Master of Science – Earth System Science

Applicants for admission to the Master of Science – Earth System Science program must:

• hold a baccalaureate degree in Science (or equivalent) or engineering from an accredited university, or
• hold a baccalaureate degree in arts with appropriate science content from an accredited university (e.g BA in Geography, or Mathematics) or
• if the potential applicant does not have a degree but believes their education and experience is equivalent to an undergraduate degree, then it is the responsibility of the applicant to put forward this position in writing as part of the application process.

Non-program admission requirements

Non-program students must meet the following admission requirements:
Applicants for admission to the Master of Science – Earth System Science (MSc ESS) non-program must:

• hold a baccalaureate degree in Science (or equivalent) or engineering from an accredited university or
• hold a baccalaureate degree in Arts with appropriate science content from an accredited university (e.g., B.A. in geography or mathematics) or
• If the potential applicant does not have a degree but believes his or her education and experience is equivalent to an undergraduate degree, then it is the responsibility of the applicant to put forward this position in writing as part of the application process.

English language proficiency

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements that need to be met for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

Applications for program admissions will be considered only if the applicant has full and unrestricted internet access.

Prospective applicants will be encouraged to review the profiles of our faculty members and identify potential supervisors before applying. Preferably, to ensure quality, students for the thesis-based route will be admitted after the candidate has been approved by the potential supervisor. For the course-based route, applications will be reviewed by the graduate program committee prior to admission.

Transfer credit

Students can apply for up to 9 transfer credits from previously uncompleted credentials or from unclassified studies on the basis of appropriate graduate-level coursework completed at other post-secondary institutions. These courses should have been completed before joining the program.

Transfer credit is limited by the MSc ESS program residency requirements. The coursework should be less than 7 years old at the time of application to the transfer of credits.

Only graduate-level courses that were successfully completed with a final grade of B- (70%) or higher will be considered for transfer credit.

Requests for transfer credit should be made after the applicant is admitted to the program. Further information can be found below in the Program application section.

Please read all the application procedures carefully prior to commencing with your application.

Application deadlines

There are monthly intakes in the MSc ESS program.

Application procedures

Prospective applicants who want to select the thesis route of the Master of Science – Earth System Science program are strongly encouraged to review the profiles of our faculty members and identify potential supervisors when applying.

How to apply

• Create an account as a new user or sign in if a returning user and select the program intake for the Master of Science – Earth System Science program.
• Complete all components of the application and pay the application fee. The application will include the following:

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s) by mail, email, or MyCreds. They must include the date of graduation, degrees granted, and any completed courses. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted to finalize the application, but official transcripts will be required before admission is considered.

Mailing address

Office of the Registrar
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca AB T9S 3A3

Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the United States, documentation measuring its equivalence based on Canadian qualifications can be acquired using an evaluation service.

International students: English language proficiency 

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

Reference letters

Please include 2 letters of reference within your application. Follow the guidelines below.

• Employer references should focus on your technical skills, work experience, and performance in information systems
• If you're submitting academic credentials from the past 5 years, one reference must be from someone familiar with your academic abilities
• References from family, friends, or colleagues won’t be accepted

International credentials

If your credential was earned outside North America, you’ll need to provide documentation showing it's equivalent to a North American bachelor’s degree. You can get this documentation from an approved credential assessment service.

We recommend World Education Services (WES) or International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS). If you want to be considered for advanced standing, choose an assessment type that includes a description of your completed coursework.

The MSc ESS program has monthly intakes. Courses completed as a non-program student may be applied toward the MSc ESS program upon admission to the program. Grades in courses completed as a non-program student will be considered in the admission process. However, successful completion of courses as a non-program student does not guarantee admission into the MSc ESS program.

Non-program student application procedure

• Create an account as a new user or sign in if a returning user and select Non Program - School of Computing and Information Systems.
• Complete all components of the application by the deadline and pay the application fee.

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s) by mail, email, or MyCreds. They must include the date of graduation, degrees granted, and any completed courses. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted to finalize the application, but official transcripts will be required before admission is considered.

Office of the Registrar
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca AB T9S 3A3

Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the United States, documentation measuring its equivalence based on Canadian qualifications can be acquired using an evaluation service.

International students: English language proficiency 

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

• Feb. 1 – April 1 (for Spring session)
• June 23 – Aug. 4 (for Fall session)
• Oct. 15 – Nov. 15 (for Winter session)

The number of credits required for the completion of the course- and thesis-route are listed in the table below:

 The MSc ESS program consists of 3 components:

1. Earth System Science core

The program has a set of two core courses that provide students with the basic grounding required for successful study and research in Earth System Science.

Core academic regulations

• All MSc ESS students are required to take ENSC 510 and 680.
• The student should declare the route (course-based or thesis-based) before registering in the third course of the program.
• It is possible for student to change from the thesis-based route to the course-based route or vice versa, depending on progress made at the time, and discussions with the supervisor.

2. Elective courses

• MSc ESS students who elect the course route are required to complete 6 courses from at least 2 of the spheres in the table below.
• MSc ESS students who take the thesis route are required to complete 3 courses from at least 2 of the spheres in the table below in consultation with their thesis supervisor.
• MSc ESS students who elect to complete the thesis- or course-based route may complete 1 course from a related discipline from graduate units outside of the faculty in consultation with their thesis supervisor.

Electives*

Course Route or Thesis Route Courses

Course-based route

This requires completion of the core and elective courses, as well as a project that is considered equivalent to effort in two 3-credit courses. A project supervisor and project sponsor are required, plus 1 additional reader. This additional reader may be a faculty member, or an industry resource person approved by the faculty.

Project credits

Project credits consist of two 3-credit elements, namely ESSC 697 and ESSC 698. These elements are not conventional courses; however, they are treated similarly for administrative purposes.

Thesis

The master's thesis comprises five 3-credit elements (namely ESSC 675, ESSC 676, ESSC 677, ESSC 678, ESSC 679 – 15 credits in total) that are completed in addition to the 2 core courses and 3 elective courses, for a total of 30 credits. These elements are not conventional courses; however, they are treated similarly for administrative purposes.

The thesis must represent the results of the student's independent work after admission to the program. The proposed topic for the thesis, together with a brief statement outlining the proposed method of treatment, and the arrangement made for the faculty supervision must be identified at the beginning of the program study and be approved by the program director. The Thesis will be evaluated by the student's supervisor(s) and at least 2 examiners appointed by the graduate program director, 1 of whom shall be external to Athabasca University. The additional thesis examiners may be faculty members or industry resource persons approved by the program director.

MSc ESS students who elect the thesis route are required to complete the following courses:

A focus area is a subject concentration within the MSc ESS program. Students may elect to complete their program with a focus area. Students must declare their selection of focus area with the MSc ESS program office or on their program application or by submitting the Focus Area Declaration form. Students can only choose 1 focus area. For focus areas that require some courses delivered by other faculties and centres, students must register with the corresponding faculty and centre, and pass the courses according to the course regulations specified by those faculties and centres.

Focus areas in the MSc ESS program are:

• Environmental Science
• Quaternary Earth Systems
• Environmental Analytics
• Bioinformatics
• Environmental Space Science
• Climate Change

More details can be found under the Focus areas sections.

Full- and part-time study

Students may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. All students must complete a minimum of 6 credits (2 course equivalents) per academic year, i.e. Sep. 1 to Aug. 31.

Residency

Thesis route: The thesis and a minimum of 2 courses must be completed at Athabasca University.

Course route: The project and a minimum of 5 courses must be completed at Athabasca University.

Letter of permission

Students enrolled in the MSc ESS program may take 1 course from a different post-secondary in fulfillment of the 3 credits towards the program requirements, provided the course is applicable to Athabasca University's MSc ESS program.

Students wishing to take a course from another institution must submit a written request, and detailed course outline to the graduate program director for review. If approved, the Centre for Science will email a Letter of Permission form to the student.

To allow mailing time, requests for a Letter of Permission should be made at least 1 month before the registration deadline at the institution where the student will be taking the course.

Upon completion of the course and in order to receive credit, the student must submit an official transcript to the MSc ESS graduate program director.

Program status

To maintain program status, students must complete at least 6 credits of course or project/thesis work during each academic year, depending on when you were admitted to the program.

Time limit

The volatility of the subject matter requires that the degree of MSc ESS must be completed within 8 academic years from the program enrolment date.

Program extension

If a student is unable to complete the program within the expected maximum number of years for completion, a program extension may be considered. Requests for an extension will be considered only under compelling circumstances.

The maximum length of a program extension is 1 year. In exceptional circumstances students mat reapply if additional time is necessary.

For further information on program extension requests, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Handbook.

A Program Extension fee must be paid by the student upon approval of the program extension.

Program deferral

While enrolled in the program, there may be situations in which students are temporarily unable to continue their program. One alternative for the student is to request a deferral in order to suspend the program requirements for a period of time. The maximum length of 1 deferral is 1 year. In special circumstances, students may reapply for a second year of deferral during their time in their program. The time of the deferral is not counted toward the maximum number of years allowed in the program. For further information on program deferral requests, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Handbook.

Focus area

Focus areas are not mandatory. However, depending on the courses selected for the electives, students will have the freedom to specialize in a chosen field of study. In each instance, the program will be designed such that students acquire a breadth of knowledge relating to Earth's systems and how they interact.

Msc ESS students who elect to have a focus area and are taking the course route are required to complete 6 elective courses chosen from at least 2 spheres in one focus area.

MSc ESS students who elect to have a focus area and are taking the thesis route are required to complete 3 elective courses chosen from at least 2 of the spheres in 1 focus area. This should be done in consultation with the thesis supervisor.

If students wish to register in an SCIS course(s) they should contact a Graduate Program Advisor for steps on how to register.

Environmental Science

Thesis or project:

Should cover environmental space science topic

Quaternary Earth Systems

Thesis or project:

Should cover quaternary earth systems topic

Environmental Analytics

Thesis or project

Should cover environmental analytics topic

Bioinformatics

Thesis or project:

Should cover bioinformatics topic

Environmental Space Science

Thesis or project:

Should cover environmental space science topic

Climate Change

Thesis or project:

Should cover climate change topic

Core courses

The core curriculum is a combination of two 3-credit courses that cover the field of Earth System Science. The core provides students with the minimum skills and knowledge that will facilitate their understanding and ability to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and solve complex problems and maintain a sustainable existence on earth. Generally, students should complete all core courses before proceeding to the elective courses. See individual course descriptions for specific prerequisites.

Elective courses

Elective courses are designed to complement the core curriculum and expand basic knowledge, theory, and practice into areas and issues of individual interest or concern. They allow students to specialize in a particular topic or learn a new set of skills necessary for research and/or practice in earth systems. Some elective courses may not be available every year and a growing list of electives will emerge as student and faculty interests change and develop.

Elective courses may be selected from the following areas: geosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, as well as, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

External electives

With program approval, additional courses may be taken from other Athabasca University graduate programs, space permitting.

Delivery modes

Graduate FST courses are delivered via online grouped study or online individualized study using distance education instructional design principles and enabling web-based technologies:

• Most course materials—study guides, assignments, resources, etc.—are available online, but some are still mailed. Review the Course Syllabi for details on your specific course.
• Students communicate with the instructor, the University, or with other students online.
• The instructor gives subject matter assistance and discusses scholarly issues, marks assignments, provides feedback, and helps the student prepare for exams.
• Final exams (when required) must be taken at pre-approved invigilators.

Grouped study

This is a mode of learning involving online study as part of a group, with specific start and end dates. Synchronous communication requirements are generally more central to the learning process than in individualized study courses. This delivery mode will be used primarily for courses which have elements of professional practice requiring that students work in various group configurations to complete assignments.

Grouped study delivery has the following characteristics:

• Students work with fellow students and instructors on a 13-week timetable.
• Students communicate with their instructor via email, and assignments are submitted through the course website.
• Sessions start 3 times each year: September, January, or April/May.
• Exams, where applicable, are written in the last scheduled week of classes.

Individualized study

Individualized study courses comprise a self-directed learning environment. Individualized study courses begin on the first day of every month. The course registration form and fees must be received at least 1 month in advance of your intended start date.

Typically, learners are required to:

• work their way through the learning materials and complete assignments at their own pace, although a suggested outline may be provided in the course, and
• schedule study time to achieve course objectives and complete assignments.

Online individualized study delivery has the following characteristics:

• Students communicate with their instructor via email, and assignments are submitted through the course website.
• Sessions start the beginning of every month.
• Exams, where applicable, are written on or before the contract end date.
• The course contract period for individualized study courses is 6 months.

Course registration procedures

Registration in courses is subject to prerequisite requirements or professor permission. Elective courses may be taken on completion of the core courses or concurrently with the core courses offered in any term.

Course extensions

Students who cannot complete their course on or before their course contract end date may apply for an extension by submitting an Extension Request Form along with the applicable fee.

Students may apply for 1 extension only per course on or before the original course contract end date. The extension starts on the first day following the original course contract end date. An extension provides students with an additional 2 months with full instructor support. The schedule for completing the course within the extension period is the responsibility of the student. If the required course work has not been submitted by the end of the extension period, a failing grade will be assigned.

Non-funded students

Course extension requests must be submitted no later than the original contract end date.

Funded students

Full-time funded students are expected to successfully complete their courses within the 4-month funded term. Course extension requests for student aid-funded courses must be received 1 month before the course end date.

Course extensions should be used with caution as government funding agency regulations take precedence over related AU policies.

Course extensions do not extend full- or part-term status or funding eligibility.

Re-registration

Students are allowed only 1 re-registration in each course. Both the initial registration and re-registration will appear on the student's academic record.

Students may re-register in a course only if they have received more than one final grade of less than B- in a course, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering, students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee.

Course withdrawals

Early withdrawal (within 30 days of course start date)

Students may withdraw from a course within 30 days of their course start date for a refund of the full course fee less the Withdrawal Processing fee. The registration will not appear on the transcripts and will be deleted from the official record. The student should not return the course materials.

Withdrawal (After 30 days of the course start date)

Students may withdraw from a course at any time up to the end of the original course end date without academic penalty. A “W” will appear on the transcript which means a student has withdrawn without credit and without prejudice. There is no refund and course materials should not be returned. Students will not be able to withdraw from a course without academic penalty in any of the following cases:

• The course has no final exam and all coursework is deemed to have been submitted for marking.
• The course has a final exam and the student has completed the final exam.

Failing to withdraw

If a student does not formally withdraw from the course before the course end date, and does not complete the course, the official record will reflect an “F” (Failure). A grade of zero will be assigned and calculated into the cumulative average. There is no refund and course materials should not be returned.

The course end date is the scheduled end of an independent-paced session for grouped-study courses and the expiry date of the course contract period for individualized-study courses.

We also do not automatically withdraw students and we handle re-enrolment on a case-by-case basis.

Refunds

Students will receive a refund of the full course tuition fee minus the course withdrawal processing fee (refer to Fees) if they withdraw from the course within the first month of the course start date. Students wishing to withdraw from a course(s) before the first day of class will receive a partial refund (full tuition fee minus the withdrawal processing fee).

Grading system

All courses will be graded using the Alpha/4.0 grading scale.

Please review the Graduate Grading Policy and Academic Records FAQ for more information on grading scales.

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Fees

A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)

¹Master of Science – Earth System Science (MSc ESS) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $170 and Course Materials fee of $37 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $14 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2025 - 2026):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $20,260 ($2,026 x 10 three-credit course equivalents). AUGSA fees, the Course Administration and Technology Fee, and the Course Materials Fee are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.

Other fees

² The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees less the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2025 to Aug. 31, 2026.