Graduate Certificate in Applied Geological Engineering

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Geological Engineering is an 8-month, 9 credit specialized program for engineers and geoscientists on advanced applications of applied geotechnics.

The program will equip geoscientists and engineers from relevant disciplines with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle advanced challenges faced in the geological engineering discipline. This includes opportunities for learners to develop key skills necessary for advancing in geological engineering practice: collaborative and critical thinking skills concerning advanced geological engineering challenges, and communication around geological uncertainty and risk.

Students who complete the certificate have the option of laddering the coursework into master’s programs offered by Geological Engineering (Master of Engineering or Master of Applied Science degree in Geological Engineering).

To facilitate laddering, criteria for admission to the certificate program will be the same as those required for admission to master’s programs offered by Geological Engineering.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must meet the Senate requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. 

Completion of a recognized baccalaureate degree (equivalent to a UBC 4-year Bachelor’s degree, from any accredited post-secondary institution). Applicants must also have one of the following:

  • A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses
  • Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year level courses in the A grade range (85% or higher at UBC) in the field of study
  • Alternatively, applicants who do not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in a specific graduate program, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program and approval of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of English language proficiency prior to being extended an offer of admission. For more information, refer to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ entry in the Academic Calendar regarding English Language Proficiency Requirements. Applicants who do not meet English language proficiency requirements may be granted admission on the recommendation of the Program Director and the approval of the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Certificate Requirements

All students must complete the following three courses (9 credits): EOSC_V 527 (3), EOSC_V 533 (3), EOSC_V 536 (3). Satisfactory progress as defined by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for master’s students must be maintained.


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