Earth and Planetary Science Communication

Our program is unique. It’s the only one in Canada that combines knowledge of Earth Sciences with communications skills in a single four-year undergraduate degree.

As a graduate, you will understand the science behind important issues such as global climate change, space exploration and planetary resources. You will develop the skills to participate effectively and successfully in the discussions and debates surrounding science in a variety of fields and industries.

You will take the same courses as Earth Sciences and Communications majors. The first two years provide fundamental background knowledge in both disciplines. In the senior years, you can choose courses in your areas of interest and participate in collaborative projects.

In Year 4, you can combine your scientific knowledge and communications skills. The fourth-year communications courses address more specific concerns about the environment and media, film and ecology, and data science. In a capstone course, you will complete a supervised project on a topic in the media format of your choice.

The overall goal of this degree is to prepare you with extensive knowledge about the Earth and planetary sciences, as well as the skills to communicate well and create positive relationships between organizations and stakeholders. After graduation, you will be able to work effectively in various roles and positions within science policy debates and developments in a wide range of settings, including governments, NGOs and private companies.

  • BASc in Earth and Planetary Science Communication

Expected cut-off: mid 70s
OUAC Code: BEP

Not an Ontario Secondary School applicant? Find your admissions criteria here.


Career outcomes

  • Communication for government agencies and NGOs
  • Communication for companies in environmental fields or in geologically sensitive areas
  • Traditional resource fields
  • Communication for companies taking part in space exploration
  • Science reporting in newspapers, web publications and blogs

Prerequisite requirements

  • English (ENG4U)
  • Any two of: MHF4U, MCV4U, MDM4U, ICS4U, SBI4U, SPH4U, SCH4U, SES4U, CGR4M or CGO4M