 15% engineering geology related subjects. A survey of professional engineering geologists with more than 5 years of experience gave similar results. Structure and geologic field methods were rated the most important courses for an entry-level geologist. Physical and engineering geology were rated equally as the third most important, followed by soil mechanics, site investigation, near-surface geophysics, hydrogeology and field methods in engineering geology. These results indicate that academic programs in Geology must be subdivided into two distinct programs one in classical geology and the other in engineering geology that prepares the graduate to practice geology that directly affects public health, safety and well being. Innovative academic agreements and cooperative programs will be required to meet this need.