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Online Graduate Certificate Sustainability in Mining Mining and Explosives Engineering

About the Certificate

The Sustainability in Mining Graduate Certificate Program is designed to provide formalized, interdisciplinary education in the principles and practices of sustainable mining. As the mining industry continues to place greater emphasis on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term economic viability, professionals must be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to address complex sustainability challenges throughout the mining life cycle.

This program prepares students to evaluate, develop, and implement sustainable mining practices that balance resource development with environmental protection and community well-being. Coursework focuses on key topics such as sustainability assessment and reporting, environmental and social governance (ESG), stakeholder and community engagement, mine closure planning, reclamation and restoration, regulatory compliance, and sustainable resource management. Students will gain an understanding of the frameworks, standards, and best practices used to measure and improve sustainability performance in mining operations.

The certificate is intended for engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, regulators, consultants, and other professionals who are involved in mining projects and decision-making processes. It is particularly valuable for individuals who have assumed responsibilities related to mine reclamation, sustainability management, environmental compliance, or community relations without having received formal training in these areas. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, the program equips participants with the skills needed to address sustainability issues effectively, communicate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to responsible mining practices that create long-term value for industry, communities, and the environment.

The Sustainability in Mining Certificate Program is open to all persons holding a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Science, and/or Mathematics, or are currently accepted into a graduate degree program at Missouri S&T. Once admitted to the program, the student must take the four designated courses (provided in the curriculum section). In order to receive a Graduate Certificate, the student must have an average cumulative grade point of 3.0 or better in the certificate courses. Once admitted to the program, a student will be given three years to complete the program.

Students admitted to the Sustainability in Mining Certificate Program will have non-degree graduate status; however, they will earn graduate credit for the course they complete. If the student completes the four-course sequence with a grade of B or better in each of the courses taken, they, upon application, will be admitted to the M.S. degree program in mining engineering. The certificate credits taken by the students admitted to the M.S. degree program will count towards their master's degrees. Students who do not have all of the prerequisite courses necessary to begin the courses in the Sustainability in Mining Certificate Program will be allowed to take ''bridge" courses at either the graduate or undergraduate level to prepare for the formal certificate courses.

For online students applying to a graduate certificate program. (No GRE/GMAT required.)

Certificate Applicant 

The following are the courses offered in the program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed. 

Total Courses: 4 (12 credit hours)

Required courses:  
MIN ENG 5742 Environmental Aspects of Mining  
MIN ENG 6712
Managing Social and Environmental Risks in Mining (Intro to Responsible Mining)  
MIN ENG 6735
Sustainability In Mining  
Sustainability, Population, Energy, Water, and Materials  
  • Other courses approved by the mining engineering faculty may be substituted for any of the above-listed courses on a case-by-case basis.

Course plans are coordinated between the advisor and the student to meet the student's needs and the program's requirements.

Course availability may vary by semester (see course listings). Students should consult their academic advisor for appropriate alternatives or substitutions if needed.

Please refer to the Mining Engineering section of the graduate catalog for more information.

This program is 100% online: any campus visits are optional.

Courses are semester-based. Students typically take one or two classes per semester and finish the program in one year.

  • Delivery: 100% online
  • Calendar system: Semester-based 
  • Typical program length: 1-2 years
  • Typical course load: 1-2 courses a semester (fall and spring)

Courses are offered asynchronously, meaning they do not have regular meetings. They may consist of various media and content — such as online discussions, videos, quizzes and recordings — that students review and complete at the time of their choice.

Learn more about our graduate programs at Missouri S&T by attending one of our virtual information sessions.

Attend Info Session

Pathway to a Master's Degree

Are you a working professional who wants to earn your master's degree, but you don’t have time to take the GRE/GMAT? Then start in a graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates were designed as a pathway to a master's degree.* The admission requirements are more relaxed and credit earned will count toward your degree. Once you successfully earn your graduate certificate, you can continue with the corresponding master's degree without having to take the GRE/GMAT.


Related Degrees

This graduate certificate may act as a pathway to the following master’s programs:

*Completion of a graduate certificate program does not automatically guarantee admission into a corresponding graduate degree program. To continue in a master’s degree program, you must apply.

Questions?

Missouri S&T Online Education

We are here to answer any of your questions about Missouri S&T’s online education programs.

Email Us  Request Info

Sylvia Skouby
Associate Director for Online Admissions

573-341-6903  |  stgrad@mst.edu

Mining and Explosives Engineering

Kyle Perry, PhD
Associate Professor, Associate Chair for Research, and Online/Distance Coordinator

573-341-4549  |  kperry@mst.edu
Department Website: mee.mst.edu

Scout (Hannah) Gibson
Office Support Assistant and Graduate Programs Support

573-341-4753  |   hgbbq@mst.edu 

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

William Schonberg, PhD, PE
Assistant Chair for Distance Education and Professor

573-341-4787  |  wschon@mst.edu
Department Website: care.mst.edu

Rachel Johnson
Graduate Student Support Specialist

573-341-4470  |   rfjohnson@mst.edu

Earth Sciences and Engineering

Katherine Grote, PhD
Associate Professor of Geological Engineering and Online/Distance Coordinator

573-341-4100  |  grotekr@mst.edu
Department Website: ese.mst.edu

Amanda Goscicki
Office Support Assistant and Graduate Programs Support

573-341-4628  |   agoscicki@mst.edu