Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Environmental Geoscience

Environmental Geoscience explores how our planet works. You will study how Earth, atmosphere, and ocean processes interact with the biosphere and human activities.

Get to know the program

A female student in a red Acadia sweatshirt smiles as she looks at the sunrise from the Blomidon Lookoff above the farmlands of the Annapolis Valley.

Environmental geoscience is an exciting field where geology meets environmental science, helping you understand how rocks, soil, and water shape landscapes and drive environmental processes. You’ll develop the skills to tackle complex problems, from resource management to environmental protection and risk assessment, combining hands-on science with knowledge of policy and sustainability.

At Acadia, small classes and engaged faculty give you personalized support in labs and fieldwork using tools common in research and industry. You’ll be part of a close-knit community, building a network that lasts well beyond graduation.

Environmental geoscience degrees at Acadia fulfil Nova Scotia Provincial legislative requirements to apply for Professional Registration, which is recognized Canada-wide. Our graduates work with governments, academia, and industry. They ensure resources in mining, oil and gas, and hydrogeology are developed with the environment in mind, both in Canada and internationally.

Early years focus on geology, environmental science, and supporting courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Later, choose electives to match your interests while pursuing a Major, Honours, Double Major, or Minor, with co-op available. We also offer 2 year research-based and MSc programs in Environmental Science, Geology, or Applied Geomatics.

Sample Courses

Explore the forces that shape our planet and learn the skills to investigate, analyze, and solve real-world environmental challenges through hands-on, field, and lab-based courses.

  • GEOL 1013
    Our Dynamic Earth
  • GEOL 2133
    Mineralogy
  • GEOL 2083
    Field School
  • GEOL 3603
    Structural Geology
  • GEOL 3723
    Hydrogeology
  • GEOL 4713
    Glacial Geology
  • ENVS 3423
    Environmental Impact Assessment

Career Options After Graduation

Environmental Geoscience graduates are equipped to solve real-world environmental and resource challenges, opening doors to a wide range of impactful careers.

  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Geochemist
  • GIS specialist
  • Exploration geologist
  • Clean energy researcher
  • Water quality manager
  • Research in academia, industry, or government
  • Environmental auditor
 

Degree Timeline

First Year

  • Take required introductory courses
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Middle Years

  • Take advantage of opportunities to become a teaching assistant
  • Connect with faculty about summer research opportunities
  • Option to enrol in the co-op program

Final Year

  • Choose to complete honours program
  • Choose to complete an intensive field course
  • Earn your degree
  • Apply for Professional Registration in Nova Scotia

Apply to
Acadia

If you’re looking for a high-quality, high-engagement university experience, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing out the best in you is what we do best.

Applying online takes about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!

Continue Exploring

Visit the Earth and Environmental Science Department

Related Programs

Environmental Geoscience is closely connected to many other disciplines that might interest you, such as:

Campus Life & Residences

Most first-year students choose to live in residence to make friends and stay close to class, recreation facilities, and downtown Wolfville. Learn more about our residence experience and the student services here to support you.

Residences & Meal Plans Student Services
 
A smiling Acadia staff member speaks with a student in the KC Irving Centre Garden Room

Speak to Us

Our enrolment advisors are here to answer your questions about the application process, campus life, and more.

Connect Now
An Acadia student gestures as she leads a campus tour. The campus chapel is visible in the background.

Visit Campus

Seeing is believing. Book a campus tour to explore Acadia in person.

Book a Visit