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!
Waterloo’s program is one of only two in Ontario. You’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 Waterloo, 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!
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Geological Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
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 Waterloo'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
Waterloo'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
Co-op work-study sequence
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 2026).
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
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Learn more
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Kelsey Richardson, our Faculty of Engineering recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also visit our Geological Engineering program website.