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.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

Online or distance learning refers to the use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning, one can access education at any time and from any location with an available internet connection.