Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
obviously have other skills and learning that will help them in their
careers but they will
find that there is still a lot of geological topping-
up to do as well as all the engineering during their early years in
employment (
Box 1-1).
In the USA, a minimum of aMaster of Science (MS) is now normally
required for persons seeking employment in geological or geotechnical
engineering
fields. For most engineering geologists, the MS degree
programme includes studies in rock and soil mechanics, geotechnics,
groundwater, hydrology, strengths and permeability of soil and rock,
and civil engineering design. Once in employment, geological engi-
neers are encouraged to obtain their professional engineering licence or
registration, particularly if working for a smaller consulting
rm or are
working for a state agency. As at 2011, 31 states have Geologist
Licensing Boards (California, Florida, Oregon and Washington to
name a few). Typically, education requirements consist of graduation
from an accredited college or university with a degree in geology,
hydrogeology or engineering geology. To be licensed as a geologist,
typically one must have at least
five years (Oregon requires seven years
under direct supervision of a registered geologist) of documented and
veri
able professional geological practice or, if applying for a specialty
such as engineering geologist, three to
five years of specialty practice
that is acceptable to the review board. In some states, an undergradu-
ate degree and/or each year of graduate study may count as one year or
more of experience. Geological research or teaching at college or
university level may be credited year for year if, in the opinion of the
board, it is comparable to experience from practice of geology or a
specialty. In most states, applicants must also pass a geologist and/or
specialty geologist examination.
In the states of Oregon and California, the licensure title is Certi
ed
Engineering Geologist, and in Washington State the title is Licensed
Engineering Geologist. There are some states that have reciprocity
(i.e. California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists and the
Washington State Geologist Licensing Board agree to reciprocity).
Applicants requesting license through reciprocity must, however,
have certi
ed proof from the state where they are licensed.
A.1.4 Canada
In Canada, engineering programmes must be accredited by the
Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. Accreditation is normally
evaluated every six years by a visiting team, some of whom evaluate
the general programme and university environment. Students graduate
with the subject matter that is required for professional registration.
Graduates may register as Engineers in Training, but require four years
of experience, supervised by a Professional Engineer, before they can
become Professional Engineers in their own right. They have to pass a
