Graduate Certificate in Mineral Exploration for a Sustainable Future

Did you know that the energy transition requires to increase our metal production during the next 30 years? Therefore, it is urgent to find new mineral resources. Want to help? Become an exploration geologist!

The Department of Geology offers a graduate certificate with a wide range of instrumentation and courses designed to train the next generation of exploration geologists.

$570.43 per credit hour*
18 credit hours
Hybrid Format

*Tuition rate is based on 2025-2026 rates, which are subject to change annually. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and academic progress. For a full breakdown of all tuition and fees, please visit K-State's online tuition and fees website.

Admission requirements

A bachelor of science in geology or a related field, and a minimum of 2.8 GPA, are required for admission to the program. Students should have completed courses in petrology, structural geology, field camp, or their equivalent.

Curriculum

Required courses: nine (9) credit hours and students will complete 3 courses:

  • GEOL 701 - Economic Geology (3 credits)
  • GEOL 802 - Mineral Exploration for a Sustainable Future (3 credits)
  • GEOL 790 - Problems in Geology (0-18 credits)

Elective courses: nine (9) credit hours. Students can choose three (3) of the following courses:

  • GEOG 508 - Geographic Information Systems I (4 credits)
  • GEOG 605 - Remote Sensing of the Environment (3 credits)
  • GEOG 608 - Geographic Information Systems II (3 credits)
  • GEOL 611 - Hydrogeology (3 credits)
  • GEOL 642 - Field Geophysics (3 credits)
  • GEOL 680 - Field Geology (3 credits)
  • GEOL 790 - Problems in Geology (0-18 credits)
  • GEOL 805 - Advanced Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3 credits)
  • GEOL 810 - Isotope Geology (3 credits)

Career

With a Mineral Exploration for a Sustainable Future graduate certificate, you could enjoy careers such as:

  • Exploration geologist
  • Mining geologist
  • Environmental geologist
  • Government manager or director
  • Adult basic education and literacy professional