About

The Certificate in Sedimentary Geology satisfies the curiosity of those who want to learn how physical environments and living ecosystems have changed over Earth's history, focusing on recongizing sedimentary rocks. This certificate will allow graduates to show that they have the skills necessary to read the rock record and that they are familiar with the sediments that hold important resources such as gas, helium and lithium, and an understanding of the need to extract resources in new and less environmentally sensitive ways.


Quick facts
  • Three-year certificate
  • Part-time program
  • This program has university-level course prerequisites

What you will learn

This certificate will recognize your proficiency in the description and analysis of sedimentary rocks and their components, identification of common fossils, an understanding of stratigraphic principles, and interpretation of paleoenvironments and ancient ecosystems.

This certificate will provide you with a tangible way to show potential employers or graduate supervisors that you have the skills necessary to succeed in careers that require a background in sedimentary geology. You will be able to prove that you have some knowledge in sedimentary geology without committing to a full geology degree.

This type of knowledge could be useful in business, environmental law, geography, biology, and engineering, for example.

GEOL 247.3: Palaeontology

Ancient life on earth will be explored via the principles and concepts of invertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, paleobiology and evolution. The basic morphology and systematics of the main fossil invertebrate groups will be covered in the laboratory sessions, when fossil specimens will be studied.

GEOL 343.3: Sedimentary Environments

The history of the facies concept; sedimentary environments and facies; techniques of facies analysis; modern environments of deposition; interpretation of ancient sedimentary environments; sedimentary facies through geological time; sedimentary facies, sea level, and tectonics.

GEOL 405.3: International Field Studies

A field course involving the observation, analysis and interpretation of geological relationships and processes in international locations. The geographic site of the course will vary, but will be chosen to highlight features that will assist the student in understanding the Earth system, and the international character of Geology.

GEOL 448.3: Sequence Stratigraphy

Sequence stratigraphy is a new approach to understanding the stratigraphic record. It helps to integrate different datasets, including sedimentology, paleontology and the various fields involved in petroleum geology. It is particularly valuable as a tool in oil and gas exploration and production.


The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Showing specific skills

The certificate is not intended to replace the existing programs in geology, but will allow you to highlight your specific knowledge in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleontology without committing to a full degree.

Complementing your studies

Take this certificate to have your knowledge in sedimentary geology formally recognized for your future studies or in your desired or current profession.

Making an impact

The study of sedimentary rocks and the fossils within them is key to understanding the history of our planet, as we face climate change and environmental crises. The Certificate in Sedimentary Geology recognizes that graduates have the knowlege and skills necessary to analyze some of the problems facing society in terms of deep time in Earth's history. It will help to prepare students for careers in geoscience-related industries and business.

Careers

Integrating this certificate with further studies, you can seek employment with a variety of private and public sector employers, including mining, oil and gas, environmental industries, and geological surveys. Your knowledge of Earth processes is very important in many aspects of the business and public policy world.

The following are a few opportunities:

  • Environmental geology
  • Exploration geology
  • Geological survey
  • Mine geology
  • Petroleum geology
  • Mineralogy
  • Sedimentology
  • Paleontology
  • Geological modelling

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $815 per 3 credit unit class $3,945 per 3 credit unit class
Student fees $1,121 per year $1,121 per year

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program options

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The Certificate in Sedimentary Geology is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.

If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2025
Dec 1, 2024
Documents due: Dec 15, 2024
Sep 1, 2024
Documents due: Oct 1, 2024
Spring
May 2025
Apr 1, 2025
Documents due: May 1, 2025
Feb 1, 2025
Documents due: Mar 1, 2025
Summer
July 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Mar 1, 2025
Documents due: Apr 1, 2025
Fall
September 2025
Aug 15, 2025
Documents due: Aug 15, 2025
May 1, 2025
Documents due: Jun 1, 2025
Winter
January 2026
Dec 1, 2025
Documents due: Dec 15, 2025
Sep 1, 2025
Documents due: Oct 1, 2025

Ready to apply?

If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

To apply to this program as a new student, please apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science and after you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca