Canada prioritizes environmental sustainability because of its abundant natural resources, varied ecosystems, and the growing effects of climate change.
Here are environmental sustainability programs in Canada that groom students into major stakeholders in society and enable them to make significant changes in achieving environmental sustainability in Canada.
Table of Contents
20 Environmental Sustainability Programs in Canada
- Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability – University of Ottawa
- Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) – Western University
- Master of Science in Resources, Environment and Sustainability – University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Master of Environmental Studies (MES) – York University
- Master of Science in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University
- Master of Arts in Resources, Environment and Sustainability – University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Master of Environmental Studies in Sustainability Management – University of Waterloo
- Master of Science in Environmental Science – University of Toronto
- Master of Environment and Sustainability – University of Saskatchewan
- Master of Science in Environmental Studies – Queen’s University
- Master of Science in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University (Alternate Focus)
- Master of Forestry (MF) – University of Alberta
- Master of Arts in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University
- Master of Science in Sustainability Management – University of Waterloo
- Master of Environmental Science (MESc) – University of Guelph
- Master of Sustainable Environmental Management – University of Saskatchewan
- Master of Arts in Environmental Studies – University of Victoria
- Master of Science in Environmental Biology – University of Regina
- Master of Climate Change – University of Waterloo
- Master of Environmental Management – University of New Brunswick
1. Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability – University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa’s Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability is an interdisciplinary degree that combines economics, law, policy, and environmental science. It is intended for students who want to become experts in sustainability concerns, and its curriculum places a strong emphasis on using regulations and policies to address environmental problems.
There are two ways for students to finish: either a research paper-based stream or a thesis-based stream. While the research paper option is best for students looking for a more focused, applied approach, the thesis option is more research-intensive and is appropriate for those who want to work in academia or policy research. Usually, the curriculum takes 12 to 24 months to finish.
The program’s central location in Ottawa, Canada, which puts it close to governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and research institutes, is one of its main advantages. Students can interact with the Smart Prosperity Institute, a preeminent think tank on sustainability, to learn about innovative environmental studies and policy projects.
2. Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) – Western University
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds can enroll in Western University’s one-year, course-based Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) program. It prepares graduates for jobs in government, business, and nonprofit organizations by emphasizing the development of professional and practical skills in sustainability.
A four-month co-op placement with a business, government, or nonprofit partner follows an eight-month classroom phase that covers subjects including waste reduction, climate change adaptation, and sustainable resource management. While earning their degree, students are certain to have practical experience thanks to this system.
The MES stands out for its multidisciplinary approach, which incorporates knowledge from the social, commercial, and scientific domains to offer a comprehensive grasp of environmental concerns. Strong industry contacts at Western also improve networking and employment prospects.
3. Master of Science in Resources, Environment and Sustainability – University of British Columbia (UBC)
The Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES) at UBC offers a research-intensive Master of Science degree in Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (RES). For students who want to do advanced study on the ecological, socioeconomic, and political aspects of sustainability, this program is perfect.
Students enrolled in the two-year RES program must produce original research that culminates in a thesis. Adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and environmental governance are among the research topics. Students gain access to UBC’s top-notch sustainability research institutes and collaborate closely with academic mentors.
The program’s emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration is one of its main characteristics. Students interact with professionals in a variety of disciplines, such as economics, public policy, environmental science, and Indigenous studies, preparing them for professions that call for a comprehensive approach to sustainability issues.
4. Master of Environmental Studies (MES) – York University
The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program at York University is among the most adaptable and multidisciplinary graduate programs in sustainability in Canada. Through a tailored Plan of Study, it enables students to adjust their coursework and research concentration to suit their individual interests and professional aspirations.
There are three ways to finish the program:
- Those interested in applied policy or consultancy work can choose the Thesis option
- Those seeking academic research careers can choose the major paper option
- Those who wish to create workable answers to sustainability problems can choose the project-based alternative.
Climate justice, conservation policy, Indigenous environmental knowledge, environmental governance, and sustainable energy are important academic topics. Leading environmental academics and practitioners make up York’s faculty, which provides students with chances for mentorship in cutting-edge sustainability research.
5. Master of Science in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University
For working people looking to further their careers in sustainability, Royal Roads University offers a flexible, totally online master’s degree in environmental practice. It was created in partnership with ECO Canada and offers scientific and technical instruction in environmental sustainability, preparing students for careers in business sustainability, research, and consultancy.
With a two- to seven-year completion time, the curriculum enables students to balance jobs and other obligations while studying at their own speed. Climate change mitigation, pollution prevention, sustainable business practices, and environmental impact assessment are the main topics of the coursework.
The chance to obtain the Environmental Professional certification, which improves employment opportunities in Canada’s environmental labor market, is one of the program’s distinctive features. Additionally, students have access to Royal Roads’ wide-ranging industry networks, which aid in landing consultancy assignments and employment placements.
6. Master of Arts in Resources, Environment and Sustainability – University of British Columbia (UBC)
The socio-economic and political aspects of sustainability are the main topics of UBC’s research-heavy, thesis-based Master of Arts (MA) in Resources, Environment, and Sustainability degree. The program, which is housed in the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES), gives students a multidisciplinary approach to tackling difficult environmental problems.
The MA is designed for students interested in policy, governance, and social sustainability challenges, as opposed to the MSc in the same discipline, which concentrates on scientific and technical research. To provide comprehensive sustainability solutions, it combines environmental studies with disciplines including economics, law, Indigenous studies, and international relations.
Students must do original research as part of the two-year program, which culminates in a master’s thesis. Study topics might include resource governance, business sustainability, environmental justice, and climate policy.
7. Master of Environmental Studies in Sustainability Management – University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo’s Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management is a research-based program that combines business management, policy analysis, and environmental science to give students leadership abilities for sustainable development.
Six foundational courses spanning sustainability innovation, corporate environmental responsibility, and multidisciplinary problem-solving make up this two-year, thesis-based curriculum. Students interested in government policy, non-profit environmental management, and sustainable business practices are the target audience.
The program’s emphasis on sustainable innovation is one of its main features; students engage in hands-on research projects that address pressing issues, including climate resiliency, green technology, and circular economy tactics. The School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED) at Waterloo, where the program is based, cultivates solid industrial and governmental relationships.
8. Master of Science in Environmental Science – University of Toronto
The University of Toronto offers a research-focused Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science degree that incorporates sustainability concepts into scientific investigation. This program, which is offered via the School of the Environment, gives students advanced training in data analysis, policy creation, and environmental research.
Students study subjects including resource conservation, ecosystem resilience, air and water pollution, and climate change adaptation over two years of rigorous coursework and thesis-based research. Experts in ecological restoration, environmental chemistry, and environmental governance make up the program’s faculty, which offers a comprehensive educational experience.
The program’s Toronto location, which provides easy access to government offices, business sustainability programs, and environmental groups, is one of its main benefits. Students gain from collaborative possibilities with top schools and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
9. Master of Environment and Sustainability – University of Saskatchewan
The Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a thesis-based program designed to solve 21st-century sustainability concerns via multidisciplinary problem-solving. It trains students in useful sustainability solutions by combining knowledge from the social sciences, natural sciences, and policy studies.
Research subjects covered by MES students include biodiversity protection, water security, climate change mitigation, and ecological risk assessment. The program is especially successful in community-based sustainability research because it promotes cooperation with government organizations, business partners, and Indigenous people.
Recognized for its innovative environmental research, USask’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) offers this two-year degree. Students receive invaluable mentoring and research opportunities from faculty members who work on issues pertaining to energy transitions, environmental policy, and sustainable agriculture.
10. Master of Science in Environmental Studies – Queen’s University
Queen’s University’s Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Studies integrates viewpoints from science, policy, and education to take an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability. Students can do in-depth study on ecological and environmental issues through the thesis-based curriculum, which is often finished in two years.
The curriculum focuses on three major areas:
- Environmental Education: Teaching students how to create teaching methods that raise awareness of sustainability.
- Environmental Policy: Analyzing how institutional and governmental policies influence sustainability efforts.
- Ecological Impact Assessment: Researching how humans affect ecosystems and biodiversity via science.
Students engage in practical research that tackles topics including habitat restoration, climate change adaptation, and renewable energy transitions while working collaboratively with faculty mentors from a variety of disciplines. The program encourages cooperation with community-based sustainability projects, environmental NGOs, and government agencies.
11. Master of Science in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University (Alternate Focus)
Royal Roads University’s Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Practice program is intended for students who want to gain technical proficiency in sustainability. This curriculum, which is fully online, offers the most flexibility and may be finished in two to seven years while juggling personal and professional obligations.
The curriculum, which was created in collaboration with ECO Canada, equips graduates for careers in sustainability innovation, environmental consulting, and the creation of green technologies. Industrial ecology, pollution prevention, energy sustainability, and environmental impact assessment are the main topics of the coursework.
The curriculum is perfect for people in technical sustainability jobs because it combines practical environmental management techniques with scientific research methodologies. Students gain from having access to Royal Roads’ wide-ranging industrial network, which includes consulting businesses and organizations with a focus on sustainability.
Additionally, graduates can improve their employment opportunities in the expanding environmental industry by being eligible for the Environmental Professional (EP®) certification.
12. Master of Forestry (MF) – University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers a specialized one- to two-year graduate degree called the Master of Forestry (MF), which focuses on sustainable forest management. It offers a multidisciplinary strategy that combines conservation, forest ecology, and prudent resource use.
Students have the option of pursuing a thesis-based or course-based approach. The course-based MF, which provides practical training in topics including forest conservation, land-use planning, and climate change adaptation in forestry, is perfect for individuals looking for direct career application.
Conversely, the thesis-based MF is intended for students who wish to carry out independent study on subjects including carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable logging methods.
Students can collaborate with governmental organizations, forestry firms, and conservation groups, thanks to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences’ extensive industry ties. In order to provide a comprehensive approach to sustainability, the program also places a strong emphasis on Indigenous forest management techniques.
13. Master of Arts in Environmental Practice – Royal Roads University
Royal Roads University offers a completely online Master of Arts (MA) in Environmental Practice degree for professionals who want to have an impact on sustainability, leadership, and environmental policy. It provides flexibility, enabling students to finish the degree in two to seven years, much like its MSc equivalent.
Policy analysis, environmental legislation, sustainable governance, and leadership in environmental organizations are the main topics of their curriculum. Compared to the MSc version’s technical and scientific concentration, it is especially appropriate for students interested in lobbying, environmental planning, and public policy.
The program’s collaboration with ECO Canada is a major plus as it qualifies graduates for Environmental Professional certification, which enhances their credentials in Canada’s expanding environmental industry.
To prepare students to lead sustainability projects in enterprises, government, and non-governmental organizations, the coursework covers subjects including climate policy, corporate social responsibility, and environmental ethics.
14. Master of Science in Sustainability Management – University of Waterloo
Students interested in the nexus of business, government, and sustainability science can enroll in the University of Waterloo’s flexible Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Management program. Depending on their employment objectives, students can select between a two-year thesis-based route or a one-year coursework-based one.
The School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED) at Waterloo is home to this curriculum, which focuses on corporate social responsibility, environmental financing, and sustainable business practices. Environmental risk assessment, green economy transitions, and sustainable supply chain management are all included in the coursework.
For students interested in occupations requiring a lot of research, the thesis-based option is perfect since it enables them to study subjects like environmental entrepreneurship, circular economy models, and climate financing.
Conversely, the course-based alternative offers professional training appropriate for individuals seeking to advance straight into leadership positions in the business.
15. Master of Environmental Science (MESc) – University of Guelph
The University of Guelph’s Master of Environmental Science (MESc) program is a thesis-based, research-intensive program that equips students with advanced knowledge of ecological systems, resource management, and environmental sustainability.
With a heavy emphasis on scientific analysis and problem-solving, the two-year curriculum enables students to participate in cutting-edge environmental research. Mitigation of climate change, pollution control, biodiversity protection, and environmental toxicology are among the main fields of research.
Students frequently collaborate with business partners, governmental organizations, and nonprofits while working closely with academic members who specialize in ecology, environmental chemistry, and conservation biology.
The School of Environmental Sciences, which is known for its applied environmental research, is where the program is located. Lab work, field research, and multidisciplinary cooperation give students practical experience that prepares them for scientific careers in environmental sustainability.
16. Master of Sustainable Environmental Management – University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) offers a professional, course-based Master of Sustainable Environmental Management (MSEM) program that emphasizes workable sustainability solutions. The program offers a flexible, project-based curriculum that may be finished in one to two years and is intended for students interested in jobs in applied environmental fields.
The MSEM offers multidisciplinary instruction in ecological conservation, resource management, and environmental policy and is housed under USask’s School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS).
Through industry-focused projects, internships, or community-based environmental activities, students take part in real-world sustainability concerns. Land-use planning, renewable energy transitions, and water security are important research topics.
The MSEM curriculum is designed to prepare students for direct entrance into professional environmental employment, in contrast to a thesis-based degree. Graduates seek positions in environmental policymaking, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and sustainability consulting businesses.
17. Master of Arts in Environmental Studies – University of Victoria
By combining climate justice, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental policy, the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Master of Arts (MA) in Environmental Studies offers a social science-based approach to sustainability. To prepare graduates for jobs in advocacy, policy, and community sustainability efforts, this two-year curriculum examines the human aspects of environmental challenges via thesis or project-based learning.
The MA program at UVic has a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, which enables students to analyze sustainability issues from social, political, and economic perspectives. Students do study on topics including climate adaptation tactics, sustainable urban planning, and environmental ethics.
UVic is renowned for its close linkages to government sustainability departments, Indigenous groups, and environmental NGOs, which give students access to fieldwork and applied research possibilities. As experts in ecological economics, conservation policy, and environmental activism, faculty members make sure students get a well-rounded education.
18. Master of Science in Environmental Biology – University of Regina
The University of Regina’s Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Biology is a thesis-based, research-focused program that offers advanced instruction in ecological sustainability, ecosystem health, and biodiversity conservation. This two-year curriculum is perfect for students who want to work in science fields, including ecological study, animal management, or conservation.
Aquatic ecology, environmental toxicity, the effects of climate change on biodiversity, and habitat restoration are among the subjects covered in the curriculum. Under the guidance of teachers, students carry out independent research, frequently working with Indigenous groups, environmental research institutions, and government conservation organizations.
Students’ research experience is improved by the Environmental Biology Research Group at the University of Regina, which gives them access to cutting-edge labs and fieldwork possibilities.
Students will get practical experience in species protection, environmental monitoring, and habitat evaluation thanks to the program’s strong emphasis on field-based ecological investigations.
19. Master of Climate Change – University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo offers a specialized one-year curriculum called the Master of Climate Change (MCC), which focuses on sustainable development, adaption tactics, and climate research.
The program, which is intended for students interested in occupations related to climate change, has both an internship track and a research paper option, enabling hands-on exposure to carbon management, resilience planning, and climate policy.
The MCC program, which is housed under Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment, combines environmental economics, risk assessment, and climate modeling to assist students in comprehending the local and global effects of climate change. Topics include sustainable urban design, carbon reduction techniques, and climate governance are covered in the coursework.
Because of the program’s solid linkages to business and government, students can intern at government offices, sustainability groups, and climate research institutions. Graduates are prepared for positions in corporate sustainability, environmental consultancy, and climate policy analysis by this practical experience.
20. Master of Environmental Management – University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) offers a professional, course-based Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program with an emphasis on environmental policy and sustainable resource management. Students looking for hands-on, career-focused environmental management training can finish the program in one to two years.
Students acquire knowledge of environmental legislation, business sustainability tactics, and the preservation of natural resources. The curriculum is perfect for anyone interested in practical environmental solutions since it offers specific courses in land-use planning, energy sustainability, and forestry management.
The MEM places more of an emphasis on practical environmental problem-solving than research-based programs, giving students the tools they need to identify environmental risks, analyze their effects, and comply with regulations.
Additionally, students can work on case studies, internships, or industrial projects to gain firsthand knowledge of environmental issues in Canada and abroad.
Conclusion
For students interested in scientific research, climate policy, ecological conservation, and business sustainability, these best environmental sustainability master’s programs in Canada provide a variety of options.
Canada provides a range of graduate programs that equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to address urgent environmental issues and advance sustainability solutions both domestically and internationally, meeting a range of career aspirations in environmental sustainability and conservation, whether you’re looking for flexible online learning, research-driven programs, or industry-focused training.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.