The Colorado School of Mines was founded in 1874 to meet the educational needs of the mining industry in Colorado. Over the years, it has expanded its focus to include a broad range of engineering and applied science disciplines. The university is known for its rigorous academic programs, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to producing graduates who are well-prepared to address global challenges in energy, environment, and materials science. Mines is located in Golden, Colorado, offering students access to both a vibrant academic community and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
| Nickname | Orediggers |
| Motto / Slogan | Nil sine numine |
| Colour | Blue and Silver |
| Mascot | Blaster the Burro |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Location | Golden, Colorado, United States |
| Address | Colorado School of Mines 1500 Illinois St., Golden, CO 80401 |
For 150+ years, our STEM-focused education and research produces the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. We’re a community of entrepreneurial leaders and resilient problem-solvers who revel in challenges and work together in order to engineer change on Earth and beyond.
We, the Colorado School of Mines community, are united by our commitment to our timeless mission of educating and inspiring students from all backgrounds and advancing knowledge and innovations, with the aspiration that our graduates, ideas, actions and innovations will have a transformative impact on individuals and society, leading to shared prosperity and sustainable use of the Earth’s resources.
Mines is a specialized STEM institution — it only offers science, technology, engineering, and math programs, with highly ranked majors like mining engineering, petroleum engineering, geophysics, chemical engineering, and computer science. This deep focus sets it apart from broad-based universities.
Although rigorous, Mines promotes teamwork, collaboration, and professional development — preparing students not just academically, but also socially and professionally.
Mines graduates enjoy high job placement rates and strong return on investment. Most students receive multiple internship offers before graduating, and the network includes strong connections with engineering, energy, aerospace, and technology employers.
Students get project-based learning, internships, and research opportunities starting early — even in the first year through programs like FIRST. This means you’re not just studying theory, you’re applying it to real challenges.
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International Applicants:
English Proficiency
International students applying for an online program and that will be studying outside of the US are excluded from needing english proficiency scores.
UNDERGRADUATE:
POSTGRADUATE:
First-time users:
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Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : 888-446-9489, 303-273-3000
Library: WASHINGTON —U.S. The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has named Arthur Lakes Library at the Colorado School of Mines as the 2025 Federal Depository Library of the Year. The Golden, CO library was selected for its significant role in increasing access to and preserving Government information, including making publications from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) easily accessible to the public in digital formats.
Dr. Johnson’s career reflects his strong passion for innovation, education and student success. He began his career at Shell Development in Houston, developing novel approaches for managing and restoring contaminated soil and groundwater sites. He then joined the faculty at Arizona State University to continue this work and share his experiences with students. There, he gradually took on senior leadership positions, including ASU’s associate vice president for research and dean of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, which grew from about 6,000 to 19,000 students during his leadership.
Tompkins graduated from Princeton University in 1987 with a degree in geology and geophysics. She then served as an Army Intelligence officer from 1987 to 1991. She returned to the study of geology this time at Brown University from 1993 to 1997 where she was awarded a master's degree and a doctorate while working under the guidance of Carle M. Pieters.
In February 2018, she left DARPA to become vice president for research and technology transfer at Colorado School of Mines, spending three years there. She is the Provost of Colorado School of Mines.
As vice president of student life, Dr. Pantel will serve as Mines’ chief student affairs officer and oversee all of the institution’s student programming and services, including advising, student activities, athletics, residence life and dining, health services, student counseling, accessibility services, fraternity and sororities, student professional development, career services and more. As a member of the president’s executive cabinet, Dr. Pantel will play a key role in advancing Mines’ strategic priorities for student recruitment, success, and professional development.
Brian previously served as execu... read more
As CSM Foundation President & COO, Brian will oversee the day-to-day operations of the foundation and work in partnership with campus to secure continued private support for Mines.
The first Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees meeting was ... read more
Courses offered to students during the early years of Colorado School of Mines included chemistry, metallurgy, mineralogy, mining engineering, geology, botany, math and drawing. The focus of the early academic programs was on gold and silver, and the assaying of those minerals. As the institution grew, its mission expanded to focus specifically on understanding the Earth, harnessing energy and sustaining the environment.
For additional Mines history, see the catalogs, yearbooks, pictures, building plans and unpublished histories housed in the Wood Archives on the lower level of Mines’ Arthur Lakes Library, 1400 Illinois St.