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Earth Sciences

Discover our planet’s potential and prepare to become a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.).

Overview

Make Earth your life’s work

Studying Earth Sciences at Laurentian opens a world of possibilities.

In this program, you’ll gain knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare you for many careers in geoscience. Geoscientists identify, locate, research, understand, and develop natural resources, including minerals, metals, energy sources, fertile soil, and water, to advance civilization.

Take courses in geology, mineralogy, petrology, and more. You’ll get over 700 hours of hands-on experience using high-tech microscopes and other specialized equipment in laboratories and field schools. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the summer with various organizations in the mining industry, government agencies, and research centres, thanks to our location in one of the world’s largest and best-known mining districts.

Plus, you’ll benefit from living and learning in Sudbury, Ontario, a global mining and exploration hub recognized for its success in environmental rehabilitation over the past 50 years. 

Upon graduation, you’ll meet the knowledge requirements to become a professional geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO) or any other regulatory body in Canada.

You can also continue your studies in the Master of Geology program to pursue specialized careers and research opportunities in geoscience, including geology, paleontology, mineralogy, and more.

Key Features

A stylized icon of planet Earth
Enjoy optimal class sizes and an open learning environment where you can learn about geological processes using ancient and recent rocks and fossils from all over the world.
A travel backpack
Gain essential experience in mapping, geology, and mineral identification. Our graduates are known for their exceptional skills in rock and mineral identification, as well as field mapping.
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Thrive academically and personally. Build close connections with industry professionals, professors, and classmates through regional field schools and international trips.Students can boost their careers through summer jobs in Earth Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Find a rewarding lifelong career practising geology in the field of mineral exploration, in the mining industry, with the government, or with consulting agencies. Graduates can rest assured knowing there are many career options they can explore post-graduation. Some career options include, but are not limited to:

  • Geologist
  • Geochemist
  • Geophysicist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Exploration manager/director
  • Executive roles in mining and the environment (VP, CEO)
  • Sustainability manager
  • Geological technician
  • Data management specialist
  • Survey or GIS geologist/analyst
  • Geospatial analyst/technician 
  • Earth science/sustainability educator
  • Environmental protection agent/manager
  • Community relations manager/director
  • Commodity manager or buyer
  • Financial/trade analyst
  • Laboratory manager/director
  • Surveyor
  • Policy Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Prospector

Many of these careers can be found in the public and private sectors.

Andrea Demers in a geologist vest posing outside in front of a lake.

Andrea Demers

I chose Laurentian University's Earth Sciences program because of its strong reputation. My dad works in the mining sector, so I was already familiar with mineral exploration and wanted to expand my knowledge in geology.

After completing my first two semesters in the Earth Sciences program, I spent my summer working in geoscience as part of a team investigating a potential nuclear waste storage site. Our project involved gathering drill core samples to determine if the site was suitable for hosting nuclear waste through borehole drilling and testing, as well as in-depth geophysical and geochemical analysis. It was fascinating work, as the decisions we make today will impact the planet for generations to come. I also worked for two additional summers in northwestern Ontario for junior mining companies. (All during my undergrad!)

Throughout the program, I made connections through school and networking opportunities, earned scholarships, and gained industry work experience every summer. Now that I've graduated, I am pursuing my G.I.T. (geologist in training) designation. I am on my way to earning my P.Geo. and I'm excited for what the future holds.

Andrea Demers in a geologist vest posing outside in front of a lake.

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Program Details