Overview
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.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
31 January 2025
Start date
May 2025
Douglas College
New Westminster Campus,
700 Royal Avenue,
NEW WESTMINSTER,
British Columbia (BC),
V3M 5Z5, Canada
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
31 January 2025
Start date
September 2025
Douglas College
New Westminster Campus,
700 Royal Avenue,
NEW WESTMINSTER,
British Columbia (BC),
V3M 5Z5, Canada
British Columbia secondary school graduation or equivalent; One course short of British Columbia secondary school graduation, or equivalent; Nineteen (19) years of age or older on the first day of the first semester of attendance; Seventeen (17) years of age on the first day of the first semester of attendance, and has not been enrolled at a school for a minimum of one year; Completion of a certificate or equivalent from a special needs program and has been in school for 12 years, or has received an Evergreen or Leaving School Certificate
Douglas College English Assessment
TOEFL iBT (in-person or online) - minimum score 83
TOEFL Essentials - minimum score of 9 (no score below 8 on any individual section)
IELTS - minimum overall band test score 6.5 (academic module only)
EIKEN Practical English - minimum placement of Grade 1
CAEL - minimum overall and essay score of 60 (computer or paper based)
Cambridge English CAE - minimum score 75 or "B
Cambridge English CPE - minimum score 60 or "C
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
Duolingo English Test Minimum overall score of 110. Official test scores must be sent directly to Douglas College.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - minimum score of 56
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Students who complete one of Douglas College’s 10 degree programs enjoy a graduate employment rate of 94 percent.