Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
Formed in 1963, the Department of Geoscience - Canada's largest - is a vibrant cornerstone of the University of Calgary. The program is a wellspring of Canada's geoscience research and industry professionals, with close ties to the resource industry that has established Alberta's reputation as a global energy leader. Many students participate in field schools during their program, and benefit from working on the doorstep of a fantastic geological laboratory: the Rocky Mountains. Our vision is an improved understanding of Earth systems through innovative and impactful geoscience research, interdisciplinary learning and discovery, empowered and inspired teaching, and effective communication that not only raises our profile as a geoscience centre of excellence, but also creates a brighter future for our world.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Geology and Geophysics of Western Canada and either an Advanced Independent Study course or Readings in Geology or Geophysics.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
- Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
- Field Schools: Many students participate in field schools for 12-16 days in late summer or early spring. Activities include orienteering, mapping surficial deposts, measuring sections in sedimentary rocks, and mapping geologic structures in places like the Canadian Shield, Alberta prairies, Rocky Mountains and deserts of southwest USA.
Outcomes
Post-Secondary Teaching and Research, Oil and gas, Resource exploration, Resource Management, Environmental Consulting, Geo Hazards, Renewable Energy, Policy and Regulation.
A PhD in geoscience is usually considered a final degree.
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Accepting InquiriesEnvironmental Archaeology, Geoarchaeology, Bioarchaeology, Chemical and Materials Science approaches to the Past -
Accepting InquiriesMetamorphic geology -
UnavailableGeomorphology, environmental geoscience, geomatics, natural hazards, glaciology -
Accepting InquiriesNitrogen Cycling in Canadian Soda Lakes, Geo-pops (For growing Enigmatic Microbes from Groundwater) -
Seeking StudentsHydrothermal processes on the ancient and modern Earth, Mars, and beyond, Diagenesis and the history of life and surface conditions on Earth and Mars, Carbon Dioxide Management and Removal
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
MSc or equivalent in geology or geophysics, or a related field such as physics or mathematics from a recognized institution.
Work samples
None
Documents
A concise statement outlining the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 (minimum of 6.0 in each section).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (70 in some sections – up to the program, 60 in all other).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in one or two courses (up to the program), “B+” on all other courses.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 191.
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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