M.Sc, M.Sc in Applied Geology, Ph.D

The Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering provides opportunities for advanced studies and research in the Earth Sciences. Faculty interests span disciplines in geology, geochemistry and geoengineering often in a multi-disciplinary fashion and including applications to economic and environmental problems.

With high-tech geochemistry, geophysics labs, geomechanics computing tools, and Queen's Facility for Isotope Research lab to work in, our students are well equipped to engage in cutting-edge geoscience and geoengineering research. Not only will you work in first-rate facilities with world-renowned scientists and research engineers, you will also have opportunities to collaborate with industrial leaders and engage in extensive fieldwork on six continents, making our program truly a  world-class experience.

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"When looking for a graduate program I was interested in a few areas of geology that I had hoped could be integrated into a research project and through courses. This seemed possible in the Geology Department and was one of the reasons why I chose to study at Queen's. During my time here, I have been able to take multiple courses in subject areas related to my thesis as well as courses in lab techniques. Geology is such a collaborative science and the academic opportunities here have helped me obtain a broader knowledge base that I think will only be beneficial after I leave Queen's."

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Degrees Offered / Length of Program

• M.Sc.: 2 years
• M.Sc. in Applied Geology: 1 year
• Ph.D.: 4 years

Method of Completion

• M.Sc.: course work plus thesis
• M.Sc in Applied Geology: project and course work or course work only
• Ph.D. (Science): thesis

Cross Disciplinary Aspects

Our students collaborate with other departments at Queen’s, including: Mining, Environmental Science, Chemistry and Biology, as well as RMC. They also collaborate with industrial partners, government laboratories and surveys worldwide.

Travel Opportunities

Collaborations with industrial and government partners take our students on fieldwork assignments to six continents. Projects include work in mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, mineral deposit foot printing, field mapping and geological investigation.

 

Supervisors and Fields of Study

We strongly recommend contacting supervisors prior to applying, as we can only create a position where a faculty member can take on a student.

Approved fields of study and associated faculty are:

• Economic Geology & mineral Exploration: Dr. T.K. Kyser, Dr. D. Layton-Matthews, Dr. G. Olivo, P.Eng.
• Petrology & Structural Geology: Dr. J.M. Dixon, Dr. L. Godin, Dr. D. Layton-Matthews, Dr. R.C. Peterson.
• Sedimentology, Sedimentary Geochemistry & Paleobiology: Dr. R.W. Dalrymple, P.Geo., Dr. N.P. James, Dr. T.K. Kyser, Dr. G.M. Narbonne
• Geophysics and Geochronology: Dr. J.A. Hanes, Dr. J.K.W. Lee, P. Eng.
• Applied Geoenvironmental Sciences & Geotechnique: Dr. M.S. Diederichs, P.Eng., Dr. D.J. Hutchinson, P.Eng., Dr. H.E. Jamieson, Dr. V.H. Remenda, P.Eng.

Employment Opportunities

• Academia: postdoctoral fellowship, professor, adjunct teaching position
• Industry: petroleum technologist, mining advisory position, research, economic geologist, applied geochemist, applied mineralogist, financial consultant to mineral exploration, environmental consultant, stock market consultant, field geologist
• Government: mapping, consultant, research, advisory position

Funding Information

• M.Sc. in Applied Geology: not funded.
• M.Sc. Students: $21,000 minimum
• Ph.D. Students: $23,000 minimum

The packages include teaching assistantship remuneration. Additional funding is also available through external awards (NSERC, OGS, industry and private scholarships), internal awards (QGA and departmental scholarships), departmental teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Queen's automatically issues a $5,000 top-up award to federal government Tri-Council Award winners. All new international Doctoral students, admitted to full time study, are eligible to receive an International Tuition Award (ITA), to be held during all funding eligible years and is applied as tuition credit.

Academic Prerequisites

Degrees in Geological Sciences or Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering or Civil Engineering are acceptable.  Degrees in related fields such as Biology, Physics, Environmental Sciences or Geography are seriously considered however, students will be required to take additional Geology courses.

We consider your work over the last 4 years with emphasis on the last 2 years of schooling.

Test Requirements

If required, a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or TOEFL iBT minimum scores of: writing (24/30); speaking (22/30); reading (22/30); listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score.

Program Profiles

• Laura Branscombe - took a different route to prepare for graduate study
• Kyle Larson - from the mountains at home to the Himalayas

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