Geoarchaeology

Our Geoarchaeology program is truly unique, and one of the few offered in North America. Our location in Northwestern Ontario, among diverse landscapes, soils, and natural features, makes Lakehead University a great place to study the hands-on discipline.

The program is a collaboration between the departments of Anthropology, Geography, and Geology, and focuses on applying the concepts and methods in these fields to interpret artifacts left behind by ancient societies.

You will explore very diverse topics, related to humankind and Earth, including:

  • Archaeological Site Formation
  • Physical and Natural Science 
  • Ancient Cultures
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Human Evolution 

If you are inquisitive and enjoy being outdoors and learning about different cultures, Geoarchaeology is the program for you. You will have opportunities to immerse yourself in adventure and discovery with training in the field, access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and research collaboration with faculty members. 

Lakehead Advantage

Our Geoarchaeology program is one of the few of its kind in North America. Our unique location is rich with diverse rocks, soils, natural features, and Indigenous communities that add practical learning opportunities and course content specific to Northwestern Ontario. Many of our courses have field and/or lab components that can take place on-campus or in the surrounding area, whereas other universities do not have access to such great resources.

We have a range of laboratories housing world-class equipment, integral to research across Canada:

  • Environmental Archaeology & Paleoecology Laboratory
  • LU Instrumentation Laboratory
  • LU Map Library
  • Physical Anthropology Laboratory
  • 3D Scanning and Printing Laboratory
  • Paleoanthropology Laboratory
  • Zooarchaeology Laboratory
  • Archaeology collections and artifact laboratory

You will have access to the laboratories, as well as hands-on training to analyze your own samples and generate data.

Transfer Options

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both. 

There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Geoarchaelogy
    Degree:
    Science
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language 30-1, 2 from: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1, Math 30-2, Math 31, or Physics 30
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12, 2 from: Anatomy and Physiology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Environmental Science 12, Foundations of Mathematics 12, Physics 12, Pre-Calculus 12, or Statistics 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English, 2 from: Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Math, or Physics
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S, 2 from: Applied Math 40S, Advanced Mathematics 45S & Introduction To Calculus 45S, Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Physics 40S, or Pre-Calculus 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to these requirements are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122, 2 from: Biology 121 or 122, Calculus 120, Chemistry 121 or 122, Foundations of Math 120, Introduction to Environmental Science 120 or Advanced Environmental Science 120, Physics 121 or 122, or Pre-Calculus A120 or B120
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, 2 from: Academic Math 3201, Advanced Math 3200, Biology 3201, Calculus 3208, Chemistry 3202, Environmental Science 3205, or Physics 3204
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, 2 from: Biology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Mathematics 12, Physics 12, or Pre-Calculus 12
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A, 2 from: Biology 621A, Calculus 611B, Chemistry 621A, Environmental Science 621A, Foundations of Math 621A, Physics 621A, or Pre-Calculus 621B
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604), 4 from: Biology I (NYA), Biology II, Calculus I (201-NYA or 201-103), Calculus II (201-NYB or 201-203), Chemistry (NYA, NYB, or NYC), Linear Algebra I (201-NYC, 201-105, or 201-106), or Physics (NYA, NYB, or NYC)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U), 2 from: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Biology (SBI4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Earth & Space Science (SES4U), or Physics (SPH4U). Equivalent courses to the Ontario prerequisite requirements will be considered.
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B, 2 from: Biology 30, Calculus 30, Chemistry 30, Computer Science 30, Earth Science 30, Physics 30, or Pre-Calculus 30


The program-specific prerequisite requirements do not apply to college transfer pathways. Refer to the agreements found here for more information on the admission requirements.

If you do not meet the program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program of choice, please contact Enrolment Services – Undergraduate Admissions to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Officer. An Admissions Officer can provide you with more information on how to enrol in the required prerequisite courses for your program of choice.

Step 3 – Apply Today!

Now that you have determined your admission requirements, your next step is to submit an application.

If you are interested in full-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The full-time applications can be found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

If you are interested in part-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Undergraduate Application form found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the program, you will share courses with students in a variety of faculties and departments. As a first year Geoarchaeology student you are required to complete the following courses:

  • Anthropology 1032 – Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology
  • Anthropology 1034 – World Cultures
  • Geography 1170 – The Environment with Laboratory
  • Geology 1111 – Planet Earth with Laboratory
  • Geology 1131 – Crust of the Earth with Laboratory
  • English 1015 – Introduction to Academic Writing

The balance of your courses will be in English and Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Mathematics depending on your area(s) of interest.

Our field schools are a great way to earn credit toward your Geoarchaeology degree and further your practical knowledge in the discipline. You will have the opportunity to travel to locations in Northwestern Ontario or Europe to learn applied archaeological skills over a six-week period, such as:

  • Laboratory analysis
  • Material culture identification
  • Archaeological excavation techniques
  • Mapping
  • Field data recording

We encourage you to become a member of the Thunder Bay Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society. The organization regularly hosts social events, workshops, speakers’ series, and many other initiatives to share knowledge among the university community and the discipline as a whole.


More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information



All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Science
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$5,984.51
$1,408.45
$7,392.96
$3,696.48
$3,696.48
$1,196.90
$1,328.05
$598.45
$664.03
2
$5,955.86
$1,325.73
$7,281.59
$3,640.80
$3,640.79
$1,191.17
$1,322.32
$595.59
$661.16
3
$5,915.30
$1,325.73
$7,241.03
$3,620.52
$3,620.51
$1,183.06
$1,314.21
$591.53
$657.11
4
$5,398.29
$1,325.73
$6,724.02
$3,362.01
$3,362.01
$1,079.66
$1,210.81
$539.83
$605.40
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$6,283.74
$1,408.45
$7,692.19
$3,846.10
$3,846.09
$1,256.75
$1,387.90
$628.37
$693.95
2
$5,955.86
$1,325.73
$7,281.59
$3,640.80
$3,640.79
$1,191.17
$1,322.32
$595.59
$661.16
3
$5,915.30
$1,325.73
$7,241.03
$3,620.52
$3,620.51
$1,183.06
$1,314.21
$591.53
$657.11
4
$5,398.29
$1,325.73
$6,724.02
$3,362.01
$3,362.01
$1,079.66
$1,210.81
$539.83
$605.40
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$29,355.00
$1,408.45
$30,763.45
$15,381.73
$15,381.72
$5,871.00
$6,002.15
$2,935.50
$3,001.08
2
$29,355.00
$1,325.73
$30,680.73
$15,340.37
$15,340.36
$5,871.00
$6,002.15
$2,935.50
$3,001.08
3
$28,957.27
$1,325.73
$30,283.00
$15,141.50
$15,141.50
$5,791.45
$5,922.60
$2,895.73
$2,961.30
4
$28,957.27
$1,325.73
$30,283.00
$15,141.50
$15,141.50
$5,791.45
$5,922.60
$2,895.73
$2,961.30
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

Schedule of Fees for Services, Co-op, and Course-Related Fees


2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF139.43
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF95.14
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 388.57
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF59.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *418.00
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **252.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF156.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS20.16
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 937.16
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)  1325.73

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year
- Undergraduate Full-Time  Students (Thunder Bay)
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee SORIE82.72
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): 1325.73
 TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay):
  1408.45
2024-25 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF27.8913.94
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF19.039.51
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 77.7238.85
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 31.2015.60
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS4.032.02
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 53.4326.72
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
    
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: Amount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course)SORIE82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 131.1565.57
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 213.87148.28
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO111.56
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO59.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO152.25
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO156.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO20.16
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal 812.41
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) 1044.11

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 First Year Students

2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIO82.72
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 1044.11
Total 1126.83
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO19.039.51
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO11.805.90
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO31.2015.60
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 94.7747.39
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO82.7282.72
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 94.7747.39
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 177.49130.11
2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHG107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG95.14
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 231.70
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG418.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG156.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG59.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG20.16
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 660.16
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB199.04
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 1090.90

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDG) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 

2024-25 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIB82.72
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal 1090.90
Total 1173.62

 

2024-25  Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs
 Code Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE)
Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Student Recreation and Wellness 
SATHG22.3111.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG19.039.51
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 46.3423.17
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG31.2015.60
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG11.805.90
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG4.032.02
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 48.4324.22
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs:
 94.7747.39
 

Application Availability

Winter 2025 (January)

Open

Fall 2025 (September)

Open

Faculty

Science and Environmental Studies

Campus

Thunder Bay

Degrees

Future Careers

  • Geoarchaeologist
  • Professional Archaeologist
  • Quaternary scientist
  • Laboratory/Field technician
  • Geological researcher
  • Physical geographer
  • Curator

OUAC Code

AW