Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.
Get the skills needed to work in mining and mineral exploration as a geological technician with the two-year Geological Resources Diploma.
Geological technicians work outdoors in some of the most beautiful – and remote – places on Earth, collecting and identifying samples of rocks and minerals, prospecting and more for the mining and mineral-exploration industries.
Get practical experience while you study
The program is a combination of academic knowledge and applied learning. You’ll do two hands-on fieldwork components, which give you the chance to do the work of a geological technician, as well as go on field trips to mines and exploration operations to see how they work. Once you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and training to find work immediately.
Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies
Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.
Further studies
If you decide you want to complete a geology degree, or a degree in a related field, such as geography, geophysics, geochemistry or engineering, you can transfer your (60) credits to SFU or another research university in B.C.
Qualify for professional geoscience status
In order to become a geologist or geoscientist, you must earn a designation with the Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Your two years in the Geological Resources program will get you started on the academic requirements for this designation, which you would complete once you have transferred to university and completed a four-year degree.
Applicants to the Geological Resources Diploma Program must meet the following to receive admission to the program and priority registration:
Successful applicants must meet individual course prerequisites upon registering.
You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page.
Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
Course Requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|
Select one course from the following two options: |
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|
Business Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
UT ENGL Elective |
One ENGL Course (1100 – 1999) |
3.00 |
|
Select one course from the following two options: |
||
|
Precalculus |
4.00 |
|
|
Calculus I |
3.00 |
|
|
Select one course from the following two options: |
||
|
Introductory General Physics I |
5.00 |
|
|
Mechanics |
5.00 |
|
|
Select one course from the following two options: |
||
|
Introduction to Earth Sciences |
3.00 |
|
| Introduction to Earth Sciences |
4.00 |
|
|
Required courses: |
||
|
The Structure of Matter |
4.00 |
|
|
History of the Earth |
3.00 |
|
|
Field Methods 1 |
4.00 |
|
|
Resources from the Earth |
3.00 |
|
|
Sedimentology & Stratigraphy |
4.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Mineralogy |
4.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Petrology |
4.00 |
|
|
Field Methods 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Structural Geology |
4.00 |
|
|
Geological Mapping 1 |
4.00 |
|
|
Geological Mapping 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Geological Information Systems |
3.00 |
|
|
Exploration and Mining 1 |
4.00 |
|
|
Exploration and Mining 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Geographic Information Systems |
3.00 |
|
|
Select one elective course: |
||
|
Any college level course |
NOTE THAT ONLY ONE OF GEOG 1120, GEOL 1120 OR EAES 1120 WILL RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS PROGRAM |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
|
73.00 |
Progress Requirement for Continuation in the Program
In order to continue in the program, students must meet the following criteria:
Students enrolling in January are encouraged to start as part-time, so they may more easily meet the progress requirement. Students who do not meet these progress requirements may be dropped from full-time to part-time status, or further dropped from the program. Students who fulfill the graduation requirements may graduate with the credential, even if not enrolled in the program.
Availability of Courses in the Geological Resources Diploma Program
Course offerings are limited, and some courses are offered only once per year or once per two years. Students should therefore plan their courses carefully before registration and in consultation with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students should be aware that achieving a specified minimum grade is required for all courses that are pre-requisites.
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Career opportunities include: