Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) Collaborative Water Program is a 24-month full-time program offered by the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. The program can be taken with either a thesis option or a master's research paper (MRP) option, depending on the student's interests.

Program Details

• Department/School: School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability
• Faculty: Faculty of Environment
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
• Delivery mode: On-campus
• Program type: Collaborative, Master's, Research
• Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper

Admission Requirements

• Students must possess an honours bachelor degree or its equivalent in some environmentally related field, with at least a 75% average in the last two years.
• The equivalent of one year of related work experience is strongly recommended.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on 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 to see recent submissions from the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability 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): These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• References: Two academic references are required.
• 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 to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.

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.

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (for admission in September)

Program Description

Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming, but the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) Collaborative Water Program focuses on solutions that will allow us to navigate towards a sustainable future. Along with developing expertise in your area of research, two interdisciplinary water courses will capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars. Graduate students and research are at the core of our community, meaning that you’ll join a community that is dynamic, committed, and engaged. Our faculty are internationally recognized researchers, and they serve on a wide range of local, national, and international organizations and committees in support of global sustainability, and our students are recognized for their research impact. Once your own graduate journey is complete, you’ll be joining a large community of School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS) successful alumni actively involved in local and global resources, environment, and sustainability efforts in government, academia, civil society, and industry. In this flexible program, you will have the opportunity to follow your passion while building the skills and experiences you will need to make the world a better place and to advance your career goals.