Athabasca University campus

Engineering

Master of Science – Earth System Science at Athabasca University

Athabasca University, Canada

Programme overview

Through a systems-based approach, develop technology-driven solutions for global environment challenges with Athabasca University’s online Master of Science – Earth System Science.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology  |  Study mode: online  |  Location: Athabasca, Alberta, Canada

What you will study

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Master of Science – Earth System Science, plus those specific to your focus area. Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program.

Career pathways

Graduates of the Master of Science – Earth System Science (MSc ESS) program can look forward to challenging careers in academe, industry, and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in a related area or equivalent education and experience.

Domestic applicants: CAD 20,660 for the whole programme (2026). Estimated total programme tuition for a student living in Canada taking all courses at Athabasca University, 2026-2027 (courses starting Sep 1, 2026 to Aug 31, 2027). Course tuition includes the course administration/technology fee, course materials fee a Source

Master of Business Administration: three intakes per year (fall start in August, winter start in January, spring start in May).

Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education: three program intakes per year, for course starts in spring (May), fall (late August) and winter (January).

Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems: two program intakes per year, Fall (September) and Winter (January).

Master of Science – Earth System Science: monthly intakes.

Master of Counselling: September start. Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist: starts in May, September and January.

Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner: starts in May 2027, January 2028, September 2028 and January 2029.

Master of Business Administration: apply by June 15 for a fall start, Oct. 15 for a winter start and March 15 for a spring start. Program application fee $238; program admission fee $950 after acceptance (non-refundable).

Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education – Open, Digital, and Distance Education: apply by January 15 for a spring start, May 15 for a fall start and September 15 for a winter start. Program application fee $201 and admission fee $265.

Master of Science – Computing and Information Systems: apply by March 1 for the Fall session and Oct. 1 for the Winter session. Program application fee $201 and admission fee $265.

Master of Science – Earth System Science: monthly intakes; application fee payable with the online application. Program application fee $201 and admission fee $265.

Master of Counselling: apply by Jan. 15 for a September start. Master of Health Studies and Master of Nursing – Generalist: apply by Nov. 1 for May, March 1 for September and July 1 for January. Program application fee $201 and admission fee $265.

Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner: apply by Dec. 1, 2026 for May 2027, June 1, 2027 for January 2028, Feb. 1, 2028 for September 2028 and June 1, 2028 for January 2029. Late applications are not assessed. Program application fee $201 and admission fee $265.

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