Applied Geotechnics
Academic Certificate
The University of Idaho offers academic certificates in various academic
disciplines. An academic certificate is a coherent body of work
designed to reflect specialized expertise. Earning a certificate may
provide professional advancement opportunities and build a strong
foundation for future graduate study. College of Engineering certificate
courses already exist in the graduate curricula, and all required
courses are delivered online by Engineering Outreach.
The Department of Civil Engineering offers the Applied Geotechnics Academic Certificate. The certificate provides an opportunity for professionals not specifically trained in geological engineering to expand their expertise in the area of geotechnics, a field focused on the application of geological engineering mechanics and design principles to the construction and mining industries. The study emphasis is on applications of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and ground-water mechanics.
Prerequisites
- A completed undergraduate degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (required prior to enrolling in a 500-level course);
- Admission to the University of Idaho;
- Nondegree students must obtain permission from the instructor prior to registering for a 500-level course;
- All students must submit the Academic Certificate Declaration on page 2 of the Change of Curriculum form to the certificate coordinator for department chair approval;
- Review Steps to Certificate Completion
- Students must contact the certificate coordinator to discuss background qualifications prior to starting the certificate.
Course Selection
This academic certificate consists of 12 credits selected from the courses listed below and approved by the certificate coordinator. Refer to the University of Idaho General Catalog for course descriptions and prerequisite requirements. Students must earn a grade of 'B' or better in each course to qualify for a College of Engineering certificate; course work may not be more than five (5) years old unless it is being used in conjunction with the completion of a graduate degree. View the current Engineering Outreach courses and watch a sample session.
| Required courses (6 credits) |
Credits
|
| GeoE 407 |
Rock Mechanics |
3
|
| GeoE 436 |
Geological Engineering Analysis and Design
|
3
|
| Electives (6 credits) |
|
GeoE 428
|
Geostatistics |
3 |
| GeoE 465 |
Excavation and Materials Handling |
3
|
GeoE 517
|
Tunnel Design and Construction
|
3 |
| GeoE 528 |
Advanced Topics in Geological Engineering |
3
|
GeoE 535/CE 563
|
Seepage and Slope Stability |
3
|
Admission and Transfer Credits
Students must be admitted to the University of Idaho prior to starting a certificate; discuss admission category options and qualifications with the certificate coordinator prior to applying.
- Nondegree students must earn all certificate course credits from
the University of Idaho unless they plan to continue working toward a graduate degree in the
same department. A maximum of 12 approved credits taken as a
nondegree student or at another institution can be transferred toward a
master's degree; students considering transferring credits into a
graduate program must contact the department for early advising.
Nondegree students are not eligible for financial aid.
- Graduate students may use up to three (3) approved transfer credits toward the certificate, with department approval.
- Course credits earned as an undergraduate student may not be applied toward this certificate.
Certificate Coordinator
Richard J. Nielsen, Ph.D., P.E.
Department of Civil Engineering
Phone: (208) 885-8961 or (800)-824-2889, press 1, ext. 8961