Geography - Master of Environmental Studies (MES) at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Gain a deeper understanding of the world around you with the Master of Environmental Studies in Geography program. Geography bridges social science, environmental information technology, and physical science to enhance the protection and sustainable use of both the natural and built environments. The MES program offers three study options:

Faculty: Faculty of Environment | Department: Geography and Environmental Management | Duration: 24 months (full-time; thesis option), 12 months (full-time; master's research paper & coursework options) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April); application deadlines: February 1 (for admission in September); June 1 (for admission in January of the following year) | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper, Coursework.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry 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 the Department of Geography faculty.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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