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Emphasis Areas

The Lowell Program in Economic Geology was endowed by a gift from J. David Lowell to the University of Arizona.

Geologic Map with location of the San Manuel-Kalamazoo orebodies
The Phelps Dodge Morenci Copper Mine

The Professional Master’s of the Lowell Program in Economic Geology has four emphasis areas that are designed for students following one of four career paths: (a) Exploration Geology, (b) Development Geology, (c) Mining Geology, and (d) Environmental Geology.

The courses required to complete the Master’s degree are drawn from four broad subject areas: (a) exploration and development; (b) mining and processing; (c) economics, business, and people; and (d) health, environment, and safety. Courses pertinent to each subject area are offered by different departments across the University of Arizona.

Regardless of which emphasis area a student chooses, we expect him or her to sample courses from at least three of the four subject areas. The balance of courses in each subject area will vary according to his or her desired career path. To complete the Master’s degree, the student will take a minimum of 30 units. At least 18 units must come from lists of qualifying courses in the four subject areas. The following course requirements are intended to develop the depth pertinent to each emphasis area:

  • Exploration geologists locate, test, and evaluate prospects that may lead to discovery of an orebody, generally working in teams dominated by geoscientists. Students with an emphasis in Exploration Geology are required to take at least three courses in the exploration and development subject area and one course in the mining and processing subject area.
  • Development geologists conduct advanced exploration activities and technical evaluations that may lead to development of prospects into mines, generally working in teams that are dominated by engineers. Students with an emphasis in Development Geology are required to take at least two courses in the exploration and development subject area, one course in the mining and processing subject area, and one course in the health, safety, and environment subject area.
  • Mining geologists explore for additional reserves on or near the mine site and support the efficient extraction and processing of ore in mine planning and operations, generally working in teams dominated by mining operators and support staff. Students with an emphasis in Mining Geology are required to take at least two courses in the exploration and development subject area and two courses in the mining and processing subject area.
  • Environmental geologists in the minerals industry support permitting, exploration, development, mining and processing, and closure activities. They are generally based either in a corporate office or at a project site. Any of the above functions may be fulfilled while working in a major or junior company or in a consulting capacity. Students with an emphasis in Environmental Geology are required to take at least one course in the exploration and development subject area, one course in the mining and processing subject area, and two courses in the health, safety, and environment subject area.