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

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: Faculty of Environment | Department: School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability | Duration: 24 months (full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: February 1 (for admission in September) | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Research fields: Resource Analysis and Stewardship, Socio-Ecosystem Function and Renewal, Sustainability Policy and Governance, Research project opportunities for this program, 'Blackwards' to the Future: Past, present, and futures of the African American community of South Phoenix, AZ, Blackward to the Future is a community-led, participatory action research initiative dedicated to reclaiming the past, present, and future of the African American community in Phoenix, Arizona. The project seeks to address the erasure of Black histories from the city’s cultural landscape by documenting oral histories, preserving community archives, facilitating intergenerational dialogue, and co-creating future urban visions. Drawing on the Adinkra concept of sankofa—the principle of looking to the past to move forward—the project emphasizes joy, resistance, and self-determination over damage-centered narratives., Upcoming events, Tuesday, November 17, 2026 12:00 pm, -, 1:00 pm, EST (GMT -05:00), Graduate programs in Social and Ecological Sustainability, Join us on November 17 at 12 pm EST to learn how you can complete a Master of Environmental Studies (MES) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Faculty of Environment, in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability., ENV;, Future students → Future graduate students. Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper.

Career pathways

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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry 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.

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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