Environment 3 (EV3) Building located on Waterloo's Campus, across from Laurel Creek.
Generate new knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you with the PhD in Geography program.
A combination of theoretical and applied knowledge, this program allows you to specialize your research in environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics or human geography. 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: Doctoral, Joint, Research
Length of program: 48 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
Admission requirements
- A Master's degree in geography or equivalent, with at least an 80% average in all graduate work.
- Exceptional students may be allowed to enter the PhD program directly from the Master's program. Such students must have completed all Master of Arts (MA)/Master of Environmental Studies (MES)/Master of Science (MSc) requirements except the thesis, have demonstrated a superior academic record and satisfied other conditions (details of which can be obtained from the Director of the Program).
- 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
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management graduate students
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 academic 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
-
Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
-
Review living costs and housing
-
Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students