Master of Science Environmental Sustainability

The Institute of the Environment offers a masters 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 todays 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 todays 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 Ottawas CO-OP office, offers a CO-OP option to a limited number of students. Students must submit an application for the CO-OP option at the beginning of their first term of studies. The CO-OP option provides the opportunity to acquire practical work experience by completing two one-term paid 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 students 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 (70%), 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.

CO-OP Option

To be admitted into the CO-OP option, students must be enrolled full-time in the EVD program. Students must submit an application for the CO-OP option at the beginning of their first term of studies. Acceptance into the CO-OP option is on a competitive basis and is managed by the CO-OP office. Enquiries should be directed to that office.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.