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In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Science requirements, the Department requires:

Master of Science
a) Normally, a four-year Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent. An Honours degree in geology or geophysics, or a field related to geophysics, such as physics or mathematics, is preferred;

b) A concise statement outlining the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary;

c) For those students required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (written test), 92 (internet-based test), a MELAB score of 82, an IELTS score of 7.5, or a PTE score of 64;

d) Two reference letters.

Doctor of Philosophy
a) Normally, a Master of Science degree or equivalent in geology or geophysics or a field related to geophysics, such as physics or mathematics;

b) A concise statement outlining the applicant’s research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary;

c) For those students required to provide proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (written test), 92 (internet-based test), a MELAB score of 82, an IELTS score of 7.5, or a PTE score of 64;

d) Two reference letters.

Thesis-based programs: Application for credit should be made to the graduate program at the time of admission, so that the graduate program can take previous work into account when specifying a student’s program.

Course-based programs: The student must request advanced credit in writing at the time of application for admission.

Masters programs: The total of advanced credit and transfer credit will generally not exceed either one-third of the program or two full course equivalents, whichever is less.

Doctoral programs: Credit for relevant courses taken during the Master of Science program may result in the reduction of the required four course minimum for doctoral students. Credit may be granted for a maximum of three half courses for students with Master of Science degrees from the Department of Geoscience at the University of Calgary, and two for students with Master of Science degrees from elsewhere.

Advanced credit is not guaranteed and will be determined by the Graduate Coordinator or Department Head with consideration of the recommendation of the Interim Supervisor.

Courses for which advanced credit is being sought must be from a recognized institution and not have been used for any degree or diploma accreditation. They must be graded, graduate level courses, and the graded level of performance must be equivalent to a “B” grade or higher standing at the University of Calgary. Advanced credit is not normally given for courses taken more than five years before admission to the current graduate degree program or for courses taken for the purposes of qualifying for admission.

In addition to the Faculties of Graduate Studies and Science requirements, the Department requires:

Master of Science (course-based)
a) Nine half courses, five of which must be at the 600 level or higher (includes Geology 701 or Geophysics 701 research project)
b) Completion of a Research Project (Geology 701 or Geophysics 701). The student is required to present and defend the project in a one-hour defense once the written research report is in near-final form. The supervisor and two other members of the department assess the project. If a company is involved the company supervisor may also assess the project.
c) Completion of at least six half courses in the first year of study by full-time students, and at least one half course in the first academic session by part-time students. Following is a list of required courses for the two concentration areas that are offered.

Geology Course-based Concentration
a) Geology 707
b) At least seven additional geology or geophysics courses at the 500 or 600 level. At a minimum, three must be at 600-level. Up to four appropriate courses from another department may be substituted for a 500-level geology or geophysics course subject to program approval. Course-based students may receive credit for both Geology 703 and 701. Courses are selected in consultation with the supervisor and with the approval of the graduate coordinator.
c) Geology 701. This course constitutes the research component of the degree and cannot be submitted and defended until after all other courses are completed.
d) Students with deficiencies may be required to take more than nine half courses upon the advice of their supervisor.

Geophysics Course-based Concentration
a) Four of the following: Geology 707, Geophysics 547, 551, 557, 657, 659.
b) At least four other Geophysics courses at the 500, 600 or 700 level. At least four of the eight required courses must be at the 600 or 700 level. One or two appropriate courses from another department may be substituted for a 500-level geology or geophysics course subject to program approval. Course-based students may receive credit for both Geophysics 703 and 701. Courses are selected in consultation with the supervisor and with the approval of the graduate coordinator.
c) Geophysics 701. This course constitutes the research component of the degree and cannot be submitted and defended until after all other courses are completed.
d) Students with deficiencies may be required to take more than nine half courses upon advice of their supervisor.

Master of Science (thesis-based)
a) Completion of a minimum of four half courses in the first year of program
b) Students with deficiencies may be required to take more than four half courses upon advice of their supervisor
c) An oral public presentation of thesis results

Doctor of Philosophy
a) Completion of four half courses in the first year of program
b) Subject to supervisor and graduate coordinator approval, some credit may be granted for courses taken during a Master's program, to reduce the course requirement
c) Students with deficiencies may be required to take more than four half courses upon advice of their supervisor
d) Students with a Bachelor of Science degree, but no Master's degree, to complete a minimum of five half courses, with four in the first year of program
e) Students in Geology to take Geology 707 during the first academic year in program
f) That all students take either Geology or Geophysics 701 or 703
g) An oral public presentation of thesis results.