Graduate students in the Department of Earth Sciences enter a vibrant scientific culture and find themselves in a department with a strong sense of identity and community.
Research topics include:
- Mineralogy and crystallography
- Environmental mineralogy and geochemistry
- Sedimentology and quaternary studies
- Invertebrate paleontology
- Crustal and mantle geophysics
- Applied/environmental geophysics; petrology and tectonics
- Mineral deposits
- Arctic, marine and freshwater systems
Research facilities
Extensive analytical laboratories with state of the art equipment—all conveniently located in one building:
- Stable Isotopes for Innovative Research Lab
- Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) Laboratory
- ICP Mass Spectrometer Laboratory
- Microprobe and SEM Research Facility
- Argon Argon Mass Spectrometer Laboratory (under construction)
- X-Ray Diffraction and Mössbauer Laboratories
- Sedimentology Laboratories
- Invertebrate Paleontology Laboratory
- Geophysical Laboratories
- Nellie Cournoyea Arctic Research Facility
Program details
Master's program
Expected duration: two years
Tuition and fees: Program fees are assessed in the first two terms of study, followed by a continuing fee in the third and any subsequent terms. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
Coursework is normally completed in year one, and thesis is normally completed years two to three. Adjustments may be made with the supervisor’s consultation and approval.
Thesis proposal
Students are required to complete a MSc thesis proposal, normally within eight months of start of program. The proposal must include an introduction with citation of relevant literature, research objectives, proposed methodology including a timetable, anticipated significance of the research and references. A proposed budget must be appended to the proposal.
Students are required to submit a progress report to the Head on or before February 1 annually.
Thesis
Students must produce a thesis that is appropriate for the MSc degree being sought and must successfully defend their thesis as determined by the assigned examining committee.
Pre-master's program
Expected duration: one year (18 credit hours)
Tuition and fees: Pre-master's students enrolling in courses are assessed the per credit hour course rate of the teaching unit for all courses taken. (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)
Applicants to the MSc program whose academic standing qualifies them for graduate work, but whose previous education did not include topics essential to the area of research they wish to pursue may be offered the opportunity to remedy these deficiencies during a one-year Pre-master’s program of study. The Pre-master’s program will normally include a minimum of 18 credit hours.
Sample course offerings
- GEOL 7200: Earth Systems of Central Canada
- GEOL 7230: Geophysics of the Earth's Crust and Mantle
- GEOL 7350: Remote Sensing in the Earth and Planetary Sciences
- GEOL 7470: Advanced Petroleum Geology and Geochemistry
- GEOL 7480: Advanced Seismology 1
- GEOL 7540: Isotope Geology and Geochronology
- GEOL 7550: Hydrothermal Petrochemistry
- GEOL 7590: Advanced Paleontology 1
- GEOL 7700: Advanced Clastic Sedimentology
- GEOL 7720: Geophysical Imaging and Data Processing
- GEOL 7740: Workshop in the Geological Sciences 1
- GEOL 7780: Advanced Carbonate Sedimentology
- GEOL 7790: Advanced Instrumental Techniques in Geology
- GEOL 7810: Electromagnetic Methods in Geophysics
- GEOL 7820: Environmental Geophysics
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Admission requirements
The following are minimum requirements for entry into the earth sciences MSc program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
The normal entry requirement is the equivalent of an honours BSc degree in earth sciences from the University of Manitoba.
Students with honours degrees in related disciplines may be accepted by the Graduate Admissions Committee providing their planned degree program involves studies in the earth sciences.
Related disciplines include:
- Geography
- Soil science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Engineering physics
- Geological, civil and electrical engineering
Applicants require a GPA of 3.0 (B or equivalent) in the last two full years (60 credit hours) of study.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online and must include the following before they will be reviewed by the admissions committee:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Statement of intent
- Statement of funding
- GRE (optional)
- The name of your preferred supervisor
- Three letters of recommendation from academic sources different from advisor
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Statement of intent
The statement of intent should be between 1 and 2 pages and will briefly describe your intended research project, including your previous research or experience, the proposed topic, preferred methods and potential contributions.
Letters written in the format of a research proposal are strongly preferred. Applicants are encouraged to consult the graduate scholarship application instructions of their appropriate Tricouncil Agency (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR) for guidance.
Statement of funding
A brief statement to indicate that you have a major external grant or scholarship support or that you require departmental financial assistance.
Finding an advisor
We encourage you to contact a potential thesis advisor before submitting an application to ensure that there are openings for new graduate students on specific research projects and funding available for research support. Students who have contacted a prospective supervisor and who have received an encouraging response increase their chances of a successful application.
Application deadlines
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Inquiries
Celia Mellinger
Graduate Program and Alumni Coordinator
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Room 440 Wallace Building
125 Dysart Rd
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)