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Master of Science (MSc) Course-based in Geoscience

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Completion requirement

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

Completion of a minimum of 27 units of coursework, which must include:

a) course or course; and

b) 24 units of elective Geoscience courses (GLGY or GOPH):

  • At least 12 of 24 units must be from 600- or 700-level courses.

  • Up to 12 units of appropriate courses from another department may be substituted for Geoscience electives, subject to program approval.


Full-time students are normally expected to provide their own financial support and pay tuition and fees as outlined in the graduate student calendar since the department does not normally offer financial support to course-based Master of Science students.

Part-time students may be working in the field of Geology and/or Geophysics. An industrial supervisor can agree to work with the academic supervisor in the Department to supervise and evaluate the student’s research project.

Completion requirement

Advanced Credit

Application for advanced credit should be made to the graduate program at the time of admission, so that the previous work can be taken into account when specifying a student’s program.

The total of advanced credit and transfer credit in course-based Master's programs will generally not exceed either one-third of the program or 12 units, whichever is less.

Advanced credit is not guaranteed and will be determined by the Graduate Program Director 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.


Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

Students admitted to the Department of Geoscience will not be allowed to request the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course that is applicable to their degree; or apply any course awarded a grade of CG towards their graduation requirements.

Students may not choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.


Time Limit

Expected completion time is two years for full-time students in a course-based master’s program. Maximum completion time is six years.

Completion requirement

No financial support will be given to students enrolled in the course-based master’s program.

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