Geography - Master of Science (MSc)

Environment 3

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

Gain a deeper understanding of the world around you with the Master of Environmental Studies in Geography program.

Geography bridges social science, environmental information technology, and physical science to enhance the protection and sustainable use of both the natural and built environments.  

In this program, you'll conduct research in your chosen topic (environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics or human geography), and produce an academic contribution to the field of Geography.

Our graduates work in many different sectors including the professional, scientific and technical services, public administration, educational services, and social advocacy organizations.

Research fields

  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics

Research project opportunities for this program

Blackward to the Future is a community-led, participatory action research initiative dedicated to reclaiming the past, present, and future of the African American community in Phoenix, Arizona. The project seeks to address the erasure of Black histories from the city’s cultural landscape by documenting oral histories, preserving community archives, facilitating intergenerational dialogue, and co-creating future urban visions. Drawing on the Adinkra concept of sankofa—the principle of looking to the past to move forward—the project emphasizes joy, resistance, and self-determination over damage-centered narratives.

The Waterloo Civic Map Lab is a research team focused on how geospatial technologies and data are used to meet the needs of community, government, and civic organizations. Student researchers at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral) work to create applied and theoretical research that matters - understanding the challenges, benefits, and issues created by civic technologies and geospatial data.

Program overview

Department/School: Geography and Environmental Management
Faculty: Faculty of Environment
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Joint, Master's, Research
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  •  February 1 (for admission in September)
  •  June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)

Key contacts

Alan Anthony
aanthony@uwaterloo.ca

Karisa Tyler

Research programs, like those in the Faculty of Environment, are essential to developing effective conservation efforts.

Karisa Tyler, Geography and Environmental Management

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Students must normally hold an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Students with an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Science (BES) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Physical Geography, Environmental or Earth Science, Geomatics, or the equivalent, will also be considered. Students must demonstrate that they have the necessary science background to pursue graduate work in their field of specialization. Students will have completed the undergraduate degree with an overall average of at least 75%.
  • Please note that a supervisor is required for admission and supervisors are not assigned in the Department of Geography. Full agreement from a faculty member to supervise prior to initiating the application process is not necessary, however it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding in order to better inform your decision whether or not to apply. Please see the full list of the Department of Geography faculty.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Statement of interest
    • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references are required; at least two 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