In the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, we contribute to the body of knowledge in our diverse fields through high-quality teaching and excellence in research. We prepare specialized teachers and researchers to meet the demands of the geographic profession for various public, private and community agencies. Our graduate students undertake meaningful research on a diverse range of topics redefining geography, environment and geomatics, and leading them to a wide variety of careers. From Canada’s northernmost glaciers to Toronto’s immigration, from remote sensing of shallow reefs to water security for Northern Peoples, from the study of past environmental change to the future effects of today’s forest fires, our graduates are studying all over the map for the benefit of our planet’s environments and societies. The Department has laboratories for GIS, physical geography, paleoclimatology and climatology, remote sensing and geomatics of the environment. Awards and financial support are available to full-time graduate students.

Graduate Programs
Program overview
Cutting-edge Graduate Programs
Master’s programs
The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics offers a 1-year course-based MSc Concentration in Anthropocene, and 2-year thesis-based MSc and MA programs. The course-based option is best if you wish to upgrade your skills and gain professional experience by completing internships. The thesis-based options are best if you want to delve deeper into a subject and gain research experience that could enable you to do a PhD in the future. Explore our master’s programs further below. For more information on how to complete your program, scroll down to the dedicated section.

Course-based MSc in Anthropocene
Master of Science Concentration in Anthropocene (12 months). The one-year MSc concentration in The Anthropocene is based on 3 mandatory and 3 optional courses, combined with an additional component that you choose yourself: Build your network and get work experience by completing two internships with organizations that work in an area related to the Anthropocene, or delve more into a subject of specific interest by writing a Major Research Paper under the supervision of one of our professors.

Microprogram in Anthropocene
The graduate-level Microprogram in Anthropocene requires the completion of two courses and is a flexible program that provides you with access to professors who are experts in their field and an opportunity to diversify your academic profile. The microprogram can be a gateway to a graduate level-degree as courses taken in that context can partially fulfill the degree requirements.

Thesis-based MSc in Geography
The thesis-based MSc in Geography is a two year program which requires you to research, write and defend a thesis under the supervision of one of our professors. In addition you will need to complete three courses, including a mandatory Graduate Field Camp at the start of your studies. Our research strengths include areas such as data analysis, geomatics, remote sensing, glaciology and permafrost science. We have well-equipped research laboratories to assist with collecting, processing and writing up data for your thesis. Students enrolled in the thesis-based MSc program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis. For additional information, please consult the “Admission Requirements” section of the PhD program.

Thesis-based MA in Geography
The thesis-based MA in Geography is a two year program which requires you to research, write and defend a thesis under the supervision of one of our professors. In addition you will need to complete three courses, including a mandatory Graduate Field Camp at the start of your studies. Our strengths are in two broad fields: (a) cities, immigration and boundaries, language and diversity, and (b) indigenous and northern studies. Our expertise in aboriginal and northern human studies is well placed to contribute to this area of research, policy, and practice. We have well-equipped research laboratories to assist with collecting, processing and writing up data for your thesis. Students enrolled in the MA program may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis. For additional information, please consult the “Admission Requirements” section of the PhD program.

Thesis-based MSc in Geography, Specialization in Science, Society and Policy
Students enrolled in a thesis-based MSc in Geography can apply for the additional designation of a ‘specialization in science, society and policy’. This requires the completion of a thesis which contains an element of the broad topic ‘science, society and policy’, and an additional course. This designation and its requirements are administered by the Institute for Science, Society and Policy.

Thesis-based MA in Geography, Specialization in Science, Society and Policy
Students enrolled in a thesis-based MA in Geography can apply for the additional designation of a ‘specialization in science, society and policy’. This requires the completion of a thesis which contains an element of the broad topic ‘science, society and policy’, and an additional course. This designation and its requirements are administered by the Institute for Science, Society and Policy.
PhD program

Doctorate in Philosophy in Geography
The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics offers the PhD in Geography for students who wish to undertake advanced research. With a range of professors who are experts in their field and cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities, a PhD provides the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge. Specific departmental strengths include polar environments, urban geography, climate change, and GIS and remote sensing. PhD theses are typically expected to be completed in 4 years, with a limit of 6 years.
Detailed information on how to complete your program
Contact us
Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics
Simard Hall, room 047
60 University
Ottawa ON Canada K1N 6N5
Map
Tel.: 613-562-5725
General enquiry: [email protected]
Chair of Graduate Studies: [email protected]
Chair of Undergraduate studies: [email protected]
Office hours
Monday to Friday
From 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)