Geological Engineering degree

woman standing on a volcano with steam around her

Rock on with Geological Engineering

Love the outdoors? Don’t want to be stuck at a desk all day? Looking for small class sizes and a tight-knit student community? If you’re interested in sustainability, risk management, and creating a safer world, Geological Engineering gives you the opportunity to examine geological processes first-hand through field courses on campus, northern Ontario, and beyond!

À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s program is one of only two in Ontario.ÌýYou’ll take Civil Engineering classes where you’ll learn design and problem-solving skills. You’ll also take Earth Sciences classes to acquire a solid background in geosciences. Meanwhile, through co-op, you'll gain two years of related work experience.

You'll learn to develop energy and mineral resources sustainably, ensure the safety of dams, pipelines, and tunnels, assess risks for landslides and earthquakes, or remove hazardous contamination from groundwater.

At À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, you’ll also study carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, and natural resource development, including critical minerals essential for electric vehicles and clean technologies. Become savvy in the latest innovations in sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and satellite imagery too.

Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for two professional designations: Professional Engineer and Professional Geoscientist. Make the world your classroom or office!

What courses will you take in Geological Engineering?

First-year courses

You'll take a mix of earth sciences, math, chemistry, and physics courses to build a strong foundation in geological processes and engineering principles for upper-year classes.

September to December

  • CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers
  • GEOE 100 – Environmental and Geological Engineering Concepts
  • CIVE 104 – Mechanics 1
  • GEOE 115 – Linear Algebra
  • MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
  • ENGL 191/COMMST 191 – Communication in the Engineering Profession

May to August

  • CIVE 105 – Mechanics 2
  • GEOE 121 – Computational Methods
  • GEOE 153 – Earth Engineering
  • GEOE 123 – Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation
  • MATH 118 – Calculus 2 for Engineering

This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.

After first-year

Your upper-year courses will cover geotechnical design, rock and soil mechanics, hydrogeology, and geophysics, with opportunities to specialize through technical electives and hands-on field experience.

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

EARTH 231 – Mineralogy
GEOE 353 – Geotechnical Engineering 1
EARTH 438 – Engineering Geology
GEOE 400 – Geological Engineering Design Project 1

Customize your degree

Explore specializations within your program to enhance your degree.

  • Geology – Study the Earth's materials and processes to understand natural hazards, resource exploration, and how geology shapes our world.
  • Hydrogeology – Explore how groundwater moves through soil and rock to help manage water resources and protect the environment.
  • Soil, Rock & Structures – Learn how to analyze and design foundations, tunnels, and slopes by understanding the behaviour of soil and rock in engineering projects.

Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students.

Remote video URL

Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering

Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Geological Engineering

Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Field courses and field labs. Study earth sciences through an engineering lens with extensive field-based courses and labs that'll take you from À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's campus to northern Ontario and beyond.

Make lasting connections. With just 15 to 20 students in first year, you’ll develop strong bonds with your classmates and your professors.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Geotechnical engineering assistant
  • Field engineering / project coordinator
  • Industrial buildings inspector
  • Mining / energy engineering student
  • Rock mechanics assistant
  • Water - wastewater project assistant
  • Geotechnical materials technician

Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Co-op Study
Second Co-op Study Co-op
Third Study Co-op Study
Fourth Co-op Study Co-op
Fifth Study Study -

Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Geological Engineering?

For Geological Engineering graduates, the world is their office. They commonly pursue careers in engineering consulting, mining, and public health, while merging both tech and the outdoors. They often work for engineering firms, government departments, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Geological Engineer — AMEC
  • Geotechnical Design — Shell Canada
  • Rock Mechanics Engineer — Glencore, Kidd Creek Operations
  • Geological Engineer — BGC Engineering
  • Water Specialist — Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association
  • Geotechnical Engineer — Pretium Resources
  • Junior Program Engineer — Environment Climate Change Canada

Possible professional designation

  • ,

Learn about the future of careers in engineering.

Common questions about Geological Engineering

What's the difference between Geological Engineering and Earth Sciences?

Geological engineering and earth science are two fields that, while related, focus on different aspects of the Earth and its systems.

Earth Sciences is a broad field that studies the Earth and its processes, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. It encompasses geology, meteorology, oceanography and environmental science. It emphasizes understanding natural processes and Earth's history. Earth scientists work in a variety of sectors, including environmental consulting, government agencies, education, research and energy. You might focus on climate change, natural resource management, environmental protection or geotechnical analysis.

On the other hand, Geological Engineering applies engineering principles to the exploration and utilization of geological resources. This includes the design and analysis of systems that interact with the earth, such as mining, oil and gas extraction and the construction of infrastructure like tunnels and dams. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, design, and the practical application of geological knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Geological engineers work in industries such as mining, oil and gas, construction and environmental consulting. You may be involved in resource extraction, environmental protection, hazard assessment and infrastructure development.

Civil, Architectural, Environmental, and Geological Engineering Programs Comparison Chart

Ìý Civil Engineering ArchitecturalÌýEngineering Environmental Engineering Geological Engineering
Ideal for students who...

Want to design and maintain the massive infrastructure on which society depends.

Would like to pursue a flexible degree with numerous subfields.

Want to learn about the build components that make up our urban environments (roads, transit, buildings, bridges).

Want to learn about many aspects behind good building design (structural aspects, energy efficiency, sustainable building design, smart/green building design).

Are interested in building design from a structural engineer's perspective as well as an architect's perspective.

Are interested in physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.

Want the technical rigour of an engineering degree combined with scientific know-how and environmental insights.

Are interested in cleaning up existing pollution from our water and soils, developing technological solutions to reduce pollutants from future human activities.

Want a career that allows you to work frequently outdoors.

Are interested in strengthening Civil Engineering infrastructure using Earth Sciences knowledge.

Are interested in combining laser/GIS/seismic technology and the outdoors.

Are interested in designing foundations for all kinds of structures on Earth or Mars.

Examples of projects in Canada

ION light rail transit in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, Ontario

Confederation bridge in Prince Edward Island

THE MUSEUMÌýin À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, Ontario

CN tower in Toronto, Ontario

Columbia Lake in À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, Ontario

Southern Rockies watershed project in Alberta

Sustainable nickel mining in Sudbury, Ontario

Examples of projects globally

Burj Khalifa in United Arab Emirates

Golden Gate bridge in the United States

Eiffel tower in France

Sydney Operahouse in Australia

Cleanup of Love Canal, New York

Mangrove restoration projects in Indonesia

Three gorges dam in China

English Channel tunnel in the United Kingdom

Student life in Engineering

Student design teams

Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 35+ student-led design teams!

Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, small airplanes, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Engineers Without Borders, and more.

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

is run by students and provides social and academic events and services to make your experience as a À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ Engineering student the best it can be.

Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or meet other students through an annual conference, semi-formal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering

Any student is also welcome to join , a student-run club that promotes equality in STEM through skills workshops, discussions, and guest speakers.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests.

Between our 200+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ has something for everyone.

Admissions requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid- to high 80s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact the Faculty of EngineeringÌýwhich can answer any questions you have.