Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Geological Engineering (GCAGE) is a flexible, online, post-baccalaureate program designed to equip geoscientists and engineers with advanced skills needed to manage geological uncertainty and risk in the mining and civil engineering sectors. With a focus on real-world case studies and the integration of field data with advanced numerical modelling, the program prepares students to tackle complex geological problems that often carry significant socio-economic and environmental consequences.

Program Details

• Format: Online, Asynchronous
• Credential: Graduate Certificate
• Course Load: 3 Courses (9 Credits)
• Duration: 8 Months
• Commitment: Part-Time, 4–7 Hours per Course/Week
• Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
• Tuition: $10,098 (Domestic) / $10,395 (International)

Key Skills Developed

• Collaborative and critical thinking regarding advanced geological engineering challenges
• Effective communication around geological uncertainty and risk

What Makes This Program Unique?

• First of its kind in Canada: Specifically aimed at engineers and geoscientists seeking to advance their careers.
• Fully Online: Complete all content on your own time, fitting around your schedule.
• World-Class Education: Learn from leading industry experts.
• Global Networking: Collaborate with learners from around the world.
• Pathway to Further Education: Ladder into M.A.Sc and M.Eng programs, opening doors to future educational opportunities.

Course Details

Instrumentation and Monitoring in Geological Engineering Practice

Investigative versus performance monitoring. Monitoring requirements, limitations and system support. Tactical versus strategic monitoring. Data analysis, utilization and communication. Integration of monitoring with geotechnical and groundwater modelling. Case histories.

Groundwater modeling in practice

Models of steady-state and transient groundwater flow in the saturated and unsaturated zones; applications to regional groundwater flow, groundwater recharge, subsurface contributions to streamflow, and aquifer evaluation; model calibration.

Geotechnical Modelling in Practice

Application of geomechanics and engineering design tools in complex geological environments. Influence and treatment of geological uncertainty; use of field data, geotechnical monitoring and numerical analyses for tunnelling, mining and rock slope engineering projects. Case histories.

Admission Pathways

• Option 1: Hold a Recognized Baccalaureate Degree: Minimum "B+" average in 3rd and 4th-year courses or at least 12 credits of relevant courses in the "A" grade range.
• Option 2: Significant Professional Experience: Applicants must have significant formal training and relevant professional experience, as well as demonstrable knowledge and/or expertise. Eligibility will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Option 3: Industry Sponsorship of Employees: Sponsored employees must meet the requirements of either Option 1 or Option 2.