To work as a mining engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in mining engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most mining engineers prepare for the field by earning a bachelor's degree in mining engineering. Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer this program. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

Some jobs require a master's or doctoral degree (PhD). For instance, if you are interested in teaching mining engineering, you need a PhD. Also, some students go to graduate school to specialize in an area of mining engineering.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks and get more independence in your work as you gain knowledge and experience. Training usually lasts a few months.