Economic Development and Innovation - Master of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI)

Environment 3

Environment 3 (EV3) Building located on Waterloo's Campus, across from Laurel Creek.

Find innovative solutions that facilitate prosperity, sustainability and inclusive growth in cities and communities in Canada and around the world with the Master of Economic Development and Innovation program. 

This on-campus, coursework-based program can be completed in one year of full-time study or can be completed part-time for flexibility if you’re a working professional.  

In addition to learning economic development theory and practice, you will be exposed to leading edge knowledge, tools, and approaches to address contemporary economic development challenges in cities and communities across Canada and internationally.  

Advance your current career or prepare for a career in government, not-for-profit or private industry with hands-on, real-world experience in the economic development profession through a final capstone project where you’ll work with an outside organization.

Program highlights

  • Hands-on experience in a professional setting through a capstone project.  
  • Flexibility of a full- or part-time program so your degree can cater to your needs.
  • Key curriculum components include guest speakers, field trips, conferences, and networking opportunities to advance your career. 

Program overview

Department/School: School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
Faculty: Faculty of Environment
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

  •  February 1 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

For program-specific inquiries: Graduate Program Administrator
For application support: gradapply@uwaterloo.ca

Lisa Huang

There’s something very beautiful about a graduate program where you have a second chance to reinvent yourself.

Lisa Huang, MEDI

Admission requirements

  • An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least a 75% standing; the undergraduate degree may be in Planning, Geography, Political Science, Business, Commerce, Economics, Sociology or other social sciences or other fields related to economic development.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Writing sample
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    Two references are required; at least one academic
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees