The school was originally focused on mining and geology, but now it’s a comprehensive engineering and applied science school (polytechnic model) who kept the name as a historical tribute. They offer 55 areas of study within engineering and applied sciences. Mines is home to 8,000 total students, 6,200 of whom are undergrads with about 1600 freshmen per year. They are the smallest R1 research school by enrollment, which results in research spending per student being very high. Undergrads actively participate in research and hands-on learning.

Mechanical engineering is their largest program with enrollment on par with Purdue. Their mining engineering is the #1 ranked program in the world! They just launched a quantum systems engineering program in January, 2026 which is the first undergraduate degree program in the US! Only 3 universities worldwide offer it at the undergrad level (the others are in Germany and Australia) Nearly 70 students enrolled in the inaugural class.