Programs

The Faculty of Environment has a diverse offering of graduate programs, each dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future. Our programs include graduate diplomas, master's and doctoral degrees. Whether you are a working professional looking for a part-time, online diploma or a student looking for a full-time research opportunity, there is a program that meets your needs.

Graduate Programs

Professional, coursework-based online diplomas

Climate Risk Management GDip

For working professionals who must identify and create strategies to mitigate climate risk. Gain the applied skills needed to build climate-resiliency in any industry and become an asset to your current or future organization.

Planning GDip

Professionals in the planning field can gain a contemporary understanding of the sector. Learn skills in new areas while refreshing your understanding of core planning concepts. Courses can be used towards continuous professional learning requirements.

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Professional, coursework-based online and hybrid degrees

Master of Environment and Business (MEB)

Gain the knowledge and skills to be a business sustainability professional with this majority-online degree. Complete the capstone project on a topic aligned with your current industry or in a subject matter of interest. Present your findings at the two-day capstone residency.

Application information
Program information
Inquiries: meb-mdp-medi.graduateinquiries@uwaterloo.ca

Master of Future Cities (MFC)

Learn competency in future and systems thinking and foresight methods in the context of cities with this majority-online degree. Work closely with external partners to develop solutions to specific urban sustainability problems for your capstone project.

Master of Planning (MPlan)

Planning professionals gain a contemporary understanding of the sector. Gain the skills and perspectives necessary for a successful career in planning and related fields. Courses can be used towards continuous professional learning requirements.

Master of Climate Change (MCC)

Gain advanced training and expertise specific to climate change, including climate change science, vulnerability and adaptation, and mitigation. Complete a master’s research paper or an internship practicum in the climate change field.

Master of Development Practice (MDP)

Become global development professionals with core courses in health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences and management sciences. End the program with a graduate studies practicum; a 4-month placement working with a local community partner.

Application information
Program information
Inquiries: meb-mdp-medi.graduateinquiries@uwaterloo.ca

Master of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI)

Facilitate prosperity, sustainability and inclusive growth in cities and communities in Canada and around the world. End the program with an internship, applied research project or major research paper.

Application information
Program information
Inquiries: meb-mdp-medi.graduateinquiries@uwaterloo.ca

Master of Arts (MA) in Global Governance

Gain expertise in conflict and peace-building, humanitarian crises and intervention, international economic inequality and instability, and global environmental change.

Geography (MA, MES, MSc)

Gain a deeper knowledge on a specific area related to the field of geography.Work under the guidance of a supervisor to propose and defend a thesis. Or complete additional courses and complete a master’s research paper (MA and MES only).

Application information (MA, MES, MSc)
Program information
Inquiries: env-geog@uwaterloo.ca

Planning (MA, MES)

Gain a deeper, advanced knowledge on a specific area related to the field of planning. Work under the guidance of a supervisor and advisory committee to propose and defend a thesis. Or complete additional courses and complete a master’s research paper.

Application information (MA, MES)
Program information
Inquiries: env-plan@uwaterloo.ca

Social and Ecological Sustainability (MES)

Gain a deeper, advanced knowledge on a specific area related to the fields of social and ecological sustainability. Work under the guidance of a supervisor and advisory committee to propose and defend a thesis. Or, complete additional courses and complete a master’s research paper.

Application information
Program information
Inquiries: sers-gradadvisor@uwaterloo.ca

Sustainability Management (MES)

Gain a deeper, advanced knowledge on a specific area related to the field of sustainability management. Work under the guidance of a supervisor and advisory committee to propose and defend a thesis.

PhD in Geography

Produce a dissertation of independent and original work that advances knowledge in the geography field. Research areas in environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics and human geography.

PhD in Global Governance

Examine the actors, institutions, ideas, rules, and processes that contribute to the management of global society. Interrogate the concepts, tools, and assumptions that have served scholars in the past and assesses new approaches for addressing contemporary and future challenges.

PhD in Planning

Advance knowledge in the planning field. Research areas include community planning, community sustainability, housing, transportation, urban economies, social structures, modelling and design.

PhD in Social and Ecological Sustainability

Advance knowledge in the field of social and ecological sustainability including resource analysis and stewardship, socio-ecosystem function and renewal, and sustainability policy and governance.

Application information
Program information
Inquiries: sers-gradadvisor@uwaterloo.ca

PhD in Sustainability Management

Produce a dissertation of independent and original work that advances theory and knowledge in sustainability management including development management, governance, social innovation, industrial ecology and sustainable businesses.