The development of engineering geology as a science is considered in three stages: the emergence of a new geological science to solve the problems of geology of engineering and economic development of territories (1923-1945); the formation of three scientific branches of engineering geology - soil science, engineering geodynamics and regional engineering geology (1946-1978); engineering geology of the globe (since 1979). Further development of individual scientific branches of engineering geology is considered in connection with the new paradigm of geology as a science.