Geological Engineering is an engineering discipline that investigates the origin, structure of the Earth, rocks, minerals, fossils, groundwater, and natural resources. Geological engineers work in many fields such as mitigating natural disasters, investigating mineral and energy resources, site investigations, and the safe design of tunnels, dams, and major engineering structures.
Our students take theoretical and practical courses such as General Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Paleontology, Structural Geology, Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Drilling, Geochemistry, Remote Sensing, GIS, and Rock Mechanics.
Yes. Field applications constitute a significant part of Geological Engineering education. Students learn rocks, geological structures, and mapping techniques on-site by conducting field studies as part of their courses.
Graduates can work in public institutions, mining companies, the energy sector, construction firms, geotechnical consultancy companies, environmental consultancy organizations, oil and natural gas companies, and academic institutions.
Geological engineers operate in the following sectors:
Our department has laboratories for rock mechanics, mineralogy-petrology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. Students receive practical training with modern equipment in these laboratories.
Yes. Students are required to complete mandatory internships for specified periods to gain professional experience.
Yes. Our department collaborates with various European universities within the scope of the Erasmus+ student exchange program. Students can benefit from exchange programs if they meet the required criteria.
Yes. Our department offers Master’s (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) programs. Students can continue their academic careers by conducting scientific research.
Yes. Undergraduate graduates can work as research assistants and faculty members in universities after completing their MSc and PhD studies.
Geological engineers play important roles in environmental impact assessments, investigation of contaminated sites, waste disposal site selection, groundwater protection, and sustainable natural resource management.
Geological engineers have broad employment opportunities in both public and private sectors. Specialist geological engineers are particularly needed in mining, infrastructure projects, energy, environment, and natural disaster management fields.
Yes. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, geological modeling, and various engineering software are integrated into the curriculum.
Geological engineers work in researching, risk assessing, and mitigating natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls, avalanches, soil liquefaction, sinkholes, and floods.
Geological Engineering is an applied and interdisciplinary engineering field aimed at understanding nature, utilizing natural resources sustainably, and contributing to the design of safe engineering structures. It provides students with a strong theoretical and practical background through field studies, laboratory practice, and engineering projects.
The department employs numerous professors, associate professors, and assistant professors, representing one of Turkey's most established and largest geological academic faculties.
Hacettepe Geological Engineering Undergraduate Program currently holds MÜDEK and EUR-ACE accreditation certificates valid through 2031. This independently confirms that the program meets international engineering education standards, offering graduates distinct advantages in international diploma equivalency processes.
Yes. Geological engineering education provides graduates with a comprehensive professional foundation to work in various sectors globally. Currently, our alumni work in gold mines in Africa, Central Asia, and Canada; mining operations in Saudi Arabia and Australia; geotechnical projects in Albania and Georgia; and international oil companies in Northern Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, alumni conduct research and educational activities at universities across the USA and Europe.
It provides a significant advantage. The vast majority of scientific literature is in English. Furthermore, English is essential for students aspiring to pursue MSc/PhD degrees or work in international companies.
Scholarship announcements from various foundations and institutions (such as Sabancı Foundation and Culture & Civilization Foundation) are regularly posted on the department’s announcements page. In addition, university-wide KYK and institutional scholarship options are available.