Geological engineering

Made for you if earthquakes and volcanoes fascinate you—and you dream of becoming the Indiana Jones of our caves.

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Did you know

$134,721
Average salary

(Genium360, Remuneration of engineering professionals in Quebec – Investigation report 2025-2026)
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? It’s in Quebec! In fact, our territory has been the source of major geological discoveries. Geological engineers are on the front line when it comes to uncovering the planet’s secrets.
From the surface to the depths
Fieldwork, laboratory work, seismic data—this engineering field is lived everywhere.
Rehabilitating contaminated sites.
Geological engineering also means protecting the environment.

What you will actually do

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

Université Laval

Polytechnique Montréal

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi

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.

Read the article about the Saint-Léonard Cave

Play Mission Génie to discover the type of engineering that suits you!

An interactive game to explore the different types of engineering and find the one that best matches your interests and talents.

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