Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Geology

Geology is an exploration of the dynamics of our planet and its resources. It is also an exploration of the most economic and sustainable ways to use those resources.

For students who appreciate a good mystery and the great outdoors.

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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 fulfil 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 is co-op available for all our programs. We also offer two-year research-based and MSc programs in Environmental Science, Geology, or Applied Geomatics.

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

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
 

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

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Related Programs

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

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