The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has announced the launch of a new PhD program in engineering, marking the first doctoral program introduced by the institution in over 15 years. Provost Michel Beaulieu expressed enthusiasm for this development, stating that it is a significant milestone for both UNBC and the northern British Columbia region.
The program is anticipated to enhance research opportunities, particularly in areas vital to northern B.C. and the province as a whole, such as resource development and environmental management. As one of British Columbia’s six research universities, UNBC aims to provide students with the opportunity to pursue advanced studies while remaining close to their home communities, aligning with the institution’s commitment to serving the northern region.
Currently, students often leave the region to pursue doctoral studies elsewhere, with many not returning. The new PhD program in engineering at UNBC will be the fourth of its kind in British Columbia, joining other universities in offering this specialized field of study. The inaugural cohort of students is set to commence their studies in the upcoming fall semester.
UNBC, primarily located in Prince George with additional campuses in Fort St. John, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and programs in other northern communities, was established in 1994 to expand educational opportunities in the region. While the university currently offers a master’s program in engineering, a PhD is deemed essential for conducting high-level research.
Given the significant resource development in the region, Provost Beaulieu emphasized the critical need for expertise in various areas directly relevant to northern British Columbia. These include sustainable infrastructure, water resource management, environmental engineering, structural engineering, wood engineering, transportation systems, and geotechnical engineering.
Jessie Sunner, B.C.’s minister of post-secondary education, highlighted the potential of the new program to attract and retain graduate students, researchers, and innovators in northern B.C. while addressing pressing challenges across the province, such as sustainable buildings, clean water, and resilient transportation infrastructure.
Albert Koehler, a former Prince George city councillor with a PhD in engineering from Germany, praised the introduction of the PhD program, emphasizing its role in fostering creative thinking and advancing societal progress. Koehler also expressed hopes for further expansion into additional branches of engineering, such as mechanical and electrical engineering.
