Master of Science Environmental Sustainability

The Institute of the Environment offers a master’s level Collaborative Program in Environmental Sustainability and an interdisciplinary Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Sustainability. The MSc is aimed at providing future professionals and scholars with the skills and capacities needed to develop effective regulatory and policy solutions to today’s complex, multi-dimensional environmental problems. Students will gain foundational knowledge relevant to environmental sustainability from science, law, economics and policy; learn a set of methodological skills for synthesizing and integrating knowledge from these disciplines; and apply this knowledge and these integration skills to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Two options are available: the MSc with thesis and the MSc with research paper. The MSc with research paper option can be completed in 12 months of full-time study, and the MSc with thesis option can be completed in 24 months of full-time study. Students in the MSc with research paper option may enroll for an additional term of full-time study if needed to fulfill the program requirements.

The Institute of the Environment, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa’s CO-OP office, offers a CO-OP option to a limited number of students. We offer a co-op stream to a limited number of students who will request this option in their admission file. The co-op option gives selected students the opportunity to acquire practical work experience by completing two paid one-term work placements.

The compulsory courses for the program are currently offered in English. They will be offered in French in the future. In accordance with the regulations of the University of Ottawa, examinations, assignments, and the research paper or thesis may be written in the official language of the student’s choice (either English or French).

The program is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

Admission is limited to the number of places available in the program in a given year, and is on a competitive basis. The basic admission requirement is an honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a relevant discipline with a minimum average of B+ (75%), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines. Examples of relevant disciplines include environmental studies, geography, economics, environmental science, political science, international development, environmental engineering, and law. Candidates with honours bachelor’s degrees from disciplines other than these may also be considered. The program is rigorous and requires strong academic skills, discipline and a professional work-ethic.