Colorado School of Mines

Overview

Located in Golden, Colorado, the Colorado School of Mines is a unique public research university. Founded in 1874, the university offers both major graduate and undergraduate degrees in STEM fields with emphasis on the environment and energy. The university also offers minor degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Mines, as it is called informally, is classified as an R2: Doctoral University with high research activity.

Mines has a deep tradition in, and devotion to, the applied sciences and engineering. In its early days, it operated academic departments for physics, drafting, chemistry, metallurgy, and of course, mining. Since then, it has grown to add more specialist academic units, including those for geology and petroleum engineering and refining. Also, it expanded its services by offering courses in other fields, such as the humanities. Moreover, Mines has been actively promoting interdisciplinary learning and research.

Today, Mines has 20 academic units. These include the Departments of Chemistry, Geophysics, Mining Engineering, Physics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Moreover, units like the Arthur Lakes Library and Museum of Earth Science provide access to academic resources and support.

The Colorado School of Mines also espouses an interdisciplinary approach to research and innovations. Programs offered in the university include those for Military Science, Nuclear Science and Engineering, Quantum Engineering, Space Resources, Robotics, and Advanced Energy Systems. Mines’ research projects are directed at achieving the school’s special mission: to create technologies and practices that can generate and distribute sustainable energy in the most economical ways.

Research institutes and centers hosted by the university include the Center for Environmental Risk Association, Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Center for Space Resources, Advanced Water Technology Center, and the Colorado Fuel Cell Center. Moreover, the university houses specialist laboratories and facilities. These include the Planetary Robotics Laboratory, Fire Suppression Research Laboratory, and Separation Technology Laboratory, among many others.

Mines also provides academic support and student services through its different support units. These support units cover a wide range of services, from disability support to residence life and housing. Furthermore, the Mines Office of Technology Transfer helps students, researchers, and faculty commercialize university research innovations. The office acts as a liaison and support center for inventors and community partners. Available technologies at the university include innovations in fuel cells and batteries, biofuels, and mining.

Colorado School of Mines is also known for creating and fostering a fun and welcoming social atmosphere for its students. Facilities like the Student Recreation Center provide students with space for various activities. The university hosts 18 club sports and organizes around 65 intercollegiate sporting competitions and events.

You can also learn more about the educational performance of Colorado School of Mines in our ranking of US universities & colleges.