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.

A combination of theoretical and applied knowledge, this two-year thesis program allows you to specialize your research in environmental science or geomatics. You’ll be prepared to work in areas like academia, federal and provincial agencies, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or teaching.  

The geography graduate program at Waterloo is one of the largest in North America through a join program/partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University, allowing you to conduct leading edge research in a vibrant and stimulating environment. You’ll be part of the most research-active unit in the Faculty of Environment, with opportunities to join ongoing nationally and internationally recognized research projects.  

Research areas and degree options

  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics

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

Supervisors

Review finding a supervisor resources

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 Geography department faculty.

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
  • 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
    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