Welcome to the Geological Engineering Department Web Page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Geological Engineering?

Geological Engineering is an engineering discipline that examines the earth's formation, structure, rocks, minerals, fossils, groundwater, and natural resources. Geological engineers work in many fields, such as reducing natural disasters, researching mineral and energy resources, soil investigations, and the safe design of tunnels, dams, and large engineering structures.

2. What courses do Geological Engineering students take?

Our students take theoretical and applied courses such as General Geology, Mineralogy, Petrography, Paleontology, Structural Geology, Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, Geophysics, Drilling, Geochemistry, Remote Sensing, GIS, and Rock Mechanics.

3. Are field studies conducted in the department?

Yes. Field applications constitute an important part of Geological Engineering education. Students learn rocks, geological structures, and mapping techniques on-site by conducting field studies as part of their coursework.

4. What fields can graduates work in?

Graduates can work in public institutions, mining companies, the energy sector, construction firms, geotechnical consulting companies, environmental consulting organizations, oil and natural gas companies, and academic institutions.

5. Which sectors do geological engineers work in?

Geological engineers work in the following sectors:

  • Mining
  • Petroleum and natural gas
  • Geothermal energy
  • Construction
  • Tunnel and subway projects
  • Dam projects
  • Groundwater research
  • Environmental management
  • Disaster risk management
  • Renewable energy fields
6. What are the laboratory facilities?

Our department has rock mechanics, mineralogy-petrography, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and engineering geology laboratories. Students receive hands-on training with modern equipment in these laboratories.

7. Is summer internship mandatory?

Yes. In order to gain professional experience, students must complete mandatory internships within designated periods.

8. Can students benefit from the Erasmus program?

Yes. Our department cooperates with various European universities under the Erasmus+ student exchange program. Students can benefit from exchange programs if they meet the specified conditions.

9. Are there postgraduate education opportunities in the department?

Yes. Our department offers Master's and PhD programs. Students can continue their academic careers by conducting scientific research.

10. Can an academic career be pursued after graduation?

Yes. Undergraduate graduates can work as research assistants and faculty members at universities after completing their master's and doctoral degrees.

11. How does Geological Engineering play a role in environmental studies?

Geological engineers play critical roles in environmental impact assessments, investigation of contaminated sites, selection of waste disposal sites, groundwater protection, and sustainable natural resource management.

12. How are the job opportunities for department graduates?

Geological engineers have wide employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Especially in mining, infrastructure projects, energy, environment, and natural disaster management, specialized geological engineers are highly needed.

13. Do students learn computer-aided software?

Yes. During their education, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, geological modeling, and various engineering software are actively utilized.

14. Which natural disasters does Geological Engineering study?

Geological engineers participate in the investigation, risk assessment, and mitigation studies of natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, rockfalls, avalanches, soil liquefaction, sinkholes, and floods.

15. Why choose Geological Engineering?

Geological Engineering is an applied, interdisciplinary engineering field that aims to understand nature, utilize natural resources sustainably, and contribute to the design of safe engineering structures. It provides students with a strong theoretical and practical background through field studies, laboratory applications, and engineering projects.

16. How are the academic staff and infrastructure of the department?

There are numerous professors, associate professors, and doctoral faculty members serving in the department; it is considered one of the most deep-rooted and largest geological academic faculties in Türkiye.

17. Is there a MÜDEK accreditation?

Hacettepe Geological Engineering Program currently holds MÜDEK and EUR-ACE accreditation certificates valid until 2031. This means the program is certified by an independent board to meet specific international engineering education standards, providing advantages in overseas equivalence processes after graduation.

18. Are there opportunities for graduates to work abroad?

Yes. Geological engineering education provides graduates with a broad professional background that enables them to work in different sectors and geographies on an international scale. Today, graduates of our department serve in gold mines in Africa, Central Asia, and Canada; various mining operations in Saudi Arabia and Australia; geotechnical projects in Albania and Georgia; and international oil companies in Northern Europe and the Middle East. Furthermore, our graduates continue their education and research activities at various universities and academic institutions in the USA and Europe.

19. Is it necessary to know English?

It definitely provides a significant advantage. The vast majority of scientific articles are in English. Additionally, English is of great importance for students who wish to pursue a master's degree, a PhD, or work in international companies.

20. Are there scholarship opportunities?

Various foundation and institutional scholarship announcements (such as Sabancı Foundation, Culture and Civilization Foundation) are regularly shared on the department's announcements page. In addition to these, KYK and other university-wide scholarship opportunities can also be utilized.

Hacettepe University Department of Geological Engineering
06800 Beytepe/Ankara
Phone: +90 (312) 297 77 00 Fax: +90 (312) 299 20 34
E-Mail: jeo@hacettepe.edu.tr