Environmental Science
Program Overview
The Graduate Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences offers opportunities for graduate studies in environmental science, leading to the degrees of Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science.
The Master of Environmental Science program is a twelve-month professional program that is largely course based for two sessions. Students spend their third session in a work place internship or carrying out environmentally related research with a faculty member. A part time option is available.
Students choose this degree program following undergraduate training in environmental science or one of its foundational disciplines such as geology, biology, chemistry, or engineering. Graduates are well positioned to assume positions in government, industry, or non-governmental organizations that impact environmental policy and practice. Students can specialize in Conservation and Biodiversity, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, or choose our general program, Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems.
- See video: Master of Environmental Science program
Students may also be interested in combined degree programs.
The Doctoral Program in Environmental Science attracts students from various disciplines who are interested in research on the causes of or solutions to the pressing environmental problems of our time, using perspectives from different disciplines. It prepares students for careers in teaching and research within universities and colleges, and also in government laboratories or private organizations where fundamental research on the environment is carried out. The program is designed to provide a broad knowledge of current environmental research issues, and specific training in the most appropriate research methodologies to address questions that lie at the interface between traditional science disciplines.
- See video: Doctoral Program in Environmental Science
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | MEnvSc: Fall 2025 entry Entrance Scholarship consideration deadline: 13-Feb-2025 Final deadline: 15-May-2025 MSc:May 2025 entry Final Deadline 15-Mar-2025 PhD:Fall 2025 entry Final deadline: 15-May-2025 | MEnvSc: Fall 2025 entry 13-Feb-2025 PhD:Fall 2025 entry 15-Jan-2025 |
| Minimum admission average | MEnvSc, MSc: Mid-B average in the last two years PhD:B+ average in Master’s (Applicants with an average below A- should reach out to the unit before applying) | MEnvSc: Mid-B average in the last two years PhD:B+ average in Master’s (Applicants with an average below A- should reach out to the unit before applying) |
| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes (minimum A-minus average in bachelor’s degree) | PhD: Yes (minimum A-minus average in bachelor’s degree) |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MEnvSc: After PhD:Before MSc:Before | MEnvSc: After PhD:Before |
| If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? | MEnvSc: No | MEnvSc: No |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MEnvSc, PhD: Applicant | MEnvSc, PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MEnvSc, PhD: None | MEnvSc, PhD: None |
“I have been exposed to a world of cutting-edge research, and it has been very rewarding.”
- Boluwatife Awonaike
- PhD Student, Environmental Science