The Department of Earth Science offers a BSc Major program and a BSc Honours program, in addition to combined majors, honours and co-op options. BSc. Major and BSc Honours students have the option of completing additional courses to qualify for the professional registration from the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists (CCPG).
More information about all Earth Science programs, including lists of required courses and course descriptions, can be found in the Academic Calendar.
Bachelor of Science with Major in Earth Science
This degree program requires that students complete a minimum of forty-five (45) credit hours in Earth Science courses. Major graduates emerge equipped to either continue their education or contribute to the scientific work force, whether in research, education, government, or industry.
Review the Earth Science major program requirement table for a list of courses required for the BSc Major in Earth Science, including credits in other subject areas.
(professional designation eligibility)
Earth Science Major students who wish to qualify for professional registration with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (or another provincial counterpart) should complete the mandatory forty-five (45) BSc. Major in Earth Science program. In addition, students should complete an additional fifteen (15) credit hours from a list of specified courses and at least eighteen (18) credit hours of additional foundation science courses in specified subject areas.
Review the geology major program requirement table with extra courses for professional designation eligibility for a list of courses required for the BSc Major in Geology, including credits in other subject areas.
Combined Bachelor of Science Major or Honours
Students have the option of completing a BSc Major or Honours degree in Earth Science in combination with another program. Two popular examples include the Bachelor of Science with Major/Honours in Earth Science and Geography and the Major/Honours in Earth Science and Business Studies, the letter being offered in cooperation with the Sobey School of Business.
Bachelor of Science with Major in Earth Science/Geography
This degree program requires the completion of a minimum of eighty-four credit hours: thirty-six (36) Earth Science credit hours; thirty-six (36) Geography credit hours; and twelve (12) credit hours from a list of specified courses.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Earth Science/Geography
This degree program requires the completion of the aforementioned requirements, in addition to an Honours project or research project, six (6) additional credit hours in Earth Science from a specified list of courses, and two additional seminar courses.
Bachelor of Science with Major in Earth Science/Business Studies
This degree program requires that students complete a minimum of forty-two (42) credit hours in the Faculty of Commerce, in addition to at least thirty-six (36) credit hours in Earth Science. This program is recommended for students with an interest in the business-related aspects of Earth Science.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Earth Science/Business Studies
This degree program requires that students complete a minimum of forty-two (42) credit hours in the Faculty of Commerce, in addition to at least thirty-six (36) credit hours in Earth Science. In addition, students must complete a thesis in a field interrelated to the two disciplines. This program is recommended for students with an interest in research in the business-related aspects of Earth Science.
Minor in Earth Science
A Minor in Earth Science requires the completion of a minimum of thirty credit hours from a specified course list.
Co-operative Education in Earth Science
The Co-operative Education program integrates on-the-job experience and academic studies. It is available for students in both the Major and Honours programs in Earth Science. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates emerge with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science (at either the Major or Honours level) with the added qualification of “Co-operative Education.”
Plan your B.Sc. Major in Earth Science
The Faculty of Science has developed several tools to help students understand course prerequisites and choose courses: