Enhance Your Career with a Master's in Applied Mineral Exploration
Earn a course-based Master of Geology that will set you on track for leadership
Laurentian University’s Master of Geology in Applied Mineral Exploration will ensure you have the crucial skills needed for this high-demand specialization.
Gain essential geology skills and ore deposit knowledge at Canada's #1 school for mineral processing research. Plus, you'll maintain P.Geo. accreditation through hands-on lab and field-based courses that meet professional development and knowledge requirements.
Study Your Way
With two flexible program options and modular courses starting at multiple points in the year, you can study when it works best for you, without compromising your career. Choose from:
- Applied Mineral Exploration: a two-year program with 10 to 12-day courses for working geologists looking to upgrade their skills while maintaining full-time employment.
- Applied Mineral Exploration (Accelerated): an intensive, fast-track one-year course-based program.
Why Study Mineral Exploration at Laurentian?
Unparalleled Field Opportunities
Explore field-based learning opportunities in ore deposits and structural geology across diverse Archean and Proterozoic terranes with multiple mineralization styles in mining-friendly northern Ontario.
Research Leadership and Funding Strength
Laurentian is the top Canadian university in ore deposit research funding, and leads in Precambrian geology and geophysics research applied to mineral exploration.
Exceptional Location
Located in Sudbury, Ontario, Laurentian University lies on a globally recognized mining and mineral-exploration hub, built on the Canadian Shield and the rim of a major meteorite impact site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are modular courses? How do they work?
Modular courses condense the content of a full-term course into an intensive "module." Full-day classes are held over 10 to 12 consecutive days, enabling professional geoscientists to take minimal time away from work to complete each module. Full-time students can accelerate their programs by attending these modules at the start or end of the term, around their other courses.
The Master's in Applied Mineral Exploration is a 24-credit (8 courses) program that includes options for in-class courses, field-based courses, and research projects.
What is the difference between Applied Mineral Exploration and Applied Mineral Exploration (Accelerated)?
The Applied Mineral Exploration, 2-year program is completed on a part-time basis. Courses are offered in April, May, August, September, and December. Field course options are typically offered in late August and early September. You'll complete 6 courses (18 credits) plus a research project (6 credits) to graduate.
The Applied Mineral Exploration (Accelerated), 1-year program is completed on a full-time basis, starting in either January or September. In this accelerated version of the program, you'll take the 3 modular courses (9 credits) offered that academic year, plus either A) 5 additional courses (15 credits), or B) 3 additional courses (9 credits) and a research project (6 credits).
Both options will total 24 credits for successful completion.
How do I qualify for the program?
Entry to the program requires a B.Sc. degree in Geology and some relevant work experience. Students with an overall average grade of 70% (B), or equivalent for international students, will be considered.
Foundational science and geology courses are needed to ensure your success in the program. If you are unsure if you have the qualifications to apply, you may email your WES certificate or academic transcript to our Program Director, Lisa Gibson, P.Geo, at lgibson2@laurentian.ca.
How much does the program cost?
As a credit-based program, tuition is charged per 3-credit course at $1,234.10 for Canadian students and $3,600.10 for international students, with a total of 24 credits required for graduation. There are incidental fees of $878.75 for all students, and additional fees relating to student insurance.
For field-based courses, there are additional costs for travel, food, and lodging, ranging from $1000 to $2000, depending on the location.
These costs are based on the 2025/2026 academic year and are subject to change. See our Graduate Tuition page for more details.
How do I apply?
Submit your application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) portal with the following documents:
- Your official academic transcript (WES required for non-Canadians).
- 3 completed reference forms from suitable people (e.g., professors, former employers).
- A letter of introduction with an explanation of your reasons for entering the program.
Evidence of English proficiency is also required for students whose degree was not taught in English.
Please be sure to clearly state in the application which program you are interested in (the 1-year or 2-year option).
Note: The Master of Applied Mineral Exploration does not require a supervisor or a supervisory letter for admission.
You can find more information on how to apply in our step-by-step guide for Canadian students and for International students, along with more details on admission requirements on our Graduate Admissions page.
Have a question that wasn't answered in the FAQ?
Get in touch with the Program Director, Lisa Gibson, P.Geo, by filling out the form below.
Interested in Applied Mineral Exploration?
Check the program page for more details.
