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), the Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science, and the 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.

The Master of Science in Environmental Science is a full-time, 16-month program with a unique May start date that will help students to more rigorously gather data towards the completion of a MSc thesis. The purpose of the MSc in Environmental Science is to train  Bachelor of Science or, engineering or equivalent graduates in the design, execution, and dissemination of research that is focused on the interfaces between traditional disciplines in dealing with fundamentally scientific, environment-focused issues. The MSc in Environmental Science program will allow students to address major emerging research themes in the environment and pursue projects that make use of complementary research concepts, approaches, and tools.

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.

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