THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana to establish a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Earth Resources Engineering for students of The University of Montana-Missoula and Montana Tech of The University of Montana.

EXPLANATION: Montana Tech of The University of Montana and The University of Montana-Missoula have developed nationally- and internationally-recognized programs in earth resources and environmental sciences and engineering. Montana Tech's engineering programs have focused on the exploration, exploitation, and processing of the natural wealth of the earth. The programs at The University of Montana-Missoula have emphasized the environmental and societal context for the beneficial use of these resources and have provided a scientific basis for their discovery and use. The two campuses of The University of Montana propose to develop a University of Montana degree program that will allow students, for the first time at the national university level, to develop a curriculum that integrates these two important aspects of resource development and management. Students enrolled in the program may complete a minor at the other campus.