Geoscience
Master of Science (MSc)
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Program overview
This is a full-time degree with an expected completion time of two years, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in the same or a closely related discipline. Formed in 1963, the Department of Geoscience is a vibrant cornerstone of the University of Calgary – and is also the largest geoscience department in Canada. We are internationally and nationally recognized for strengths in seismic geophysics, petroleum geology, hydrology, petrology and regional tectonics. Our vision is an improved understanding of Earth systems through innovative and impactful geoscience research, interdisciplinary learning and discovery, empowered and inspired teaching, and effective communication that not only raises our profile as a geoscience centre of excellence, but also creates a brighter future for our world. Many thesis-based students participate in field schools during their time in the program, gaining valuable training in geological field methods in a range of possible locations.
Outcomes and next steps
Post-Secondary Teaching and Research, Oil and gas , Resource exploration , Resource Management, Environmental Consulting, Geo Hazards, Renewable Energy, Policy and Regulation.
A master’s degree in geoscience will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Four courses
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Two years full-time; four years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; guaranteed funding
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. Students are not required to identify potential supervisors prior to applying to the program.
Showing 6 of 8
accepting inquires
Charles Henderson
- Upper Paleozoic and Triassic Sequence Biostratigraphy and Conodont Paleontology
accepting inquires
David Eaton
- Seismology
unavailable
Edwin Cey
- Hydrogeology
- Vadose Zone Hydrology and Preferential Flow
- Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction
- Numerical Simulation
- Subsurface Microbial Transport
- Expert Review and Regulatory Input
accepting inquires
Jan Dettmer
- Seismology
accepting inquires
Marc Strous
- Bioenergy
- Subsurface microbial fuel cells
- Metagenomics, proteomics and isotope labeling
- Below ground microbial conversions in aquifers
accepting inquires
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies for more information.
Completion requirements
Courses
Topics may include hydrogeology, flow in porous media, petrologic methods, structural methods, basin studies, geochemistry and others.
Field Schools
Many students participate in field schools for 12-16 days in late summer or early spring. Activities include orienteering, mapping surficial deposts, measuring sections in sedimentary rocks, and mapping geologic structures in places like the Canadian Shield, Alberta prairies, Rocky Mountains and deserts of southwest USA.
Thesis
Students will prepare and defend an original research thesis.
Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Geoscience Program
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.Minimum education
Four-year Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent. An Honours degree in geology or geophysics, or a field related to geophysics, such as physics or mathematics, is preferred.Work samples
NoneDocuments
- A concise statement outlining the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary
Reference letter
TwoTest scores
NoneEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJan. 15 Application deadline
InternationalJan. 15 Application deadline
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements
Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,758 CAD
$1,758 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,593 CAD
$12,695 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,351 CAD
$14,453 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply after first full year of studies.
Funding availability
In 2015-16, the departmental minimum was $21,000 for students with no external funding.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Geoscience Program
UCalgary Researcher Investigates Dinosaur Nest
Darla Zelenitsky helps to identify a recently repatriated nest
Identifying Gaps in the Fracking Debate
Cathy Ryan represents UCalgary in understanding knowledge gaps in hydraulic fracking
UCalgary Scientists Recognized For Distinguished Service
Five geoscientists were elected Fellows of Geoscientists Canada
Learn more about this program
Faculty of Science
Biological Sciences, Room 570
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.5516
Geoscience
Earth Science 118
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.5184
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have
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