The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is a public research university in Golden, Colorado. Mines specializes in engineering, applied sciences, earth sciences, and energy and environmental policy. Mines offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of engineering and science disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary programs. Mines is known for its research in fields such as advanced materials, earth resources and energy, environmental science and engineering, and underground construction and tunneling. Mines has a strong focus on sustainability and is home to the Payne Institute for Public Policy, which conducts research on energy, environment, and natural resources policy. Mines was founded in 1874 as a school of mining and metallurgy and has since expanded to become a leading institution in engineering and applied sciences.