Earth Sciences

Earth science literacy is critical to meet the needs of modern society. The study of the Earth is focused not only on the rocks and minerals that make up solid Earth but also on the interaction of these materials with other earth systems. An understanding of Earth’s evolution through time allows earth scientists to interpret present-day conditions on our planet and predict how they will change in the future; these changes will affect both human societies and the natural environment.

Earth scientists are stewards of the planet’s mineral, energy and water resources. They must also be problem solvers, as Earth’s natural resources are currently threatened by climate change, overconsumption and natural disasters. In the North, we live in a complex landscape where earth scientists must address the legacy of contaminated sites, support sustainable resource discovery and extraction, and grapple with a rapidly changing environment.

Students completing the two-year program will receive a diploma in Earth Sciences and be eligible for transfer into upper-level standing in many Canadian B.Sc. geoscience degree programs. A block transfer agreement between Yukon University and Vancouver Island University (VIU) allows Earth Science program graduates to easily transfer between institutions and directly apply all completed courses towards completion of a B.Sc. in geoscience from VIU's Department of Earth Science. 

Coursework completed at Yukon University is compatible with the educational requirements for achieving a professional geoscientist (P.Geo.) designation in the environmental geoscience or geology streams. Completion of a B.Sc. degree following the Earth Sciences program allows for upward workplace mobility in scientific and technical fields and enables graduates to continue to upper-level training in science (M.Sc., Ph.D.). 

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Program pathways and duration

Students can complete the Earth Sciences diploma program with two years of full-time study. Part-time study is welcomed. Students have reduced course requirements in the summer months to allow for geoscience work experiences. Recommended course completion matrices for each year are provided below.

Four simple steps to starting your Yukon University education.

1. Apply online for most programs

• Please refer to the program page for specific application instructions for partnership programs such as Education, Social Work and Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences.

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2. Submit transcripts

Submit your official transcripts (mailed or email directly from your previous school). Applications without official transcripts cannot be processed.

Admissions Office
Yukon University
500 University Drive, PO Box 2799
Whitehorse YT
Y1A 5K4

Canadian applicants, please provide proof of your previous education in one of the following ways:

High school graduates

• Submit an official copy of your transcript
• Note: please be aware of all application deadlines and apply early, even though you may not yet have completed the required courses.

Grade 12 students

• Submit your transcript and a copy of your most recent report card
• Arrange to have your high school send a final transcript when it becomes available

Mature students
(19 years of age or older or 17 years of age and out of school at least one full academic year)

• Submit your high school transcript
• You may also be required to write University Assessments

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3. Notice of acceptance

Once we have your application and your official transcripts (or Assessments & testing results), we will make a decision about your acceptance into the program. It can take up to four weeks to process your application once we have all supporting documents, so please ensure that we have these as soon as possible.

Letters of acceptance, along with all future correspondence, will be emailed so please be sure that you have included an up-to-date email address with your application. 

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4.  Registration

After you have received your Letter of Acceptance into the program, you still need to register for your courses. This does not happen automatically. You need to talk to a Program Advisor to choose your courses.

Learn more about completing your enrolment