Social and Ecological Sustainability - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Environment 3

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

Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming.

We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity. However, we are focused on solutions that will allow us to navigate towards a sustainable future. Join us in finding these solutions with the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program, which can be taken with the thesis option or with the master's research paper (MRP) option, depending on your interests.

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.

In this flexible program, you will have the opportunity to follow your passion while building the skills and experiences you will need to make the world a better place and to advance your career goals.

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: 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)

Key contacts

sers.gradadvisor@uwaterloo.ca

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Students must possess an Honours Bachelor degree or its equivalent in some environmentally related field, with at least a 75% average in the last two years
  • The equivalent of one year of related work experience is strongly recommended

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on 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
  • 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