The interdisciplinary Master’s of Environmental Sustainability combines economics, science, law and policy to provide graduates with the skills they need to create effective policy solutions to today’s complex environmental sustainability problems.

Students in the master’s program have the option of choosing to work on either a Capstone Project with research paper (12 months) or a Thesis Project (24 months).

The program begins in September for all students. Students must register full-time.

The program takes a very experiential approach with a week-long orientation program, where students meet over 20 sustainability professionals; Capstone project that allows students to work on an environmental sustainability challenge with an organization in Ottawa; and the Professional skills course.

The Institute of the Environment, through its research and policy network, SMART Prosperity Institute (SPI), organises research seminars offered by experts in environmental sustainability. The program also offers CO-OP job opportunities.

Note that the program is currently only offered in English. According to the University of Ottawa’s academic regulation on bilingualism, all students have the right to produce their written work and to answer examination questions in the official language of their choice, regardless of the course’s language of instruction.

Program Progression

The program is built around three distinct phases, each developed to augment learning and enhance practical application as the program progresses.

  • Build Foundations
  • Integrate
  • Apply

Program Requirements

Sustainability courses

The courses students take depend on whether they are in the Capstone with Research Paper or Thesis option.

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