Earth Sciences
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University offers Majors in both Environmental Science and Earth Science. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program. Obtain your degree while completing the knowledge requirements for Professional Geoscience Registration (PGeo).
Your major map: Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Earth Sciences: ERTH 1080/1090 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses
- Familiarize yourself with the Earth Sciences Student Guide
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- You will start taking more core courses* in ERTH, gaining knowledge and lab experience: ERTH 2001, ERTH 2110, ERTH 2002, ERTH 2003, ERTH 2380
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
- Consider incorporating advanced field courses abroad as part of your degree
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Aim to take 4-6 ERTH courses*. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are many experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- In your final year, aim to take 4-6 ERTH courses*
- Complete any requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
- Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation
*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Oceans, Climate Change, Earth and Environment and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
- Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR
- There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
- Consider joining DG – Dawson Geology! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See which scholarships, bursaries and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
Where your degree can take you
A BSc degree in Earth Sciences provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:
Government and regulatory affairs, environmental consulting, law, research, business, education, engineering, and industries such as oil, gas, and mineral, among many more.
To prepare to become a professional geoscientist, students should enroll in a 120-credit hour BSc or BA degree (Major, Honours or Combined) and meet the knowledge requirements for professional registration by following the Geoscience Knowledge and Experience handbook.
Core competencies gained
Discipline-related skills:
- Knowledge of the origin, composition, and evolution of the Earth, how it responds to internal and external forces, and spatial and temporal changes
- Ability to identify, describe and classify earth's processes, materials, and structures
- Ability to apply physics, chemistry, biology, statistics, and mathematics to solve geologic problems and apply this knowledge to address problems affecting society
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Time/project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- Research/fieldwork skills
Possible careers and employment
Earth Sciences Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Compliance Officer
- Cartographer
- Exploration Geologist*
- Engineering Technician
- Environmental Technician
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Lawyer*
- Geophysicist*
- GIS Specialist
- Geologist*
- Hydrologist*
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Paleontologist*
- Mine Geologist*
- Mining Engineering
- Technician
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Geologist*
- Regulatory Law Associate*
- Site Cost Controller
- Survey Technician
- Teacher/Professor*
