Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Water Science provides opportunities to apply knowledge in the water sciences to address extant and emerging water quality issues. This certificate is tailored for practitioners with interest in the water sciences, aiming to deepen their knowledge as it relates to chemical risk, ecosystem management, and hydrogeological processes.

Program Structure

• The program is designed to allow working professionals the flexibility to complete the certificate while also continuing to work in their profession.
• Students will be required to take the following courses:
  • ENVS 816.3 Chemicals in Aquatic Systems
  • ENVS 817.3 Fundamentals of Hydrogeology
  • ENVS 824.3 River Science or ENVS 829.3 River Lake and Wetland Science
• Students may take the certificate as a stand-alone program or may ladder this credential into the Master of Water Security (M.W.S.).

Admission Requirements

Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)

• A four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, OR a three-year first cycle undergraduate degree, in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, from an institution meeting the criteria set forth in the Bologna Declaration, will be acceptable as the equivalent of an undergraduate degree
• A minimum cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units)
• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, or another approved test as outlined by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
• A completed course at the undergraduate level (100-level or equivalent) in both mathematics and statistics with at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent)

Tuition

• Program: Graduate Certificate in Water Science
• Tuition per credit unit:
  • Canadian students: $442.00 CAD
  • International students: $994.50 CAD
• Student fees (in addition to tuition):
  • Fall 2025: $59.99 CAD
  • Winter 2026: $59.99 CAD
  • Spring 2026: $18.37 CAD
  • Summer 2026: $18.37 CAD

Application Process

• Submit an online application
• Required documents:
  • Personal information
  • Contact information of three referees
  • Complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
• Application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students
• Note: Any application documents that are intended to be personal statements (e.g., Statement of Intent, Statement of Research, etc.) must be written by the applicant. Any such documents that appear to be produced by generative artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) may be rejected.

Program Details

• Expected length: 1 year
• Project and/or thesis: Not applicable
• Course-based: Yes
• Delivery: Online
• Deadline for all applications: 15 May 2026
• Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in September 2025.