UNBC student observing something in the lab

Environmental Engineering (Joint UNBC and UBC)

As an environmental engineer, you will gain a solid background in environmental issues that are at the forefront of important discussions of how the environment and the economy are integrated with future development decisions.

This program prepares you for a wide range of employment opportunities where the technical expertise and problem-solving skills of engineers are required in conjunction with a strong awareness and understanding of environmental issues.

Degree
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
Campus
Prince George
Credits
162 credits,  4.5 Years,
Part-time available
Experiential Learning
Co-op
Honours Option
No
Intakes
Sep

Program Details

This program features all aspects of environmental engineering with a focus on sustainable development, wastewater management, and remediation and reclamation of contaminated sites.

During the first two years at UNBC, you will gain foundational knowledge in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. You will take courses in engineering design, technical writing, chemistry, physics, computer science and calculus. 

In your third and fourth years, you will transition to UBC where you will gain an in-depth, hands-on understanding of engineering principles, analysis, and design. Course topics include soil mechanics, fluid mechanics and engineering hydrology. 

You will return to UNBC for a final semester and take courses on professional practice and environmental law as well as complete a capstone design project.

The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board accredits this program. 

Example projects that an environmental engineering graduate can work on include the following:

  • Designing and building processes to bring clean drinking water to northern communities 
  • Designing and building processes to treat municipal or industrial wastewater
  • Designing and building processes to recover energy from municipal and industrial waste 
  • Developing methods to clean contaminated soil
  • Developing flood control plans
  • Mapping groundwater flow and contaminant transport in subsurface environments
Program Website Academic Calendar

Career Paths

  • Environmental engineer
  • Pollution control engineer
  • Municipal engineer
  • Water resources engineer
  • Reclamation engineer
As a Professional Engineer, you can work in the private sector in industry or for an engineering consulting company. You can also work for a government agency or start your own engineering consultancy.

Some engineering graduates continue their academic studies at the master’s or doctoral level or pursue further education in business, project management or other fields.


Why at UNBC

  • Spend time living and learning in both Prince George and Vancouver in this unique nine-semester joint program
  • Earn Bachelor of Applied Science degrees from both UNBC and the University of British Columbia
  • Obtain the academic qualifications to become a licensed Professional Engineer
  • Develop specialized knowledge in the design of water and wastewater treatment and air pollution control technologies
  • Discover the function, process and interactions of the major environmental systems: air, land, water, and living
  • Learn how engineers can play a role in adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change
UNBC motto

'En Cha Huná

UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.

Admission Requirements

High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)

Overall average of 75% minimum in the following:

  • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
  • Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 67%)
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Science
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Science
  • Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)

Physics 12 and Chemistry 12 are strongly recommended due to first-year course content

View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses

More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)

Transfer Requirements

  • Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
  • Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
  • Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
  • For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested

Detailed transfer requirements

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs per Academic Year

(30 credit hours, 10 courses)

  Domestic International
Tuition* $5,870 $24,770
Student Fees* $1,185 $1,185
Books* $1,700 $1,700

* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

  • 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
  • $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Awards and Financial Aid Information for Indigenous Students

We Are Here to Help

This is your personal guide through every step of the admissions process. We are here for one reason: to support you. We help every part of the admissions process make sense. Just ask us.

Email: futurestudents@unbc.ca
Phone: 250-960-6306

Contact a Student Recruitment Officer