Graduate Certificate in
Explosives & Blasting
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PROGRAM DETAILS
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Explosives & Blasting
About this Program
Increase your knowledge and expertise on the world of mining and civil engineering. In this online program, you will learn practical blasting knowledge for mining and construction industries with advanced tools and techniques in this industry.
Interested in this program? Please contact us!
Please reach out to the program contact listed on this page to discuss your eligibility for this program. Please do this before beginning the application process.
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Designed For
This program is designed for for engineers, geologists, and mining professionals looking to specialize in safe and effective explosives handling, blasting techniques, and regulatory compliance. It also appeals to individuals in construction and demolition industries seeking advanced knowledge in controlled explosive applications for project efficiency and safety.
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Learn more about the Explosives & Blasting online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Graduate Certificate in Explosives & Blasting program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Acquire practical blasting knowledge for mining and construction industries
Learn about the most advanced tools and analysis techniques for design and control of bench blasting, cast blasting, and underground blasting, along with the monitoring, prevention, and assessment of the secondary effects of blasting.
The online certificate program is comprised of three core courses (9 credit hours) for students with basic knowledge of blasting or four courses (12 credit hours) for students without any previous experience with blasting.
Focus Areas
- Ground vibrations control
- Air over pressure regulations
- Mitigation
- Federal and state regulations
Course Examples
- MNG 331 Explosives and Blasting
- MNG 531 Advanced Blast Design and Technology
- MNG 621 Instrumentation for Blasting and Blast Mitigation
- MNG 625 – Environmental Aspects of Blasting
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Explosives & Blasting program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- Hold a relevant engineering or related bachelor's degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- Background check (allow 30 days to complete)
- Obtain ATF Form F 5400.28
- Complete and return the form to Dr. Josh Calnan (Director of Blasting and Explosives Research) via USPS at 504 Rose Street, 230 MMRB. Lexington, KY 40506
or via email at joshcalnan@uky.edu- Complete all blocks with the exception of Block 16.
- For Block, 14 enter “UK Explosives and Blasting Certificate”
- For Block 15, enter “Student”
- IMPORTANT: Do not mail the form directly to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
- The program director will notify the applicant/student of clearance or denial. If the applicant has obtained clearance they will be eligible to apply to the certificate program. Again, it is crucial that all students complete this process before registration in the online certificate. If students fail to follow the procedure, they will not be able to be registered in the online certificate program.
Application Requirements
- CV
- Personal Statement
- One letter of recommendation (Only email address required. Our system will ask them to upload their reference.)
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Do I need to have a master's degree to enroll in this graduate certificate?
The only degree needed to enroll in a graduate certificate program is a bachelor's degree.
Can I take this graduate certificate by itself?
Yes, graduate certificates can be taken by themselves. Our graduate certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain very specific skills and knowledge in a shorter amount of time than our degree programs in similar areas. Certificate programs can be useful to your career by itself, or when coupled with a degree-bearing program. This choice is completely up to the student.
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
I'm located in the U.S. but not a U.S. citizen. Can I take this program?
No. Only U.S. citizens are able to take this program.
Tuition
Is financial aid available if this is the only program I enroll in?
Federal financial aid is not available to students who only enroll in a certificate program.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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