Geological

Geological

What is Geological Engineering?

Geological engineers use the principles of geoscience to solve the engineering and environmental problems challenging our planet. They play key roles in:

  • The exploration, protection, and responsible development of Earth’s water, mineral, and energy resources.
  • Ensuring that structures such as bridges, dams, tunnels and highrises are stable and secure.
  • Mapping for landslides and earthquakes.
  • Conducting environmental impact assessments, developing and protecting groundwater resources, and remediating contaminated lands.
  • The design and construction of innovation solutions to safely dispose of garbage, sewage and toxic chemicals.
  • Building and maintenance of roads, railways, airports, transmission lines and pipelines for safety, reliability and capacity.
  • Exploring mineral and energy resources hidden below the Earth’s surface and developing these resources efficiently and responsibly.

Options

The Geological Engineering Program is delivered jointly by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Geology and offers three options:

  • Geoenvironmental*: Includes environmentally-oriented courses in Civil Engineering, Geochemistry, Biology and Geology and prepares students to work on projects such as environmental impact assessments, waste disposal, and the management of surface and ground water quality and supplies.
  • Geotechnical:* Focuses on the behaviour of earth materials and their impacts on people and infrastructure for work such as assessing geological hazards and groundwater supplies, and the design of structures such as bridges, off-shore installations and waste-disposal facilities.
  • Mineral Resources*: This option addresses applied scientific, economic and environmental aspects of the discovery, extraction, use and management of mineral deposits.

The Undergraduate Calendar provides more details on these options.

What Can You Be With A Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering?

Geological engineering is a rapidly growing field offering incredible scope and career opportunities, and the chance to work in an atmosphere of adventure and exploration. Job prospects are excellent here in Canada and worldwide.

  • Geological Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Environmental Geophysicst
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Mining Engineer
  • Metallurgical Engineer
  • Material Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Remediation Engineer

Search for Careers for more career possibilities.

With additional education/training…

  • University/College Professor
  • Teacher
  • Research Consultant
  • Seismologist
  • Engineering Consultant
  • Entrepreneur

Where Can You Work?

Geological engineering offers unsurpassed opportunities for travel and work in the natural environment. Your UNB degree will be recognized and respected among Canadian and international employers. It is ideal for careers in:

  • Containment of Municipal and Industrial Wastes
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Environmental Remediation
  • Geological/Geotechnical Hazard Assessment
  • Geotechnical/Construction Engineering
  • Groundwater Wellfield Development
  • Mining Exploration and Development
  • Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
  • Research and Academia
  • Rock Engineering & Stabilization
  • Water Resource Assessment & Protection

What Skills Can You Develop?

You will develop exceptional field skills, powers of observation, analytical techniques, and familiarity with state-of-the-art design and analysis tools. You will learn to integrate factual data with knowledge of geological and geotechnical processes in order to make informed recommendations and decisions. You will also develop a wide range of tranferable skills. These skills include:

  • Excellent mathematical and computing skills
  • Oral communications skills – making presentations, brainstorming, discussion of laboratory work, participation in meetings
  • Written communications skills – design and research project and reports, literature reviews, writing notes from project meetings
  • Organizational skills – managing work load, labs, project and report deadlines; task management, planning
  • Interpersonal skills – teamwork, group dynamics, problem solving
  • Research and analytic skills – finding, summarizing, critiquing texts and papers; data handling and analysis

Professional Associations & Resources

Professional associations can be a great way to meet, learn from and network with professionals in your field of interest. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of professional associations and industry-related websites you can explore.

Contact the Department

Geological Engineering Program
Department of Geology
Head Hall, Room H-124
University of New Brunswick,
P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton NB
E3B 5A3

Contact Information
Website