The student progresses to fundamental engineering and UNR core curriculum courses. The final two years involve primarily mining classes with a lot of opportunity to use a computer to help students complete open-ended design problems. Practical laboratory experiences are part of many mining courses. Field trips are organized so that students can visit mines and see theory turned into practice. The degree program ends with a capstone course, the complete design of a mine from start to finish, including financial, social, and environmental concerns.
Students present their design to a panel of engineers and managers from the mining industry.
Some cooperative work study programs are arranged for this purpose. Opportunities exist to study and work abroad. The Fundamentals of engineering examination,administered by a State Board of Engineering Registration, must be taken by all mining engineering students during the senior Year of study. Graduates are prepared for industrial employment or further advanced study. The department maintains a close liaison with the Mining industry and appropriate state and federal agencies.