Program Overview

Program Overview

The PhD in Geography Collaborative Water program is designed to generate new knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us while discovering innovative ways to tackle global water challenges. Geography bridges social science, environmental information technology, and physical science to enhance the protection and sustainable use of both the natural and built environments.

Program Details

• 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: Collaborative, Doctoral, Research
• Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis

Research Project Opportunities

The program offers various research project opportunities, including:

• 'Blackwards' to the Future: Past, present, and futures of the African American community of South Phoenix, AZ. This community-led, participatory action research initiative aims to reclaim the past, present, and future of the African American community in Phoenix, Arizona.

Admission Requirements

• A Master's degree in geography or equivalent, with at least an 80% average in all graduate work.
• Exceptional students may be allowed to enter the PhD program directly from the Master's program, provided they have completed all Master of Arts (MA)/Master of Environmental Studies (MES)/Master of Science (MSc) requirements except the thesis, have demonstrated a superior academic record, and satisfied other conditions.
• A supervisor is required for admission, and it is strongly recommended to contact professors to discuss the possibility of supervision and funding prior to initiating the application process.

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 Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace 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.
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): Questions specific to the program you’re applying to, completed through a form in the online application.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Three academic 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

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing, including the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.