Enhance Your Career with a Master's in Applied Mineral Exploration

The program pillars set the curriculum content of the program and were chosen to provide every student with the essential skills needed to succeed in the Mineral Exploration Industry. Every student must take at least one course from each pillar, but with 2 to 3 course options available in each pillar, students can tailor their education to their personal career directions. 

The degree consists of either 8 courses (24 credits) or 6 courses (18 credits) plus an Applied Research Project (6 credits). At least 4 of the courses must be selected from a list of 10 modular (10-12 day intensive) courses, with 1 course corresponding to each of the Field Skills, Data Analysis, Ore Deposits and Mine Cycle program pillars.  The remaining courses can be modular or term format and can include a maximum of two 4th-year courses. 

For a full list of term and modular course options, download the program pamphlet or visit the program page.
An optional Applied Research Project (worth 6 credits or 2 courses) can be chosen to support a sponsoring employer’s objectives, and is completed with the support of a faculty supervisor.

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. Students can accelerate their programs by attending these modules around their term courses, at the start or end of the term, or over the study breaks. Courses are offered in August, September, October, December, April, and May. Eight of the modular courses are offered on a two-year cycle, and two are offered annually.  

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.

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, in addition to tuition, there are field costs for travel, food, and lodging, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, 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.

Please note that this program is typically fully self-funded, with no scholarships available.

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. 

Students may register for the program at any time (January, May, September). Program plans are developed together with the Program Director. 

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.