Engineering

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The Bachelor of Engineering in Resource Engineering provides a rigorous four-year (9-semester) education grounded in mathematics, science, engineering science, engineering design, and complementary studies. Students select from two technical specializations: Mining Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering. The mining option covers subjects such as rock mechanics, mine design, ventilation, mineral processing, and mine safety, while the renewable energy option focuses on the design and integration of solar, wind, and emerging renewable systems along with energy storage. Both streams emphasize a holistic approach to resource engineering, including sustainability, indigenous engagement, management and financial fundamentals, alongside the use of modern engineering tools and software.

The program includes a 16-month paid co-operative education component, typically completed between the third and fourth years. These placements are arranged with local and national industry partners in generally two, eight-month placements, enabling students to gain practical experience in project design, operations, and analysis, often working on multidisciplinary teams. These co-op terms allow students to participate in engineering projects—from planning through implementation—and to apply technical concepts learned in the classroom to real-world challenges.

Studies are developed in collaboration with industry partners to reflect current tools, methods, and standards. Industry professionals regularly contribute guest lectures, site visits, and mentorship of the final-year capstone design project.

Diploma of Engineering: students who wish to pursue a different engineering discipline may exit the program after two years with a Diploma of Engineering, providing a solid foundation for transfer into other institutions, such as Dalhousie University in the fields of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, Environmental, or Computer Engineering. Students wishing to do so should contact a Science Advisor to ensure they take the correct discipline-specific courses which may differ.

Saint Mary’s University offers the first two years of an Engineering degree program accredited by the Association of Professional Engineers of the Provinces through the Canadian Accreditation Board. These first two years of study constitute the Diploma in Engineering. 

Completion of Degree at Dalhousie University

Upon completion of the Diploma in Engineering at Saint Mary’s, students may choose to apply to Dalhousie University for the completion of their Bachelor of Engineering degree in their chosen discipline program. Required courses for the Diploma, as well as for each of the disciplines are listed below. Admission to the desired discipline program at Dalhousie University is not automatic and may depend on the applicant’s academic standing and the number of available seats in the different programs.  Students with low academic standings may be offered alternative disciplines. Dalhousie will treat students from the Associated University programs (of which Saint Mary’s is a member) in the same manner as students who entered the program as freshmen at Dalhousie University. Academic merit will be the only deciding factor on admission to disciplines.

Interested students should speak to the Engineering Academic Advisor.

Completion of Degree at Saint Mary’s University

Diploma in Engineering students may also choose to continue their studies at Saint Mary’s to obtain a Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Engineering. Two options are available: B.Sc. (General) with Diploma in Engineering; and B.Sc. with Major and Diploma in Engineering.