Masters of Engineering: Geotechnical
Unlock a competitive advantage in geotechnical engineering with one of Canada's leading and best-equipped programs. Master the specialized knowledge of soil and rock properties and their fluid interactions through a curriculum featuring courses unique to the University and unmatched nationally.
Students benefit from access to world-class cold room facilities, such as the Oil Sands Tailings Research Facility (OSTRF), Geotechnical Centre, Mine Wastes Lab, and field research stations. By working within our specialized facilities, students gain the technical mastery required to lead in the geotechnical sector.
Featured Facility
The Geotechnical Centre
The Geotechnical Centre is a global leader in innovative, sustainable engineering. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and elite research facilities, we deliver novel solutions for industry while mentoring the future consultants and regulators of the geotechnical discipline.
Program Objectives
- This program prepares students for engineering practice in modern geotechnical engineering.
- Provides students with the required knowledge, skills, methods, tools, experience and professional communication capability to contribute to the civil engineering industry and society.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain and apply knowledge of mechanics, analysis, design, and data analytics in engineering practice for a variety of geotechnical structures (e.g., cut slopes, embankments, foundations, dams).
- Understand and follow national or international standards, codes and industry manuals to design safe and economical geotechnical structures and perform ground investigations.
- Obtain relevant knowledge about emerging technologies and techniques to manage geotechnical projects in the modern society.
- Collaborate effectively with team members on capstone projects and communicate to team members as well as other target audiences.
- Develop the foundational knowledge and awareness for life-long learning to continue the professional growth, thus being adaptable to the ever-evolving industry needs.
- Understand ethical and professional responsibilities and make informed judgments considering the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
Careers
- Field and laboratory testing
- Oil sands policy making
- Disaster management and evaluation
- Designing earthworks
- Foundation design
- Mining operations
Course highlights
- CIV E 690 - Advanced Foundation Engineering
- CIV E 697 - Rock Engineering
- CIV E 695 - Soil Structures
- CIV E 609 - Underground Trenchless Construction
- CIV E 680 - Engineering Properties of Soils
- CIV E 684 - Engineering Geology and Terrain Analysis
- CIV E 900 - Directed Research Project (Capstone – Geotechnical section)
Connect with us
Given the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide updates or feedback for individual applications. Reach out to the university’s graduate and postdoctoral studies (GPS) team or use the link below for questions about the application process.
Contact the department: engg.gradadm@ualberta.ca