Program details
Bachelor of Science – Geology (major and honours)
Expected duration: 4 years
Geology is the study of Earth systems and their interactions, including:
- the history of the Earth and the formation of natural resources
- natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and mudslides
- classification of fossilized life forms, rocks and minerals
- scientific predictions of global climate change based on the study of past processes
Major and honours geology students are introduced to geological field mapping techniques in an intensive course following their second year of study. A subsequent advanced field mapping course provides experience in regional scale geological and air photo mapping, and develops observational skills, data recording techniques, recording and project report mapping skills.
Several other lecture/lab courses also incorporate one-day or weekend field trips.
Sample course offerings
- GEOL 1340: The Dynamic Earth
- GEOL 1400: Time-Trekker's Travelog: Our Evolving Earth
- GEOL 2500: Introduction to Mineralogy
- GEOL 2520: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GEOL 2800: Optics and Spectroscopy of Minerals
- GEOL 2770: Principles of Inorganic Geochemistry
- GEOL 3310: Paleontology
- GEOL 3490: Glacial Geology and Geomorphology
- GEOL 4260: Applied Geophysics Field Course
- GEOL 4670: Global Tectonics
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Learning outside the classroom
Field trips
The university organizes optional geological field trips every two to three years to locations such as the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains.
Professional registration
The professional practice of geoscience in Canada is governed by provincial and territorial law and is regulated by professional geoscience associations. In Manitoba, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM) regulates professional practice. The requirements for professional registration are acceptable academic preparation and a subsequent period of acceptable geoscience experience.
Students considering professional registration should take the BSc Earth Sciences honours or major degree and make appropriate course selections, particularly in the basic sciences.
Learn more about current registration requirements at www.enggeomb.ca.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements for entry into the BSc (Earth Science) general program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Once admitted to the BSc (Earth Science) general program, students must speak to an advisor to transfer to the major or honours program in geology.
Direct entry applicants are those who have not attended a post-secondary institution or have completed fewer than 24 credit hours at a recognized university or college.
Advanced entry applicants are those who have completed one year (24 credit hours) or more of studies in another faculty at the University of Manitoba or another recognized post-secondary institution.
Transferring to the major or honours program in geology
Successful applicants are admitted to the general degree option for the BSc Earth Sciences program. Students interested in transferring to the major or honours program in geology should contact a student advisor in the dean’s office.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct or advanced entry, you can apply for admission to University 1, the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources or another program.
How to apply
Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $130
To apply, please complete the online application to the Admissions Office. The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit transcripts, proof of English Language proficiency, and other documents.
Successful applicants are admitted to the general degree option for the BSc (Earth Science) program. Students interested in transferring to the major or honours program in geology should contact a student advisor in the dean’s office.
For guidance regarding how to minor in earth sciences, talk to an academic advisor.
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808
Program inquiries
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Room 440 Wallace Building
125 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 2N2
Phone: 204-474-7252
Fax: 204-275-3147