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

The program information below was valid for the spring 2023 term (May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023). 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 
  • Master’s Research Paper with Internship 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 participate in the Internship activity in their third term. The Master’s Research Paper will normally take place in the third and/or fourth term (in conjunction with the Internship opportunity), along with completion of any remaining milestones. Continuous enrolment is required.
• Program type 
  • Master's
  • Research
• Registration option(s) 
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
• Study option(s) 
  • 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)

Master's Research Paper option:

The Master’s Research Paper with Internship option will enable students to combine a graduate research milestone within a ‘work-integrated learning’ experience. The internship opportunity, related coursework and milestones are designed to facilitate training of graduate students to bridge science and policy domains to solve complex sustainability challenges. Students who are unable to secure an internship placement will be able to change to one of the other Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Social and Ecological Sustainability study options.

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• Required courses
  • ERS 620 Skills Identification and Career Development
  • ERS 669 Research Design and Methods (Winter)
  • ERS 680 Sustainability Foundations (Fall)
  • ERS 681 Sustainability Applications (Winter)
• Elective courses
  • Students must complete 2 elective graduate courses.
  • At least 1 of the electives will normally be from the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS).
• 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 Internship

• The internship should be completed in 12-16 weeks with a minimum of 420 hours with an approved partner organization. Internships will normally take place in the third term of study and following completion of the core and elective courses. Ultimate responsibility to secure an internship rests with the student but SERS graduate faculty will identify and help organize internships where possible. Internships are research focused. The focus of the internship-based Major Research Paper will vary depending on partner organization needs and interests but will be ‘co-developed’ by the host, the student and faculty supervisor. Internship activities are intended to form the basis of the Master’s Research Paper in a manner that meets all MES standards and requirements while simultaneously advancing student professional development and the interests of the host organization.

Master’s Research Paper

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