Woman in plaid shirt hangs green nest box on a leafy branch.

Master of Environmental Sciences

Advance your career in the environmental sector.

Gain state-of-the-art knowledge of technical and scientific advances in environmental science, environmental policy, and sustainability. Learn from world-renowned faculty focused on earth's critical zones - air, land and water - to advance your career in industry, government or the not-for-profit sector.

The course-based Master of Environmental Sciences program is offered through our School of Environmental Sciences.

 Applied and practical experience

Expand your skillset and hands-on knowledge through course options that emphasize field and lab-based instruction.

 Course-based options

This professionally oriented master’s can be completed through eight courses or six courses + a research project.

 World-class faculty

Tap into the knowledge, expertise and research of the 30+ faculty in the School Environmental Sciences.

 Gain research skills

Experience research first-hand with a faculty supervisor in the research project study option, through critical analysis and interpretation of data and/or generation of new knowledge.

 Complete in 1 year

Full-time students can complete the program in one year (or three semesters) – getting you back into the workforce quickly.

 Upgrade your credentials

Update your theoretical and applied knowledge of current environmental science issues and solutions, while enhancing your communication and critical thinking skills.

 

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More information on courses and admission requirements can be found here.

Jesse Popp
Be prepared for some incredible experiences, like no other, that reach beyond the conventional classroom while embracing multiple ways of knowing and seeing the world to support reconciliation and truly transformation of environmental science.

Dr. Jesse Popp, Faculty
Chair in Indigenous Environmental Science
Q&A with Dr. Jesse Popp

Neil smiles in maroon sweater and grey shirt.
I study the abundance and distribution of critters and plants in ecosystems. I am particularly fascinated with fresh water and marine ecosystems. They are incredibly complex, incredibly diverse and the fact that they persist in the face of environmental change that's what really fascinates me.

Dr. Neil Rooney, Faculty
Professor, School of Environmental Sciences
Hear more from Dr. Rooney

How to Apply

You apply directly online at Applying to Guelph, and a faculty advisor is not required for this course-based program. All applications will be reviewed by the MES Program Committee and will be evaluated based on: 

  • Academic performance in a relevant field of study* 
  • Minimum B admission average - Calculating Your Admission Average 
  • Two (2) referee assessments 
  • A statement of interest in the program and/or career goals 
  • Work experience in appropriate and related fields 

*You are still eligible to apply if you have an honours bachelor's degree in an unrelated field of study but have taken courses in related areas and/or gained relevant work experience since completing the degree. 

More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.

  • This program is most suitable for those with an honours (4 year) undergraduate degree in science and for those currently employed in the environmental sector who are seeking to upgrade skills and knowledge.
  • Applicants for admission to this program must meet the admission requirement of a baccalaureate in an honours program (or the equivalent) in a relevant field of study from a recognized university or college with an average standing of at least a 'B' (70%) average.
  • A faculty advisor is not required to apply for this course-based program
  • Undergraduate upgrading prior to applying may be necessary to ensure sufficient background.

  • International applications are due by April 15th (for September/Fall entry)*
  • Domestic applications are due by April 15th (for September/Fall entry)

*We encourage international applicants to apply well in advance of the posted deadline to allow sufficient time to arrange for any necessary documentation i.e., transcripts.

 

Additional Environmental Science Options

You may also be interested in Environmental Science (Thesis-based).

Contact 

For questions on applying and admissions, contact: 

School of Environmental Sciences 
ses.gradsec@uoguelph.ca 
519-824-4120, Ext. 53937 

For questions about the MES program, contact: 

Kim Bolton, MES Program Advisor
School of Environmental Sciences 
kbolton@uoguelph.ca 

I have always had a deep connection with nature and loved learning about it in my free time. After my undergraduate degree I wanted to become involved in environmental science, but I wasn’t sure about doing a thesis-based masters. Luckily, I found out about the Master of Environmental Science (MES) degree at the University of Guelph, which is a course based masters, but allows for some research if you are inclined to do so.

Bradley Howie
MES Student