UND's Scho ol of Engineering and Mines undertakes contract research for a number of private corporations. Since its founding in 1895, the School of Engineering and Mines has been active in research and development. The first dean of the School, Earle Babcock, contributed to the economic development of North Dakota through his applied research on the us es of the state s natural resources, including lignite coal. Since then, many of the School s graduates have had a profound impact on our daily lives. In the past 100 years, the School s faculty members and graduates have continued their efforts in basic and applied research.
Faculty members have two reasons for engaging in research and creative activity.
F irst, they must teach future engineers and scientists the use of tools critical in research and creative processes. Second, because of their in-depth technical expertise, faculty members have a duty to advance the frontiers of knowledge in their fields. The School offers undergraduate programs in chemical, civil, electrical, geological and mechanical engineering. Other undergraduate programs include environmental geology and technology as well as traditional programs in geology. All departments offe r master s-level programs.