Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctorate in Philosophy Geography

The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics conducts research and teaching on the interrelationships between human society and the physical world. Students are introduced to the full spectrum of subfields, including human and physical geography, environmental studies, and geomatics. Specific departmental strengths include polar environments, urban geography, climate change, and GIS and remote sensing.

Program Overview

In addition to its undergraduate programs, the department offers thesis-based two-year Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) programs, as well as a course-based interdisciplinary one-year Master concentration in The Anthropocene (MSc), and a PhD in Geography. Through the MA and MSc programs, students can also participate in the collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the admission requirements outlined in the general regulations in effect for graduate studies, as well as the specific requirements of the department. Students may be admitted to the PhD program on the basis of a master's degree or its equivalent in geography or a related discipline, with an academic record indicating at least a (B+) average or the equivalent.

Program Structure

• The program is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
  • Students are required to spend at least six terms of full-time enrollment at the University.
  • For a definition of full-time enrollment, please refer to Section C "Enrollment" of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• Additional Coursework: The Admissions Committee may, depending on the candidate's background, require them to successfully complete additional courses, including language courses, beyond the basic MA degree requirements.

Transfer from Masters to PhD

Students enrolled in the MA or MSc program in geography at the University of Ottawa who have obtained excellent results may be admitted into the PhD program without completing a master's thesis. To take advantage of this option, they must meet, in sequence, the following conditions:

• Obtain a minimum average of A- in three master's courses.
• Have the department's approval.
• Successfully complete GEG 7906.
• Demonstrate satisfactory progress in the research program.

Course List

• Compulsory Courses:
  • GEG 5000 Graduate Field Camp
• Optional Courses:
  • 6 optional course units in geography (GEG) or environmental studies (ENV) at the graduate level
• Second Language Proficiency Test
• Comprehensive Examination: GEG 9998 Comprehensive Examination
• Thesis Project: GEG 9001 Preparation of Ph.D. Thesis Project
• Thesis: THD 9999 Doctoral Thesis

Notes

1. A maximum of three course units can be replaced by three other units approved by the Department of Geography.
2. Students whose mother tongue is either English or French must demonstrate passive knowledge of the second official language of Canada.

Minimum Standards

• The passing grade in all courses is C+.
• Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units) must withdraw from the program.

Duration of Program

• The requirements of the program are usually fulfilled within four years.
• The maximum time permitted is six years from the date of initial enrollment in the program.

Thesis Advisory Committee

• During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate.
• The Committee's membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate.
• It will be composed of the supervisor and 2-3 additional professors.
• At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be from the Faculty of Arts.
• The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defense.
• A meeting between the student and the Thesis Advisory Committee will take place at least once per term.

Research Areas

The University of Ottawa ranks among Canada's top 10 research universities, with research founded on excellence, relevance, and impact, and conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The research community thrives in four strategic areas:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Advancing just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Enabling lifelong health and wellness

Facilities and Research Centres

The Faculty of Arts is proud of the state-of-the-art research conducted by its professors. Facilities, research centres, and institutes at the Faculty of Arts include:

• Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française
• Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies
• Institute for Science, Society and Policy
• Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
• Morisset Library

Course Codes

• Courses with 51XX and 55XX codes are reserved for students enrolled in the MA or PhD programs.
• Courses with 53XX and 57XX codes are reserved for students enrolled in the MSc or PhD programs.
• Courses at the 6000-level are available for all graduate students in geography.
• Courses at the 7000-level are reserved for students enrolled in the MA and MSc programs.
• Courses at the 8000- or 9000-levels are reserved for students enrolled in the PhD program.