Academic Programs - Graduate

Geology

Expand your knowledge and research skills in our highly-focused masters program in geology – a key area of interest for industry and government.

A student stands on a rock outcropping exposed by low tide in the Minas Basin. Cape Blomidon is visible in the distance.

In Acadia's Master of Science in Geology you will both increase your employability in industry and government, and prepare for further studies in the field. As part of a small, research-focused department, you will primarily be working closely with your supervisor on your research, field work, and thesis. You will also take additional courses to supplement your research and broaden your advanced knowledge in the discipline.

You may apply either directly to a two-year program, or, if applying from a diploma in either Geographic Information Systems or Remote Sensing from the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Centre of Geographic Sciences, you may enter a 16-month accelerated version of the program.

Be Inspired

The faculty members in Acadia’s geology program are highly active researchers in the local region and with industry. You will benefit from small class sizes, engaging researchers, and friendly faculty and staff. Acadia’s geology faculty work in partnership with NSCC’s Centre of Geographic Sciences to bring the best skills of both units together in providing programming to you.

You also have access to a wide variety of research tools and facilities within the department, and through connected research centres such as the Acadia Centre for Microstructural Analysis, K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, and the Centre of Geographic Sciences.

Research Interests

  • Applied geochemistry
  • Economic geology
  • Environmental earth science
  • Igneous petrology
  • Metamorphic petrology
  • Precambrian environmental evolution
  • Quaternary geology
  • Regional tectonics
  • Sedimentology

Program at a Glance

Courses take place in-person at Acadia University.

Year One -
First Term

  • GEOL 5xx3
    Elective
  • GEOL 5xx3*
    Elective
  • GEOL 5900*
    Graduate Seminar
  • GEOL 5960
    Thesis

Year One -
Second Term

  • GEOL 5xx3
    Elective
  • GEOL 5xx3*
    Elective
  • GEOL 5903**
    Graduate Seminar 2
  • GEOL 5960
    Thesis

Year One -
Third Term

  • GEOL 5960
    Thesis

Year Two

  • GEOL 5960
    Thesis

Year Two

  • GEOL 5960
    Thesis Completion
* Not required if admitted from the Diploma in Remote Sensing or the Diploma in Geographic Information Systems from NSCC.
** GEOL 5900 and 5903 are both required and are equivalent to one course combined. You will take five courses total, plus your thesis.
 
 

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