Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences (MScEES) at St. Francis Xavier University is a limited enrolment, thesis-based program that provides a strong foundation for students to become independent researchers in various areas of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The program emphasizes student-faculty interaction, personalized mentorship, and hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory work, and research projects. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia, government, or industry, and are prepared to contribute to solving environmental challenges and making a positive impact on the world.

Program Outline

Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences (MScEES)

Degree Overview:

• The MScEES is a limited enrolment program accepting 1-4 students annually.
• It is a thesis-based program focusing on research in various areas of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
• The program provides a strong foundation for students to become independent researchers and pursue careers in academia, government, or industry.
• The program emphasizes student-faculty interaction and personalized mentorship.

Outline:

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
• Credit requirements: 30 credits (18 credits of coursework + 12 credits of thesis)
• Coursework:
• Core courses:
• Advanced Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Research Methods in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Seminar in Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Elective courses:
• Students can choose elective courses based on their research interests and career goals.
• Some potential elective courses include:
• Advanced Hydrogeology
• Environmental Geochemistry
• Climate Change Science
• Geochemistry of Water Resources
• Environmental Data Analysis
• and many more.
• Thesis:
• Students will conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member.
• The thesis will be defended in a public presentation.

Assessment:

• Coursework:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Thesis:
• Thesis proposal
• Progress reports
• Thesis defense

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Fieldwork
• Laboratory work
• Faculty:
• The program is led by a team of experienced and internationally recognized researchers.
• Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on their research projects.
• Unique approaches:
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory work, and research projects.
• Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers and participate in conferences and workshops.

Careers:

• Potential career paths:
• Environmental consultant
• Climatologist
• Geologist
• Hydrologist
• Oceanographer
• Researcher
• Teacher
• Policy analyst
• Opportunities:
• The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the public, private, and academic sectors.
• Graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to solving environmental challenges and making a positive impact on the world.

Other:

• Admission requirements:
• Normally undergraduate Honours degree or equivalent concentration in the subject area (typically about 20 undergraduate courses in the subject area)
• Minimum 70% average.
• Language requirement: IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.
• Funding:
• Most students accepted into the program will be offered a funding package that covers the cost of tuition and some portion of living expenses.
• Funding opportunities include:
• StFX Graduate Scholarships
• StFX Teaching Assistantship
• Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarships
• Canada Graduate Scholarships (Masters)
• MITACS Awards
• Contact:
• Dr. James Braid, Earth & Environmental Sciences Science Graduate Coordinator