The school trains high-level engineers and scientists (Master and PhD level) in various technological fields.

It was originally a vocational school providing for the training needs of skilled workers "Maîtres-mineurs" for the coal mining industry.

[3] On 10 February 1892 Henry Küss was entrusted with the Douai mineralogical district, including mining school, a post he held until 1906.

[3] To reassure critics who denounced training of civil servants and thought over-rapid improvement in the social status of workers would be dangerous, In 1905 Henry Küss stated that the pupils did "not need a very extensive scientific background, which they would anyway with very few exceptions be unable to assimilate.

[9][10] Although the IMT schools are more expensive than public universities in France, Grandes Écoles typically have much smaller class sizes and student bodies, and many of their programs are taught in English.

International internships, study abroad opportunities, and close ties with government and the corporate world are a hallmark of the Grandes Écoles.

[11][12] Degrees from the Institut Mines-Telecom are accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles[13] and awarded by the Ministry of National Education (France) (French: Le Ministère de L'éducation Nationale).

The 8 majors offered are: During the third year, in order to complete their technical knowledge students are required to study courses linked to professional positions.

They have to select one group of courses among the following ones: Mines Douai has a various range of academic partnerships with French and foreign universities.