The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management program offered by the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) is committed to providing future leaders with the research skills, management tools, strategies and processes required to realize sustainable outcomes within business, government and third sector organizations.
The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management program takes an interdisciplinary research-based approach where economic, social, environmental and development issues are taken equally into account. The program will contribute to the creation of academic knowledge for methods, systems, concepts, and tools for careers in sustainability management such as academia, public policy and business analytics. Students will receive training from and will work on their academic program under the mentorship and guidance of faculty members.
Admission Requirements
- A four-year undergraduate degree equivalent in a humanities, social science, health, engineering, natural science, environmental science, or business discipline with an overall average of at least 75% in the last two years.
- Three letters of reference will be required for entrance into the program.
- Provide a Supplementary Information Form.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate command of the English language with a minimum TOEFL score of 580 (paper-based), or 90 (internet-based) or the equivalent on one of the following comparable tests: CAEL 70, IELTS 7.0, MELAB 85. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification http://gradcalendar.uwaterloo.ca/page/GSO-ELP).
- Deferrals for admission and delayed entries will not be permitted.
- Full-time and part-time studies are available. Part-time students will be obligated to complete their requirement within five calendar years from the date of their initial registration.
Degree Requirements
| Term |
Course |
| Fall |
SUSM 601: Foundations for Sustainability Management |
| |
SUSM 602: Theories and Concepts of Sustainability Management |
| |
One elective |
| Winter |
SUSM 603: Research Methods for Sustainable Management |
| |
SUSM 605: Thesis development |
| |
One elective |
Spring
Summer |
Research Thesis
The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty member. Furthermore a successful thesis in the program demonstrates knowledge of existing research within the area of inquiry, the development of a sound research question and the ability to apply appropriate methods. The results of research should be original and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the selected field. The thesis should be approximately 100 pages. |
| Electives* |
SUSM 620: Business Operations and Sustainability
SUSM 630: Enterprise Marketing and Social Accountability
SUSM 640: Strategy for Sustainable Enterprises
SUSM 650: Environmental Finance
ENBUS 621: Enterprise Carbon Management
ENBUS 622: Product Life Cycle Assessment
ENBUS 632: Sustainability Reporting
ENBUS 642: Stakeholder Engagement, Collaborations and Partnerships
INDEV 602: International Development - Theory and Practice
INDEV 604: Sustainable Cities
INDEV 605: Economics for Sustainable Development
INDEV 606: Energy and Sustainability
INDEV 607: Management for Sustainability
INDEV 608: Water and Security
INDEV 616: Urban Food Security
LED 611: Industrial Location Theory and concepts
LED 612: Land Development Planning
LED 613: Regional Development Principles and Practices
LED 615: Community Economic Development
LED 619: Regional Planning, Economic and Investment Analysis
LED 688: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development |
| *Students may request permission from the SEED Graduate Advisor to enroll in elective courses in other graduate courses that will complement their program of study. Permission must also be granted by the department or program in which the courses are offered. |