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Why Geological Engineering?
Explore Geological Engineering — an interdisciplinary program for creative problem-solvers interested in understanding Earth processes and tackling real-world challenges.
A combination of Engineering with Earth Sciences
It is an interdisciplinary profession in which principles of Earth science are used to solve engineering and environmental problems. It links geology, civil engineering and natural resources (e.g. mining, oil & gas, forestry) to provide a versatile set of skills applicable to a wide range of contemporary problems. UBC Geological Engineering is a fully accredited program, so our graduates hold full responsibilities as registered professional engineers. The qualifications of a Geological Engineer are similar to those of Civil and Mining Engineers with emphasis on geotechnical and environmental learning, combined with an in-depth knowledge of geological processes.
Whereas other engineering disciplines work with engineered materials where the properties and behaviour are reasonably well-specified, Geological Engineers must deal with natural materials and conditions that are largely unknown and must be inferred from limited and costly observations. The principal uncertainties have to do with the accuracy and completeness with which the subsurface geological conditions and material properties are known. Thus, Geological Engineering is less subject to standardization than other engineering disciplines, with almost every assignment bringing a new and interesting challenge.
Creative problem solvers
UBC Geological Engineering is internationally recognized as one of the top programs of its kind. Our students are creative problem solvers who are interested in the environment, sustainability, and minimizing human impacts. They enjoy the challenge of solving practical problems for which the variability of the natural environment means no two projects are alike and problems cannot be solved from the office alone. Geological Engineers enjoy working on multi-disciplinary teams and on an incredible variety of projects. They are equally comfortable working in the field and in the office. To prepare for this, our curriculum includes a mix of classroom and field-based learning experiences.
A career that makes impacts
Geological Engineers specialize in understanding how geology and natural processes can impact engineering projects, and how to manage the associated risks to produce designs that are responsive to societal needs - safe, economic, environmentally responsible, and sustainable. The UBC Geological Engineering Program is designed to equip students with a broad set of skills, maintaining a balance between scientific understanding, quantitative engineering approaches, and effective communication skills. Our students are afforded numerous opportunities to interact with and be mentored by industry professionals.
A wide selection of career opportunities
The versatility of a Geological Engineering degree results in our graduates being highly sought after and having a wide selection of career opportunities to choose from in the mining, energy, geotechnical and environmental sectors. Senior Geological Engineers become international experts, with many serving as CEO's or owning consulting companies. Check out Careers Options (link to the Career page) in Geological Engineering.
F.A.Qs.
Yes, it is demanding, but not in a one-sided way. You need a strong foundation in math, physics, chemistry, geology and engineering science. But that is not all. You also need to have a good memory and sound judgment. Above all, you need to be interested in the natural world around you. Our students are creative problem solvers, who enjoy both outdoor and office work, and enjoy travel. Geological Engineering careers involve lifelong learning.
Yes! Approximately, 33 % of our graduates are women, more than most other engineering disciplines. Many are often our best students and occupy highly responsible jobs after graduation.
Most Geological Engineering professionals eventually continue their studies after working for two to three years as a junior engineer. This involves returning for an M.Eng. or M.A.Sc. degree, and in some cases where they are interested in getting involved in the management of a consulting firm or other company, a M.B.A. Others who enjoy research will continue on to do a Ph.D.
You can get more information by visiting the other pages of our website or those of the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. You can also contact the Director of the program via e-mail: Scott McDougall.
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Our students say...
"I would describe myself as a hardworking, involved student who can prioritize and juggle multiple projects. I find Geological Engineering suits my personality because I am outgoing and enjoy the outdoors, I can be detail oriented but I can also step back and look at the bigger picture of a problem. I also really enjoy the sense of community I get from the small group. We take classes with geologists, civil engineers and mining engineers, which leads to a more diverse learning environment. Personally, I love Geological Engineering because it provides a challenging type of engineering where every problem is different. The skill set you gain at school is very widely applicable to a variety of industries. I also love how it allows me to get out of the office and into the field."
“Geological Engineering is unique because the materials in which we base our designs are highly variable even within a small area, which is not the case in most other engineering disciplines. The courses, the variability in the type of work (e.g. office vs field, working on a variety of different projects), the possibility of travelling with work, and the excellent reputation of the program and professors at UBC are all things I look back on now and truly appreciate.”
"I see myself as someone who likes to design, build or fix things (as most engineering students do), but I also enjoy a wide variety of activities, from mountain biking to ice climbing. Like many of my fellow Geological Engineering students, I am passionate about sustainable development and solving problems that achieve this goal.”