Queen's University

Overview

The GeoEngineering PhD program at Queen's University, offered in collaboration with the Royal Military College, is designed to tackle pressing geotechnical and geoenvironmental issues related to soil, rock, and groundwater. This research-driven doctoral program equips students with advanced skills necessary for addressing challenges such as foundation stability, slope stability, tunneling, site contamination, and waste management.

What you'll study

The program combines graduate-level coursework with a significant research dissertation, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests under the guidance of experienced faculty. Core graduate courses typically include:

• Hydrogeology

• Geotechnical Engineering

• Geoenvironmental Engineering

• Geomechanics

• Geosynthetics

• Geochemistry

The research component focuses on original investigations, encompassing research planning, literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and thesis writing. Students will engage in:

• Development of a dissertation based on original research supervised by faculty

• Comprehensive data collection and analysis, including laboratory tests and field investigations

• Thesis writing and defense, adhering to departmental standards

Academic development is reinforced through regular progress monitoring, supervisory meetings, and opportunities for scholarly communication via seminars and presentations.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants should possess a relevant master’s degree or an equivalent graduate qualification in engineering, applied science, or a closely related field. The selection process is competitive, focusing on academic credentials, research alignment, and the proposed study area. There are no specific GRE or GMAT requirements for this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the GeoEngineering PhD program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in academia, research institutions, and industry. They can pursue roles in environmental consulting, geotechnical engineering, government agencies, and other sectors where expertise in soil, rock, and groundwater management is essential. The advanced research skills and knowledge gained through the program empower graduates to contribute significantly to solving contemporary geoengineering challenges.