M.Sc. in Geology Thesis-Based

The M.Sc. in Geology program has two objectives: 1) to provide B.Sc. Honours graduates with an opportunity to expand their knowledge base in the Earth Sciences through an intensive teaching program that includes theoretical and applied aspects of their discipline and 2) to introduce students to the basics of geoscience research, from the formulation of a thesis problem to its solution. M.Sc. research projects are in all fields of geology, including economic geology, experimental and field petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, structural geology, environmental geology, paleontology, sedimentology, and glaciology. Graduates of the M.Sc. program can proceed to a professional career in industry or government, or can seek entrance to a Ph.D. program. Potential students should contact the faculty member in the area of interest before applying through the office of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirement is normally a B.Sc. Honours degree with a minimum B average. Applications for Thesis-based Master of Science are available through Laurentian University's School of Graduate Studies on-line application web page: http://horizon.ouac.on.ca/laurentian/grad/e.  Please contact the Office of Admissions (admissions@laurentian.ca) for more information regarding application forms and instructions.

Program Requirements

The M.Sc. program normally consists of four one-term GEOL graduate courses, plus a thesis (GEOL 5000). The department may recommend that in individual cases, other suitable fourth-year undergraduate courses may be taken in addition to the normal graduate load. Descriptions of offered graduate courses can be read on the Graduate Calendar web page.

Tuition Fees

Students in the thesis based M.Sc. program who are considered full time students will pay normal full-time graduate student registration fees. Part-time students who do not take the courses on a continuous basis will be classified as part time. Tuition fees are on the School of Graduate Studies and Research home page.

Time Limits for Completion of M.Sc. Program in Geology

The M.Sc. program is normally done in two years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. University regulations stipulate that all degree requirements for MSc programs must be completed within a maximum of 4 years for full-time students and 6 years for part-time students. Students within the last year of these maximum term limits will be sent a letter requesting: (1) an explanation for the tardiness in completing the program, (2) a plan for completing the thesis (or program if additional courses are required) within a year, and (3) copies of completed work (i.e. chapters, published government reports or articles, etc...). The student must provide these documents within one month. Failure to provide these documents within the allotted time will result in automatic withdrawal/ termination of the student from the program. A committee made up of three members of the Department including the Graduate Coordinator will examine the documents, which will be assessed for quality and for feasibility to complete all degree requirements within a year. If it is judged that the thesis and program cannot be completed within a year, the thesis project will be terminated and the committee will send a letter to the School of Graduate Studies recommending the withdrawal of the student from the M.Sc. program in Geology.

Please contact DES@laurentian.ca for further information.

For further information please contact:

Department of Earth Sciences
Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6 Canada
Tel: (705) 673-6575
Fax: (705) 675-4898
Email: DES@laurentian.ca