Geography - Master of Arts (MA)

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 Arts in Geography program.

A combination of theoretical and applied knowledge, this program allows you to pick from two study options so you can design the graduate experience that’s best for you.   

The thesis option allows you to conduct research in your chosen topic (environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics or human geography), and complete a thesis that typically contains significant elements of publishable quality.  

The research paper option allows you to explore a broad range of topics in human geography, physical geography and geomatics, often within an applied context. This option is normally completed in one year through coursework.      

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 and Resource Management
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics
  • Human Geography

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, Master's Research Paper

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

  • An honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a 75% average. Normally, the undergraduate degree will be in Geography, but applications are welcomed from superior students regardless of background. However, students must demonstrate that they have the necessary background to pursue graduate work in their field of specialization.
  • 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, unless a professional reference is specified
  • 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