Social and Ecological Sustainability - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Environment 3

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

Join the next generation of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary scholars and applied researchers with the PhD in Social and Ecological Sustainability program.

Graduate students and research are at the core of our community, meaning that you’ll join a community that is dynamic, committed and engaged. Our faculty are internationally recognized researchers, and they serve on a wide range of local, national and international organizations and committees in support of global sustainability, and our students are recognized for their research impact. Once your own graduate journey is complete, you’ll be joining a large community of School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) successful alumni actively involved in local and global resources, environment and sustainability efforts in government, academia, civil society and industry.

When your own graduate journey is complete, you’ll be joining a large community of SERS successful alumni actively involved in local and global resources, environment and sustainability efforts in government, academia, civil society and industry.

As a PhD student, you will be guaranteed funding through teaching assistantships, research assistantships or stipends, and additional scholarships for qualified applicants.

Research areas and degree options

  • Resource Analysis and Stewardship
  • Socio-Ecosystem Function and Renewal
  • Sustainability Policy and Governance

Program overview

Department/School: School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
Faculty: Faculty of Environment
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  •  February 1 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

sers.gradadvisor@uwaterloo.ca

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Students must hold a Master's degree with distinction (typically an overall average of at least 80%) or the equivalent.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • Outlining the main areas of academic and other expertise, experience and curiosity.
    • The main area(s) of research the student hopes to emphasize in course and thesis work.
    • Information on prior education, training, practical experience, field work, publications, or other accomplishments pertinent to areas of interest.
    • Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completing this form
  • 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