Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) website to learn more about Geological Engineering.
View full program detailsProgram information
Geological engineers assess the physical landscapes where dams, mines, roads, pipelines, railways, forestry, and other extractive operations are planned. Geological Engineering prepares you for an exciting career that often involves travel and on-site investigations in far-flung locales, as well as exposure to state-of-the-art engineering tools.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Faculty
- Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering)
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- Yes
- Degree
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering)
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What you'll learn
Geological Engineering is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Faculty of Science, but leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science of the engineering Faculty of Applied Science. Our research and teaching interests span virtually all aspects of understanding the history and dynamics of our planet, as well as management of its resources and the environment we live in. This program focuses on many important aspects of geotechnology, including construction, environmental protection, transportation, energy and water supply, mining, natural hazards management, and governmental oversight.|UBC’s Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences (which incorporates Geology, Geophysics & Oceanography) is one of the largest and most diverse departments of its kind in the world. The Pacific Museum of the Earth is open to the public.
UBC’s Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences (which incorporates Geology, Geophysics & Oceanography) is one of the largest and most diverse departments of its kind in the world. The Pacific Museum of the Earth is open to the public.
Most popular courses
Statics of particles, equilibrium or rigid bodies, rigid body statics and internal forces, trusses; kinematics: rectilinear motion; dynamics: Newton’s second law, friction, impulse, momentum, work and energy.
Written and oral communication in engineering. Report preparation, business correspondence, and oral presentation of technical material
Principles of geophysical survey design, data acquisition, processing and interpretation with emphasis on near-surface problems. Magnetic, seismic reflection/refraction, electromagnetic and ground penetrating radar surveys. Case history analysis of environmental and geotechnical problems
The Engineers and Geoscientists Act; professional ethics, conflicts of interest, confidentiality and accountability; health and safety; sustainable development and environmental stewardship; equity considerations; design and construction contracts, specifications and tendering; labour and employment law; dispute resolution; evidence and expert witnesses; torts and legal liability
Outcomes
Your career opportunities will 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.
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Applied Science (Engineering)
- IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL, or IB Math Applications and Interpretations HL. (IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, are not acceptable.)
- IB Chemistry
- IB Physics
- Academically strong candidates missing either IB Chemistry or IB Physics may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Sciences
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering) website to learn more about Geological Engineering.
View full program details