Your degree in Geological Engineering

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Geological Engineering, you’re learning about the earth’s physical structure and its mechanics as it relates to engineering design. You’ll develop important skills to design sustainable infrastructure projects, support natural resource development and develop programs to protect the environment.

These skills include:

• Conducting scientific research and quantitative analyses for large energy and infrastructure projects
• Application of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydrogeology principles in designing foundations for construction, forestry, civil, and other engineering activities
• Designing and carrying out geotechnical site investigations to assess built structures including tunnels, highways, pipelines, reservoirs, and mines
• Conducting theoretical studies to determine impact of natural hazards on infrastructures and proposing remediation plans
• Analysis of groundwater flow systems to assess risk of contamination and providing recommendations for wastewater treatment strategies
• Usage of advanced geological exploration tools, specialized lab equipment and software such as Rocscience and ArcGIS
• Collection and interpretation of geophysical data to identify and assess environmental risk of a project and developing appropriate control measures

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including civil design, environmental protection and control, mineral and energy exploration, pipeline development and planning, public utilities, water resource management, natural hazard mitigation, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

• GEOROX, UBC Geological Engineering Undergraduate Club
  Participate in social events, the annual alumni dinner, field trips, and access peer academic support services.
• UBC BC Water and Waste Association, Student Chapter
  Connect with water industry professionals and attend WEST to learn about water issues and the latest water developments.
• UBC Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, Student Chapter
  Meet with industry members through guest lectures, facility and site tours, and professional development workshops.
• Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, UBC Student Chapter
  Network with industry professionals and attend guest lectures to learn about the mining field and potential career paths.
• UBC Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Seismic Design Team
  Apply complex theories of seismic design to a hands-on project and compete in the annual Seismic Design Competition.
• UBC Concrete Canoe
  Design, fabricate and race a 20-foot long canoe made of concrete and participate in an annual competition.
• UBC Steel Bridge
  Apply your technical knowledge to a unique steel design challenge and make connections with industry members.
• Sustaingineering
  Join a multidisciplinary team to tackle global sustainability issues through technology.
• Mineral Deposit Research Unit
  Check out courses and events to learn more about mineral deposits and exploration methods.
• UBC Sustainability research opportunities
  Participate in research and project-based roles to advance sustainability at UBC and in the region.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
• UBC Engineering Co-op
  Gain work experience in geological engineering between study terms.
• Engineering job board
  Check out engineering employment opportunities.
• Volunteer at the GeoConvention
  Network with top industry professionals during the summer term and hear guest speakers at technical talks.
• BC MEND Metal Leaching and Acid Rock Drainage Workshop
  Learn about the practices and technologies used to address ML/ARD issues at this annual technical forum held in December.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

• Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
• Association for Mineral Exploration BC
• Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
• BC Construction Association
• BC Environment Industry Association
• BC Land Surveyors
• Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
• Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades, and Technology
• Canadian Dam Association
• Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
• Canadian Fuels Association
• Canadian Gas Association
• Canadian Geological Foundation
• Canadian Geotechnical Society
• Canadian Institute of Geomatics
• Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum
• Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers
• Canadian Land Reclamation Association
• Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
• Canadian Society for Professional Engineers
• Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
• Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
• Canadian Water Resources Association
• Centre of Training Excellence in Mining
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Engineers and Geoscientists BC
• Engineers Canada
• Explorers and Producers Association of Canada
• Geological Association of Canada
• Geological Society of America
• Mineralogical Association of Canada
• Mining Association of British Columbia
• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
• Society of Economic Geologists, UBC Chapter
• Tunnelling Association of Canada, BC Chapter
• Vancouver Geotechnical Society

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Geological Engineering graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Applied Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Engineering degree.