Geology

Get to Know the Program

Canada needs geologists to help find critical mineral resources, support clean energy development, build resource independence, mitigate natural hazards, and understand Earth’s processes. At Acadia, geology students gain the skills to tackle these challenges while exploring the fascinating geology of Nova Scotia and beyond.

You’ll build a solid foundation in geology and develop practical lab and field skills, learning to interpret Earth’s history and predict future changes. Small class sizes, engaged faculty, specialized facilities, and hands-on access to analytical tools ensure you get a personalized and immersive learning experience. Field trips, world-class teaching collections, and opportunities to contribute to faculty research allow you to see geology in action, all while being part of a tight-knit, supportive community.

Geology degrees at Acadia fulfill Nova Scotia Provincial legislative requirements to apply for Professional Registration. They are also transferrable across Canada, meeting Canadian Geoscience Knowledge requirements determined by Geoscientists Canada. Our geology graduates work in a wide range of sectors in government, industry, and academia. In your first two years, you’ll study core geology courses alongside chemistry, math, and physics, and later you can choose electives that match your interests. You can choose to pursue a Major, Honours, Double Major, or Minor, and co-op is available for all our programs. We also offer 2 year research-based and MSc programs in Environmental Science, Geology, or Applied Geomatics.

Take your learning, and skills development, off campus and to the world.

Study Abroad
Study abroad is available!
Co-Op
Co-op is available!

Get Involved Outside of the Classroom

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

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 enroll 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

Sample Courses

Courses like these give you a taste of the range of geology topics you’ll explore, from the fundamentals of Earth’s structure to advanced fieldwork and specialized studies.

GEOL 1013

OUR DYNAMIC EARTH

GEOL 2133

MINERALOGY

GEOL 2043

PETROLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY

GEOL 3603

STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

GEOL 3403

IGNEOUS PETROLOGY

GEOL 4013

GLOBAL AND NORTH AMERICAN GEOLOGY

GEOL 4083

SENIOR FIELD SCHOOL

In class listening to lecture

CAREER OPTIONS AFTER GRADUATION

A degree in Geology from Acadia opens doors to diverse and exciting careers, from exploring Earth’s resources to studying its past and predicting its future.

  • Exploration geologist
  • Energy geologist
  • Geochemist
  • Geographic information systems (GIS) specialist
  • Geology researcher (academia, industry, or government)
  • Geophysicist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Marine geologist
  • Museum curator
  • Paleontologist
  • Volcanologist
 

Continue Exploring

Want to know more about what's in store? You're invited to continue exploring this field of study by visiting the website of this department to get a greater insight into its culture and dynamics.

Visit the Earth and Environmental Science Department

Related Programs

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

Female student in the Irving Gardens with microscope

Start your Application

Ready to apply to Acadia? Choose from more than 200 degree options designed to match your interests and career goals. From real-world learning experience to close-knit connections with professors, our programs are built to help prepare you for life after Acadia.

A smiling Acadia staff member speaks with a student in the KC Irving Centre Garden Room

Connect With Us

Join our contact list or ask our enrolment advisors your questions about the application process, campus life, and more.

Connect Now
A smiling Acadia staff member speaks with a student in the KC Irving Centre Garden Room

Student Services

Learn more about our residence experience, meal and housing options, and the student services here to support you.

Explore Services
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