Geological engineering
Did you know...
$134,721
Average salary (Genium360)
4 years
Duration of the bachelor’s degree in geological engineering
4.28 billion years
Age of the oldest remains of the Earth’s crust
The oldest evidence of life on earth
That evidence is in Quebec! In fact, our territory has been the source of major geological discoveries and geological engineers are on the front line when it comes to uncovering it.
From the surface to the depths
Fieldwork, laboratory work, seismic data: this engineering field is everywhere.
Rehabilitating contaminated sites
Geological engineering also means protecting the environment.
What the job really looks like
As a geological engineer, you will explore the Earth’s subsurface to uncover its resources—and its secrets.
- Lead exploration in regions whose geological formations may contain oil or minerals.
- Plan and lead theoretical and experimental mining studies and feasibility studies.
- Analyze seismic, electrical conductivity, density, and magnetic susceptibility data.
- Design and build environmental rehabilitation systems and contaminated-site restoration solutions.
- Develop computer applications for geophysics, geochemistry, and cartographic representation.
Source: REPÈRES, the official school and career information website (in French)
Where do you see yourself?
Geological engineers work in mines and on construction sites as well as in laboratories and government organizations.
- Consulting engineering firm
- Building construction company
- University-level educational institution
- Metal mining operator
- Federal and provincial government
- Oil industry
- Mining extraction, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industry
Where to study
Universities offering the program
QUEBEC: THE CRADLE OF LIFE ON EARTH
The oldest evidence of life on Earth? It’s in Quebec.
Northern Quebec contains traces of life dating back billions of years, placing Quebec at the heart of some of the world’s greatest geological discoveries, with geological engineers as the explorers behind them.
450 million years
Age of the rock beneath Montreal
DISCOVERIES RIGHT UNDER OUR FEET
In 2017, previously unknown passageways were discovered in the Saint-Léonard Cave.
Unique in the world, this Montreal cave still holds geological secrets. Explorers discovered new galleries there in 2017. Today, 400 metres of galleries are open to the public each summer.
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Want to explore other options?
Your mission: find your field
An interactive game to help you discover the engineer in you. (In French only.)
