Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies graduate degree programs build on an interdisciplinary approach to the environment in which the social sciences, humanities, arts, and natural sciences meet and inform each other. Offered in the new Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, our individualized Masters and Doctoral programs engage in environmental, experiential and future-oriented learning. Both programs are designed to teach and empower diverse thinkers through multi-disciplinary approaches and hands-on learning opportunities by engaging in an extensive array of environmental concerns, approaches, and actions to make positive change.
Master in Environmental Studies (MES)
Join an interdisciplinary Master’s program that challenges you to look at natural, social and built environments differently. In this self-directed program, centred on an individual Plan of Study, with an advisor and supervisor, you will learn how to redefine the boundaries of environmental research to create positive social and sustainable change.
PhD in Environmental Studies
Join the most diverse doctoral program exploring environmental concerns and approaches related to natural, social, political, cultural, and urban issues. Creatively redefine the boundaries of environmental research and analyze how theoretical and practical matters intersect, and how reflexive, rigorous, critical and creative thinking can inform environmental research, practice, policy and change.
Stream and Specializations
MES Planning Program
Follow MES course requirements that grant you professional certification through the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP).
Joint MES/JD
Focus your studies on law and the environment through this program, the only one of its kind in Canada, offered jointly through the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change and Osgoode Hall Law School.
Diploma in Business and the Environment
This joint diploma, offered through the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change and the Schulich School of Business, allows you to focus your studies on sustainable business practices while working on your MES or MBA.
Diploma in Environmental/Sustainability Education
This diploma is offered jointly by the graduate programs in Education and Environmental Studies. It is designed to provide opportunities for educators in schools, community organizations, cultural institutions and advocacy groups to develop expertise and to participate in research, theory and practice in the field of environmental and sustainability education. The diploma is offered to two groups of students:
- those already enrolled in an Environmental Studies or Education graduate programs; or
- those not studying for the MES/MEd degree but interested in the diploma alone. Offered through the Faculty of Education only.
Degrees Offered
MES
Program Component(s)
- Personal plan of study AND Research Paper OR Project OR Portfolio OR Thesis
Minimum Required GPA
B+
Fall Entry
- Full-time
Deadline - Fall (Full-time Applicants Only)
2025-02-15English Proficiency Requirement
| Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) | 600 |
| Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) | 100 |
| IELTS (Academic Module) | 7.5 |
| YUELI | Academic Program Level 9 with Distinction |
| YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP) | Graduate with distinction |
| CAEL | Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60 |
| Minimum CPE Score | C |
| Minimum CAE Score | B |
| Duolingo | 140 |
| PTE Academic | 76 |
PhD
Program Component(s)
- Personal program plan
- AND Comprehensive examination(s)
- AND Dissertation
Minimum Required GPA
B+
Fall Entry
- Full-time
Deadline - Fall (Full-time Applicants Only)
2025-01-15English Proficiency Requirement
| Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based) | 600 |
| Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) | 100 |
| IELTS (Academic Module) | 7.5 |
| YUELI | Academic Program Level 9 with Distinction |
| YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP) | Graduate with distinction |
| CAEL | Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60 |
| Minimum CPE Score | C |
| Minimum CAE Score | B |
| Duolingo | 140 |
| PTE Academic | 76 |
Additional Admission Requirements
Number of Recommendation(s)
- 2 recommendation(s)
Other Requirements
- MES
- Statement of Interest
Your statement must include the following three parts with no more than the allotted word limits:- Part 1: Research Project Title and Keywords (25 words maximum)
- Part 2: Research Description (no more than 500 words maximum)
Tell us about your research topic, research objectives or questions, theoretical frameworks and key literatures relevant to your topic, and research design/methodology. Provide a one-page bibliography (does not count in word limit). - Part 3: Personal Statement (no more than 250 words maximum)
Tell us about your academic background, training and contributions to research, relevant work or other experience, and specific interests in this MES program. Identify full-time faculty members in environmental studies whose research aligns with your interests.
Note: You do not need to secure a supervisor prior to applying. However, it is strongly recommended that you connect with environmental studies faculty members to discuss your shared research interests and potential supervision. If you are accepted into the program, a supervisor will be assigned to you based on your research interests.
- Resumé/CV
- If you do not meet the minimum requirements: you may still be considered for admission if you have an extensive background in the area you wish to study, including significant writing and analytical experience.
- See complete MES application instructions on the program website.
- Statement of Interest
- PhD
- Writing sample
- Statement of Academic Interest
Your statement must include the following three parts with no more than the allotted word limits:- Part 1: Research Project Title and Keywords (25 words maximum)
- Part 2: Research Description (no more than 1500 words maximum)
Tell us about your research topic, research objectives or questions, theoretical frameworks and key literatures relevant to your topic, and research design/methodology. Emphasize your contribution to fields of scholarship and/or practice. Provide a one-page bibliography (does not count in word limit). - Part 3: Personal Statement (no more than 1000 words maximum)
Tell us about your academic background, training and contributions to research, relevant work or other experience, and specific interests in this PhD program. Identify full-time faculty members in environmental studies whose research aligns with your interests.
Note: You do not need to secure a supervisor prior to applying. However, it is strongly recommended that you connect with environmental studies faculty members to discuss your shared research interests and potential supervision. If you are accepted into the program, a supervisor will be assigned to you based on your research interests.
- Resumé/CV
- See complete PhD application instructions on the program website.
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