The Lowell Program in Economic Geology
The Lowell Program in Economic Geology encompasses education, training and research at all levels related to the geology of mineral resources and related applications. It includes undergraduate courses through graduate degrees, a graduate certificate in mineral resource geology, and continuing education for working professionals. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, it is also closely affiliated with the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources and the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.
The Lowell Program in Economic Geology and the Lowell Institute were generously endowed by a gifts from J. David Lowell and his family to the University of Arizona.
What is Economic Geology?
Economic geology is the study and analysis of earth resources – their geologic character, origin and context – and the application of that knowledge to the understanding, assessment, search for, and production of mineral deposits. Not only does economic geology span the entire mining lifecycle from exploration and discovery through development and production to closure and remediation, but it also covers includes the basic geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of mineral systems and their application to broader societal topics such as environment, water and policy.
Opportunities
The purpose of the Lowell Program in Economic Geology is to provide education, training and research opportunities for geologists (and others in the field) who want to further their understanding of mineral resources. Opportunities span traditional degrees and certificates, continuing education through online and intensive field courses, and research with many faculty and staff with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
What we offer
Degree and Certificate Programs
Whether you're an undergraduate student, a recent graduate, or a practicing professional, you can advance your training and develop valuable professional skills. We offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate options, including certificates, Master’s, and PhD degrees, to help you reach your goals:
- Accelerated Master's Program in Economic Geology
- for UA undergrads, project/internship based
- Graduate Certificate in Mineral Resource Geology
- a flexible 12 unit curriculum
- can be applied toward graduate degrees
- Professional Science Master's in Economic Geology (PSM/EG)
- project/internship-based EG focused masters
- designed to be completed in 1 year
- MS and PhD Programs
- 2 / 4 year research focused degrees
Financial aid is available for those in need.
Field and online courses in EG
Field courses can include lecture and laboratory activities and typically involve travel to locations around the western U.S. They can be taken for credit or non-credit. Other courses are available in person or online.
10-Day Economic Geology field courses (annual offerings)
- Ore Deposits Mapping (late August-early September)
- Mineral Deposits Types (early December)
- Structural Geology for Exploration & Mine Geologists (March)
- Hyperspectral Imaging for Mining & Mineral Resources (early January)
Online courses
- Integrated Planning Series (15 hrs each)
- Geological Inputs
- Metallurgical Inputs
- Mine Engineering
- Economic geology core courses (semester long)
- e.g., Ore Deposits, Applied Mineralogy & Petrology, Exploration and Mining Geology
- Mining Engineering courses (semester long)
- e.g., Geometallurgy and many others
Collaborative and Research Opportunities
The faculty and staff of LPEG and LIMR support many types of collaborative opportunities with students and collegeagues from industry, government and academia.
Opportunities for projects / students
Faculty and staff interests
Facilities