Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Social and Ecological Sustainability

The program information below was valid for the fall 2022 term (September 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

• Admit term(s) 
  • Fall
• Delivery mode 
  • On-campus
• Length of program 
  • Thesis option: The minimum period of full‐time enrolment in the thesis option is three terms (one year) or its equivalent. Normally degree requirements are to be completed within a maximum of six terms (two years) for full‐time study or within 15 terms (five years) for part‐time study. Most full-time students complete their course requirements within their first two terms and are prepared for thesis research in their third term. Continuous enrolment is required.
  • Master’s Research Paper option: The minimum period of full‐time enrolment is three terms (one year) or its equivalent. Normally degree requirements are to be completed within a maximum of four terms. Most full‐time students complete their course requirements within their first two terms and are prepared to begin Master’s Research Paper research in their third term. Continuous enrolment is required.
• Program type 
  • Master's
  • Research
• Registration option(s) 
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
• Study option(s) 
  • Thesis
  • Master's Research Paper

• Minimum 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.
• Application materials 
  • Résumé
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
• References 
  • Number of references:  2
  • Type of references: 

    academic

• English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Thesis option:

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• Required courses
  • ERS 680 Sustainability Foundations (Fall)
  • ERS 681 Sustainability Applications (Winter)
  • ERS 669 Research Design and Methods (Winter)
• Elective courses
  • Students must complete 1 elective graduate course.
• Students must maintain an academic average of at least 75%.

Link(s) to courses

• Environment and Resource Studies (ERS) courses

Research Skills Seminar

• Attendance and participation at a Panel on Research Excellence to be held at the end of November of each year.

Master’s Thesis

• Completion and successful defence of a Master’s Thesis.

Master's Research Paper option:

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• Required courses
  • ERS 669 Research Design and Methods (Winter)
  • ERS 680 Sustainability Foundations (Fall)
  • ERS 681 Sustainability Applications (Winter)
• Elective courses
  • Students must complete 3 elective graduate courses.
  • At least 2 of the electives must be from the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability.
• Students must maintain an academic average of at least 75%.

Link(s) to courses

• Environment and Resource Studies (ERS) courses

Research Skills Seminar

• Attendance and participation at a Panel on Research Excellence to be held at the end of November of each year.

Master’s Research Paper

• Acceptance of a Master’s Research Paper to be evaluated by the student’s advisor and one committee member.