Geography - Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Environment 3

Environment 3 (EV3) Building located on À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Campus, across from Laurel Creek.

Gain a deeper understanding of the world around you with the Master of Environmental Studies in Geography program.

Geography bridges social science, environmental information technology, and physical science to enhance the protection and sustainable use of both the natural and built environments.ÌýÌý

The MES program offers two study options:ÌýÌýÌý

  • The thesis option allows you to conduct research in your chosen topic (environmental and resource management, environmental science, geomatics or human geography), and produce an academic contribution to the field of Geography.
  • The research paper option allows you to explore a broad range of topics in human geography, physical geography and geomatics, often within an applied context. This option is normally completed in one year through coursework.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Our graduates work in many different sectors including the professional, scientific and technical services, public administration, educational services, and social advocacy organizations.

Research fields

  • Environmental and Resource Management
  • Environmental Science
  • Geomatics
  • Human Geography

Program overview

Department/School: Geography and Environmental Management
Faculty: Faculty of Environment
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Joint, Master's, Research
Length of program: 24 months (full-time; thesis option), 12 months (full-time; master's research paper option)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)
  • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)

Key contacts

Alan Anthony
aanthony@uwaterloo.ca

Supervisors

Review finding a supervisor resources.

Admission requirements

  • An honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a 75% average. Normally, the undergraduate degree will be in Geography, but applications are welcomed from superior students regardless of background. However, students must demonstrate that they have the necessary background to pursue graduate work in their field of specialization.
  • Please note that a supervisor is required for admission and supervisors are not assigned in the Department of Geography. Full agreement from a faculty member to supervise prior to initiating the application process is not necessary, however it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding in order to better inform your decision whether or not to apply. Please see the full list of the Department of Geography faculty.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
  • Check out to see recent submissions from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management graduate students.

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Statement of interest
    • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references are required, unless a professional reference is specified.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees