U of S: Prospective Students

Geological Engineering

Explore, shape, develop and protect the Earth’s natural resources. Participate in the discovery and development of new sources of minerals, energy and water. Help to ensure we have safe foundations for dams, stable road cuts for our highways and clean, sustainable sources of drinking water. These opportunities and more are available when you choose Geological Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.

What is Geological Engineering?

Geological Engineering is the application of engineering principles to natural materials and fluids such as soils, rocks, groundwater and petroleum.

Geological engineers search for sources of minerals, groundwater, and petroleum, and they design mines and well fields to develop these resources. They determine the properties of rocks and soils, and they participate in the design and construction of major projects such as dams, bridges and highways. They accept responsibility for minimizing environmental impacts of the activities necessary to provide society with energy, water and raw materials.

Career Opportunities

In the last 5 years, over 70 students have graduated from the program. Most of our graduates are working as professional engineers in Canada, with many of them in Saskatchewan.

Employers include large and small mining and petroleum companies, geotechnical and geoenvironmental consultants, and both provincial and federal government agencies.

There is a steady demand for geological engineers in Saskatchewan and in Canada. At present, there is a strong demand for engineering geologists, hydrogeologists and geotechnical engineers in the United States, as well. Prospects for employment outside North America are also very strong. Some of the many recent employers of our students include:

Mining Companies - Cameco, Potash Corporation of Canada, Areva, HudBay Minerals Inc.
Petroleum Companies - Husky Energy, Shell Canada, Encana, Nexen, BJ Services, Reeves Wireline, Schlumberger, Weatherford, Tucker Wireline
Consulting Companies - BGC Engineering, Clifton Associates, EBA Environmental, GeoPacific Consultants, Machibroda Engineering, MDH Engineered Solutions, O’Connor Associates, Respec, Soilvision Systems, Worley Parsons, Wardrop Engineering, Golder Associates
Government Agencies - Alberta Energy & Utilities Board, Saskatchewan Department of Highways & Transportation, Saskatchewan Water Corporation, Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy & Resources

A Stepping Stone...

A degree in Geological Engineering is a path to a rewarding career in hydrogeology or numerous opportunities in geotechnical, mining, petroleum and geoenvironmental engineering. Graduates can also go on to pursue applied research in many areas including:

hydrogeology and contaminant transport
underground mine stability
petroleum well bore stability and caprock integrity
rock slope stability

Geological Engineering is a multi-disciplinary program. Our graduating students are qualified to embark on exciting careers in mining, petroleum, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering.
—Dr. Chris Hawkes, Professor

The U of S Advantage

The U of S Engineering programs are very highly rated by independent bodies such as the National Education Foundation in the U.S.A. The Geological Engineering program currently ranks 4th in Canada and 6th in North America. The Geological Engineering program is fully accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

Outstanding Students & Faculty

Geological Engineering is one of the smaller programs in the College of Engineering. Students will be in small, upper-year classes and have close contact with professors. The excellent access to teachers, because of it's size, was noted as a strength of the program in a recent student survey. At any time, there are approximately 40 to 50 students spread over second, third and fourth year. All professors have close ties with industry and a wealth of experience in the practice of their profession.

A Degree in Geological Engineering

The Geological Engineering degree begins first with a common year for all engineering disciplines, and the second year is the same for both Geological and Civil Engineering students. The third year of the program includes more specialized engineering courses which include rock and soil mechanics and geology courses such as mineralogy, sedimentology and structural geology.

Before the start of fourth year, Geological Engineering students attend a 14-day field trip which enables them to learn how to make a geological map, visit engineering sites including oil rigs, dams, mines and tunnels, and conduct rock slope stability mapping field work. The fourth year of study involves learning how to design excavations and structures in soil and rock, model and control groundwater flow and contamination, and recover oil and gas from the subsurface.

Students in Geological Engineering can choose electives in several areas. These electives allow the individual to concentrate their studies in the key employment areas of geotechnical, geoenvironmental, mining and petroleum engineering.

Upon completing a degree in Geological Engineering graduates will have:

the same geotechnical and soil mechanics background as a U of S Civil Engineer
a substantial background in geological sciences
training in the geological aspects of petroleum engineering and mining engineering
an excellent background in groundwater and geoenvironmental engineering

Internship Program

Students in the College of Engineering have an opportunity to gain work experience for a period of 8, 12 or 16 months between their third and fourth years. Students are paid a salary which is equivalent to that of a graduating engineer.

Combined Degrees

Students may earn a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a degree from the College of Arts & Science at the same time. This usually results in an additional year to 18 months of study. Some areas that students have studied include computer science, geology, mathematics and languages.

Getting Involved!

The Geological Engineering Student Society organizes field trips, social events and has students compete in the annual Canadian Mining Games. Geological Engineering students are also involved in the Ore Gangue club, an active group of students with a common geology background. Studenta are also active in groups such as the Saskatoon Student Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the local branch of the Canadian Geotechnical Society, and both the mining and geology groups of the Canadian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. The faculty and students in Geological Engineering get to know each other very well and there are always “meet the professor nights” each year.

Admission Requirements

The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.

International Student Admission Requirements

Additional Information

Related Interests

If you are interested in Geological Engineering, you might also be interested in:

Relevant Links

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Important Dates

April 1
Keep this application deadline in mind

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