Become an Earth Sciences Graduate Student

Advance your education at the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University offers comprehensive M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs that are designed to prepare students with a dynamic and immersive learning experience, featuring innovative research projects across the classroom, lab, and field, making for a groundbreaking career in Earth Sciences. Applications for these programs are managed through the School of Graduate Studies website. 

For detailed information on application requirements, admission processes, registration, and program regulations, please refer to the following information and the Graduate Studies section of the University Calendar.  For information regarding graduate student tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition, Fees, and Funding page.  

Admission Requirements

For admission to our M.Sc. program, applicants shall normally hold a Bachelor’s (honours) degree in science, or an appropriate area of study from a recognized university with at least second-class (upper division) standing. 

For admission to our Ph.D. program, the minimum requirements will normally hold a master’s degree from a university of recognized standing, in an appropriate area of study.

Additional admission criteria: 

Faculty supervision: A faculty member from the department of Earth Sciences must agree to supervise the applicant. Applicants should proactively contact potential supervisors to arrange for mentorship and discuss research opportunities. For more information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies’ Finding a Research Supervisor page 

Funding: Adequate funding must be secured to support both personal and research-related expenses. Funding for graduate students is made up of a combination of supervisor grants, fellowships, and personal funds. For more information, please visit the School of Graduate Studies’ Graduate Funding and Scholarships page. 

Program Offerings 

Master of Science (M.Sc.): The MSc program is offered in both Geology and Geophysics disciplines, and involves a research-based thesis, coursework, and seminar presentations. The MSc can be completed in two years of full-time study. When completed, students obtain either an M.Sc. (Geology) or an M.Sc. (Geophysics). 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): The PhD program is offered in both Geology and Geophysics disciplines, involves a research-based dissertation, coursework, a comprehensive examination, seminar presentations, and a dissertation defense. The PhD can be completed in four years of full-time study. When completed, students obtain either a Ph.D. (Geology) or Ph.D.  (Geophysics). 

Graduate students may begin their studies at the start of any of the three semesters – Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (May). For our program information, please visit: Earth Sciences, School of Graduate Studies

Ready to apply?  

Apply Now to begin your journey in Earth Science! The application deadlines are January 15 for the Spring and Fall terms, and September 15 for the Winter term each year.