READ: Geoscience and Canada: Understanding our Earth: The vital role of Canada’s Geoscientists

What University Courses Should I Take to Become a Professional Geoscientist?

To become a member of the association, you need to fulfill the set of knowledge requirements as defined and standardized by the Canadian Council of Professional Geoscientists www.ccpg.ca. These standards have been adopted by The Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia. These are outlined in “Geoscience Knowledge and Experience Requirements for Professional Registration In Canada“ and officially come into effect in June 2010. This document outlines the requirements for university courses (Earth Sciences, Math, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) that must be completed to ensure eligibility for membership.

How Much Work Experience is Needed to Become a Professional Geoscientist?

Once you begin your working career in geoscience and before you gain enough experience to become a full member, you are eligible to become a member-in-training. The requirement for membership is 48 months of cumulative work experience in geoscience-based work.

As a member-in-training you will need to make a formal arrangement to obtain mentoring by a member of the association with at least five years experience in professional geoscience work. The member-in-training reports on a regular basis to his/her mentor and is expected to keep a journal of work and professional experience (a practice that is very beneficial to professional development and is encouraged throughout professional life). The benefits of supporting professional growth through mentorship are innumerable.

If you are enrolled in a co-operative education program at your university or if you take on summer employment in the geosciences during your studies, that experience may count towards the work requirement for membership (up to a maximum of 12 months). Contact Geoscientists Nova Scotia for more information.

Science Co-op Programs in Nova Scotia:

⦁ Acadia University http://www.acadiau.ca/employment/co-op/coopprograms.html

⦁ Dalhousie University http://sciencecoop.dal.ca/

⦁ St. Mary’s University http://www.smu.ca/administration/coop/welcome.html

The Ring Ceremony

The Earth Science Ring Ceremony was started in Alberta in 1975 and has since been adopted by other jurisdictions and provinces in Canada. The ceremony generally takes place upon graduation from a university program in Earth Sciences. Geoscientists Nova Scotia has arranged this ceremony for association members interested in participating and receiving the ring.

More information is available from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)

Student Membership Application