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Undergraduate admissions

Earth Sciences

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Why choose Earth Sciences at UVic?

Choose Earth Sciences at UVic to study geology and environmental Earth systems in one of Canada’s most geologically diverse regions. You’ll explore the connections between the Earth, oceans and atmosphere while gaining hands-on experience through field schools, labs and research in real-world settings.

Learn to assess earthquake and tsunami risks, map groundwater, understand continental evolution and explore mineral resources for a sustainable future — all while building practical, career-ready skills that prepare you for work in environmental consulting, geoscience, climate research and resource management.

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Field experiences in BC and beyond

Get unparalleled real-world experience studying in the great outdoors through in-course field trips, labs and immersive field schools.

  • Explore Vancouver Island’s geology over 12 days while mastering essential field techniques in our Earth Science Field School
  • Travel to the Rockies or abroad and investigate the forces shaping the Earth in our Advanced Field Geology Field School
  • Conduct hands-on ocean research at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre with our Oceanographic Field School
  • Get outdoors in Cadboro Bay and on campus to sample, map and analyse Earth systems with our in-course labs.

Marine research vessel experience

As an undergraduate student, you can work aboard the research vessel John Strickland, a 15-metre coastal research ship operating in the Salish Sea and along the west coast of Vancouver Island. This hands-on marine research experience allows you to collect oceanographic data, apply field techniques and develop practical skills valued by employers in environmental consulting, marine science and geoscience.

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

  • Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
  • Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
  • On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
  • Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Customize your degree

Broaden your expertise by combining Earth Sciences with another discipline through one of our combined degree programs, creating new academic pathways and expanding your career options in science and environmental leadership.

Student life and community

Join the General Assembly of Students in Earth and Ocean Sciences (GASEOS), a student-run club that builds community and professional connections. Meet friends, hear guest speakers share career journeys, participate in wilderness first aid training for summer field jobs and take part in trivia nights, curling, networking events and intramural sports. You’ll find a welcoming, close-knit academic community on UVic’s Victoria, BC campus.

Pathway to teaching Earth Science

If you’re planning to become a teacher, enrol in the Education lab section in first-year Earth Science to develop hands-on classroom and field teaching skills. You’ll explore learning strategies, curriculum design and practical K–12 resources while planning and delivering an Earth Science lesson; in the field lab, you’ll meet the same science objectives as other students while also learning how to design and lead field trips for school classes.

Careers with a degree in Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences graduates are in demand across Canada and globally for their expertise in geology, environmental assessment and resource management. You’ll graduate ready to pursue careers such as

  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Exploration geologist (oil, gas, mineral and water resources)
  • Geological consultant
  • Geologist.

Our program also provides academic preparation toward Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) designation requirements and graduate studies in Earth, ocean and climate sciences.

Inspiring courses

  • Oceans and Atmosphere 
  • The Dynamic Earth
  • Earth System Evolution 
  • Earth Science Field School 
  • Advanced Field Geology

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Program details

Providing you accurate application deadlines, tuition fee estimates, admission requirements, scholarships and transfer credit depends on your situation.

Program details

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Application deadline

Admission requirements

Expanded qualifications

English language proficiency

Transfer credit

Tuition & fees

Tuition rates effective May 1, 2025 (please note some ancillary fees are subject to change for Fall 2025).

This is an estimate only and should be used to give students, parents, and/or sponsors an approximation of the tuition and ancillary fees. This estimate does not include housing, food, cost of books and supplies or other expenses that students can expect in a term.

Scholarships

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