- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
Are you fascinated by our planet and how it functions, and concerned with solving problems that face our ever-changing environment? Discover how the planet functions from the core to the atmosphere with an Earth Science Minor in VIU’s Bachelor’s degree programs.
With a local focus on sustainability and resources on Vancouver Island, students gain experience in the field along with expert instruction in the classroom. VIU offers this Earth Science program as a Minor to complement a variety of areas of study from the sciences to the arts.
The Earth Science (BSc) 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, geography, 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, geological hazards, 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, Creative Writing, Economics, Education, 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 number of other courses may be required. Check the syllabus requirements for a Professional Geoscientist for more details at Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
Requirements for a Minor
BSc Minor students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. 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 (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
* The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.
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.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.
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 (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) |
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.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
||
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
|
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Yuzo Ishida Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires 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.