By Dave Branco

Engineering program expands

Aug 19, 2026 | 9:14 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The University of Northern British Columbia is adding a new PhD in Engineering to its graduate programs. This is the university’s first new doctoral program in over 15 years.

The research-focused program will welcome its first students this fall. It aims to address engineering challenges in northern, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, as well as issues that matter across Canada and around the world.

Jessie Sunner, B.C.’s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, said the program will boost research and innovation in the province and attract students, researchers, and innovators to northern B.C. She added that research from the program could support sustainable buildings, clean water, transportation, and natural resource management.

UNBC Interim President Dr. Bill Owen said the new PhD will strengthen the university’s research and give students more chances to study advanced topics, especially those important to the North.

The program includes advanced classes and original research that leads to a doctoral dissertation. Students will work with faculty who specialize in areas like sustainable infrastructure, water resources, environmental and structural engineering, wood engineering, transportation systems, and geotechnical engineering.

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UNBC Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Michel Beaulieu said this program is an important step in growing engineering education and research at the university. He expects it will help build stronger partnerships with industry, governments, Indigenous communities, and research organizations, and support innovation in northern and rural areas.

The new PhD builds on UNBC’s Master of Applied Science in Engineering and lets students complete advanced engineering studies in northern British Columbia without having to move away.

Professor Mauricio Dziedzic from the School of Engineering said this is the first time UNBC has offered a full pathway for engineering students, so they can complete their undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies at the same university.

The PhD in Engineering is now UNBC’s fourth doctoral program, joining the existing PhDs in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Psychology, and Health Sciences.

by Dave Branco

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