Earth Sciences (Water) - Master of Science (MSc)

Science Buildings

Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.

Get a quantitative and scientifically rigorous education in water sciences, sustainable mining, earth processes and geohazards while discovering innovative ways to tackle global water challenges with the Master of Science in Earth Sciences Collaborative Water program. 

Join one of the leading groundwater hydrology research groups in the world, focusing on characterization of biogeochemical, hydrogeologic and geological systems, and the response of these systems to human interference, while learning from award-winning faculty members. Choose between the thesis option or research paper option for a master’s degree experience that fits your needs and interests.  

Along with developing expertise in your area of research, two interdisciplinary water courses will capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars. 

Program overview

Department/School: Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August) 
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Collaborative, Master's, Research
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

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

Key contacts

Sue Fisher at sfisher@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 35836

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources
  • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors. It is a good strategy to identify whether the potential supervisors that students would like to undertake research with have available positions and funding.

Admission requirements

  • Students should have a Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences, or equivalent (e.g. Geology, Geosciences), with no less than a 75% standing. Outstanding students in other fields will also be accepted, but will have to take extra courses to strengthen their background preparation.

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 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees