- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
-
Fully Available atNanaimo
-
Partially Available atCowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
The Earth Science (BA) Program
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to provide foundational knowledge about the Earth’s materials, processes, resources and history. Earth Science is a multidisciplinary field in which the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology are applied to understand how the Earth works. Earth Science literacy is of critical importance in understanding and solving challenges facing us regarding energy and resource availability and environmental sustainability.
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to be taken as part of a Double Minor or as a Major and Minor combination for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. The program provides a solid foundation in the physical sciences and the flexibility to create individualized programs of study.
The Minor in Earth Sciences combines with Minors or Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The Minor in Earth Sciences also complements studies in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Creative Writing, and Liberal Studies. Career directions for students with a Minor in Earth Science are varied, but could include work in variety of fields employed with environmental consultants, resource companies or government agencies. The program will be of particular interest to students proceeding towards a career in Primary and Secondary Education, with plans for teaching a science curriculum.
Many of the courses taken to satisfy the Minor of Earth Science requirements can contribute towards the academic requirements of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (formerly APEGBC) for a Professional Geoscientist. However, a significant number of other courses may be required. Check the APEGBC syllabus requirements for a Professional Geoscientist for more details at Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 111 - (Discovering Planet Earth) |
4 |
|
GEOL 112 - (Understanding Earth's History) |
4 |
|
GEOL 115* - (Laboratory and Field Studies in Earth Science) |
3 |
|
GEOL 200 - (Mineralogy) |
3 |
|
GEOL 201 - (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy) |
3 |
|
GEOL 202 - (Earth Structures) |
3 |
|
GEOL 206** - (Geological Field Methods and Mapping) |
3 |
* Students who completed both GEOL 111 and GEOL 112 prior to September 2011 are exempt from taking GEOL 115 as a prerequisite for 200-level GEOL courses.
** GEOL 206 is a field course that includes approximately 72 hours of instruction over a two week period.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Minimum of eighteen credits of Earth Science* courses numbered 300 and above from the following list, of which a minimum of nine credits must be GEOL courses: |
18 |
* Earth Science courses are approved lab science courses from the departments of Geology, Chemistry, and Geography.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) |
4,992.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
26,905.70 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
|
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Cowichan
Partially Available
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 | Ongoing |
tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Partially Available
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.