With a growing concern for pollution because of the mineral extraction process, more engineers and students are focused on the development of safer mining practices. The study of mining engineering, therefore, can be considered the practice of embracing both science and technology to develop more efficient and sustainable mining processes.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that typically awarded by community colleges, technical colleges and 4-year colleges. If pursued on a full-time basis, an associate degree usually takes two years to obtain.