Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Geology program at Lakehead University emphasizes the fields of Petrochemistry and Tectonophysics. Petrochemistry includes field and laboratory studies of ore deposits, igneous, metamorphic, and lithified sedimentary rocks. Tectonophysics includes field and laboratory studies of structural geology, rock magnetism, and basin analysis.

Program Details

• The department has specializations in the broad areas of petrochemistry and tectonophysics, which have included projects in:
  • Petrology
  • Mineralogy
  • Geochemistry
  • Structural geology
  • Strain analysis
  • Mapping
  • Tectonics
  • Sedimentation
  • Economic geology
  • Paleomagnetism
  • Experimental rock deformation and strength testing
• At least 30% of MSc students proceed to PhD studies, and most have published their research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Fieldwork has taken place in all parts of Canada, including the high Arctic, as well as overseas, e.g., in Cyprus.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements

• Applicants must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute.
• Applicants must show evidence of scholarly achievement.
• Except where otherwise stated, degree students must have a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second-class standing (B) based on their last 20 half-courses or equivalent.

Program Specific Requirements

• Candidates for the Master of Science Degree in Geology must have completed an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Geology or equivalent with a minimum "B" average.
• Candidates who hold an Honours Bachelor's degree in a discipline other than Geology may be considered if their undergraduate program includes concentration in Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics.
• Consideration will be based on courses taken and academic standing.
• The Department may require a candidate to complete certain undergraduate courses in addition to the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Geology.

Academic Fees and Payment Information

• General information about university fees is available.
• Graduate tuition fees are applicable.
• Convocation fees and applying to graduate are required.
• Other university and program fees may apply.
• Student fee and payment information is available.
• A refund schedule is in place.

Graduate Funding

• Financial assistance opportunities are available in several forms.
• Funding options include:
  • Graduate scholarships
  • Bursaries
  • Awards
  • Graduate assistantships
  • Faculty research scholarships
• Although financial support cannot be guaranteed to all graduate students, inquiries about financial assistance can be made with the Graduate Coordinator or the Graduate Funding Officer.

Conditions of Graduate Awards

• Graduate scholarships are based on academic merit.
• Graduate bursaries are based on financial need, although there may be a merit component.
• Recipients of scholarships, awards, and bursaries must be registered to receive funding.
• Graduate awards are applied to any outstanding balance on the student's account.

Required Application Documents

• Except where otherwise stated, domestic degree students must have a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least a B average.
• International applicants must have an overall standing of Second Class - Upper Division or higher.
• The first step in the application process is to complete the online graduate studies application form.
• After submitting the online form, applicants will be provided with an online account to complete the remaining steps, including uploading required supporting documents.

Application Availability

• Fall 2026 (September) applications are open, with an international application deadline of April 30, 2026.
• Spring/Summer 2026 applications are open, with limited options and an international deadline of January 15, 2026.

Campus and Program Type

• The program is offered at the Thunder Bay campus.
• The program type is a Master's degree, specifically a Master of Science in Geology (MSc).
• The route for the program is a thesis-based route.