Your degree in Geological Sciences

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Geological Sciences, you’re learning to examine the earth, including the composition, structure, physical properties, and history of our planet. You’ll develop important skills while taking advantage of Vancouver’s location as a beautiful, natural geological laboratory.

These skills may include:

Location, identification, classification and extraction of various earth materials and structures
Application of the geologic time scale to indicate the order of events on Earth
Surveying and sampling techniques
Field mapping
Technical report writing
Mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis
Computer methods used to analyze geological and geographical data
Interpretation of 3D subsurface structures
Microscopic petrography and mineral identification

Career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields, including mineral exploration, environmental geoscience, consulting, government agencies, resource management, hydrogeology, community development, research, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academic backgrounds, 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.

Agricultural consultant
Assayer
Agrogeologist
Cartographer
Environmental geologist
Exploration geologist
Geodesist
Geographic information systems technician
Geological technician
Geologist
Geomorphologist
Geophysical data technician
Hydrogeologist
Hydrologist
Land surveyor

Laboratory technician
Landscape architect
Lobbyist
Mine geologist
Mineral technician
Mining technologist
Oceanographer
Paleontologist
Petroleum geologist
Sedimentologist
Seismic technician
Seismologist
Toxicologist
Urban planner

Make the most of your specialization

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

Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs.
UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.
UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in geological sciences between study terms.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
How to become a professional geoscientist
Know what courses you should take to become certified for this role.
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects.
Volunteer at the GeoConvention
Network with top industry professionals during the summer term and connect with guest speakers at technical talks.
AME Roundup Conference
Attend a mineral exploration industry convention in term 2 and network with professionals.
PDAC Convention
Volunteer at or attend this mineral exploration and mining convention in Toronto.
MapPlace tool
Use geospatial web services to visualize and analyze geoscience and mineral resource data and maps in British Columbia.

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.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

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

More information

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