UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
UNBC launches new PhD program in Engineering

The University of Northern British Columbia is launching a new Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering, the University's first new doctoral program in more than 15 years. 

Students in the new PhD program will undertake advanced research that addresses engineering challenges facing northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities while contributing solutions to issues of national and global importance.

"The new PhD program in Engineering at UNBC strengthens B.C.'s reputation as a world-class destination for research and innovation," said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "This program will help attract and retain graduate students, researchers, and innovators in northern B.C. while supporting research that addresses pressing challenges throughout the province, including sustainable buildings, clean water, resilient transportation infrastructure, and the responsible management of natural resources in northern and remote communities."

The program, which will welcome its first students this fall, represents a major investment in research capacity, innovation and the development of highly qualified personnel for British Columbia and beyond.

"The new PhD in Engineering strengthens UNBC's research excellence and creates new opportunities for students to pursue advanced scholarship in areas of strategic importance to the North and to Canada," says UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen. "Students will be applying their research to the real challenges facing this region. The North is the future, and the people who study here should be the ones who are advancing solutions to meet those challenges." 

Designed as a research-intensive doctoral degree, the program combines advanced coursework with original research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Students will work closely with faculty members whose research spans areas including sustainable infrastructure, water resources, environmental engineering, structural engineering, wood engineering, transportation systems, geotechnical engineering and other disciplines aligned with UNBC's strategic research priorities. 

"The launch of the PhD in Engineering represents an important milestone in the continued growth of engineering education and research at UNBC," says UNBC Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu. "This program will create new opportunities for students to pursue engineering research in northern British Columbia while helping attract outstanding doctoral students and faculty to our region. By expanding research capacity and strengthening partnerships with industry, government, Indigenous communities and research organizations, the program will contribute to innovative solutions for the unique challenges and opportunities facing northern and rural communities. It reflects UNBC's commitment to developing highly skilled graduates and advancing research that supports the future of northern B.C. and beyond."

The new doctoral program builds upon the success of UNBC's Master of Applied Science in Engineering and enables students to pursue advanced research without leaving northern British Columbia. It is expected to attract highly qualified students from across Canada and internationally while further strengthening the University's growing research profile. 

"For the first time, students will be able to complete the full continuum of engineering education at UNBC, from undergraduate studies through master's and doctoral degrees," says School of Engineering Professor Mauricio Dziedzic. "The program enhances opportunities for UNBC students and positions northern British Columbia as a destination for world-class engineering research and graduate training."

The PhD in Engineering is UNBC's fourth doctoral degree, joining PhD programs in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Psychology and Health Sciences.