Master of Science in Geography (Water)
The University of Waterloo offers a unique research-based Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) collaborative program in Water. This program, jointly offered by eight departments across the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics and Science, is intended to promote multi- and inter-disciplinary perspectives related to water. The goal of the program is to supplement disciplinary (specialist) training offered in individual departments with perspectives from a variety of water-related disciplines. Students graduating from the collaborative program will be better equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams to solve increasingly complex water issues.
The over 130 faculty members involved in water research at the University of Waterloo represent international excellence and leadership in the field. The faculty cohort includes a Canada Excellence Research Chair, eight Canada Research Chairs, two NSERC Industrial Research Chairs and several University Chairs. The University’s water programs are diverse and collectively comprehensive, creating a dynamic research and learning environment. Core disciplinary expertise includes:
- Hydrological (groundwater, surface water) science and engineering;
- Water/wastewater treatment and technology;
- Ecohydrology;
- Aquatic ecology and ecotoxicology;
- Water management, policy and governance.
The collaborative program in Water represents tremendous opportunity for graduate students to train within their chosen disciplines while being exposed to perspectives of water research, innovation and management from other fields.
Admissions Requirements
Interested students should apply to the collaborative program in Water in one of the following departments via the regular university application process:
The collaborative program is available to students who are applying to thesis or major paper-based research programs in the home department and whose program of study will have a substantial focus on water. Admission requirements are the same as home department programs, who must approve the application. Students will be required to submit a brief statement of their research interests in water with their application.
Degree Requirements
Students must fulfill all of the requirements of their home department, including any specific courses, thesis or seminar milestones, and all of the requirements of the Water program. Whether or not collaborative program courses can be used as electives in the home department will be determined by the department, and may differ from department to department. It is therefore possible that students will need to take additional courses beyond those prescribed by the home department in order to meet the specific requirements of the Water program.
Degree requirements for students in the Master of Sciecen in Geography (Water) program are as follows:
- complete 4 one term (.50 unit weight) credit courses;
- complete a program wide seminar course;
- complete an approved thesis proposal; and
- write and defend a master's thesis.
The Master of Science in Geography (Water) requires the successful completion of nine units of credit, (1 unit = 0.50 credit weight), as follows:
- GEOG 691 (1 unit)
- Research Seminar (1 unit); selected from either GEOG 600 or GEOG 640
- One elective (1 unit) from either Environmental Science or Geomatics courses depending on whether GEOG 600 or GEOG 640 is taken
- Two electives (2 units); two courses selected from among Environmental Science, Geomatics, or other science courses relevant to their program of study
- Thesis (4 units)
Notes: 1) A maximum of one GEOG 675 course can be taken for credit. 2) For Master’s students, failure to obtain a grade of B- (70%) in each course they take means an automatic review of the student’s status in the Program.
Coursework
The coursework part of the program is designed to develop advanced understanding of issues relating to environmental science and geomatics, and also to prepare students for thesis research and its defence. Students are required to complete the 4 one-term courses during their first year, in addition to a program-wide seminar course (GEOG 691).
Fieldwork
Students will engage in fieldwork as part of their research. Several courses provide experience and training, to complement what most students will have obtained in their undergraduate degrees. Individual faculty also provide specialized training before and during fieldwork activity. Fieldwork is subject to environmental and other impact assessment through NSERC funding reviews, as well as research permit applications in many jurisdictions where students work, e.g., in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.
Thesis Proposal
During the first year, students develop a thesis proposal that will normally be presented to a supervisor at the end of the first year. Upon approval of the proposal, students will then proceed to the research and writing of the thesis. Normally, students should complete and defend the thesis within two years of starting the program.
Part-time studies
This program will not normally be offered on a part-time basis. In exceptional circumstances, students may assume part-time status after their formal course work has been completed.
Core Courses
Core courses are designed to provide fundamental multidisciplinary knowledge and experience to complement the student’s specialist courses and water-related research in the home department.
The two required core courses are:
WATER 601: Integrated Water Management (0.50 credit)
This course provides an overview of various water-related disciplines, including fields within water science and engineering, water technology, aquatic and terrestrial systems and water planning and management. Modules cover key concepts, methods, tools and terminology from a wide variety of perspectives, providing students with a multidisciplinary foundation for communicating and problem solving in the water resources sector.
WATER 602: Integrated Water Management Project (0.50 credit)
This course addresses current local, national or international water issues from an integrated, multi-disciplinary perspective. Building on WATER 601, students work in multi-disciplinary teams under the supervision of a faculty member to identify issues, challenges and opportunities to effectively address current water problems, integrating knowledge from a variety of perspectives. This course may have a field component in which full participation will be required.
Research Seminar
Students will make a formal presentation on their research at an annual symposium or other designated event. This will be an opportunity to interact with a very broad multidisciplinary audience that crosses all areas of research in the collaborative programs.
Other opportunities
Students enrolled in the collaborative program will be offered other learning opportunities, such as participation in seminars and workshops and access to visiting fellows and scholars, which will enhance the learning experience.
Applying for the collaborative program in Water
For more information about the collaborative Water graduate programs, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator of a participating department or:
Dr. Mark Servos
Program Director
Phone: 519-888-4567 x36034
Email: mservos@uwaterloo.ca
Interested students should visit the Graduate Studies Office website.
If you need further assistance with the application, please email the Graduate Studies Office.