Geography (MA)

Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Faculty of Science

waterloo

Our Master of Arts (MA) in Geography is offered by the Waterloo-Laurier Graduate Program in Geography. You can benefit from the breadth and depth of the expertise of our faculty and your fellow graduate students in this rich intellectual environment. Our joint program allows you to explore a range of research interests, from the analysis of pressing social and environmental problems to theoretical questions of philosophical and technical importance.

The MA in Geography program is ideal if you’re interested in human geography, environmental and resource management, or the societal applications of geomatics. We also offer a Master of Environmental Studies and a Master of Science in Geography.

Joint program is the third-largest graduate geography program in Canada.

Environmental Data Analytics field meets labour market demands for geospatial and data handling training.

Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups.

Program Details

Program Structure

The MA can be completed as a two-year degree with thesis, or via a major research paper option.

The thesis option requires you to complete eight units of credit: four courses and the thesis (four credits). The thesis option is normally completed in six terms (two years).

The research paper option requires you to complete eight units of credit: six courses and the research paper (two credits). The research paper option is normally completed in three terms (one year).

Environmental Data Analytics

Laurier-registered students can choose to complete the Environmental Data Analytics (EDA) field over one year: two semesters of course work (six units of credit) and one semester of research placement (two credits).

The EDA field meets labour market demands for people trained in geospatial and data handling related to environmental change and related management, regulatory, planning and policy decision-making. The degree focuses on environmental analytics knowledge generation and dissemination applied to the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Research

Faculty Research Strengths

Faculty teaching in the MA in Geography support a wide range of research interests in human geography, such as:

food systems
spatial behaviour and human activity patterns
sustainable transportation
immigration and population
ethnicity, gender and cultural transformation
geographies of health, disease and road safety
historical heritage and landscape studies
local labour markets and changing work arrangements
local and community economic development
development and socioeconomic implications
tourism planning, marketing and management
the history of geographic and environmental thought
geographic education

Related Research Centres

Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups, including:

"The program I attended was so unique because it allowed me to tailor my program specifically to my intersectional and multidisciplinary research interests in human rights, gender, immigration and settlement policy."

Lualhati Marcelino

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

Start: Fall (September)
Format: Full-time or part-time
Application opens: Oct. 6
Application deadline: March 30 (international applicants) or Aug. 15 (domestic applicants). Applications will be considered until the program is full.

Your Next Steps

Contact a Faculty Member Tuition and Funding Apply Now

Questions? Contact Jennifer Drowns at jdrowns@wlu.ca or 548.889.3748.

Environmental Data Analytics

Geography and Environmental Studies launches new field for master’s students.

Ocean Bridge

Laurier students contribute to water conservation through Ocean Bridge program.

Environmental Data Analytics

Geography and Environmental Studies launches new field for master’s students.

Ocean Bridge

Laurier students contribute to water conservation through Ocean Bridge program.

"The academic staff at Laurier is superb. The professors take pride in what they do and care about their students. I learnt lots from the professors, guest speakers and from my peers as well."

Hector Goldar (MA '17)

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier's Waterloo campus is home to more than 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Tucked into several city blocks, this campus is walking distance to your classrooms, food, and various campus amenities.

Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses.

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

"With contributions from several university-based partners, ASPIRE provides graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with informative, hands-on professional skills training essential for degree and post-degree success."

Brent Wolfe, Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Careers

MA students who recently completed our program are currently employed by:

Government of Canada
Metrolinx/GO Transit (Route analyst)
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation (Development officer)
Peel Region (Planner)
Waterloo Region District School Board (Senior planner)
Private industry (Global Spatial Technology Solutions)
University of Waterloo (Admissions officer; research assistant)
Wilfrid Laurier University (ESL facilitator)

Additionally, some have gone on to further education, such as doctoral programs, teacher’s college and law school.

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Research Chat

A podcast showcasing graduate students' research and experiences at Laurier.

Laurier 601

Laurier's incoming student support program will help you transition into graduate studies.

Celebrating Laurier Achievements

Watch a video recognizing the many forms of Laurier scholarship and creativity.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.

Alison Blay-Palmer
Professor
UNESO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies

Sean Doherty
Professor

Christopher Lemieux
Associate Professor
John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography

Robert McLeman
Professor

Alison Mountz
Professor
Laurier Research Chair in Global Migration
Director, Haven, The Asylum Lab

Steven Roberts
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Officer, Geography

Miguel Sioui
Assistant Professor
Undergraduate Officer, Environmental Studies

Terah Sportel
Assistant Professor

Margaret Walton-Roberts
Professor
Graduate Coordinator

Brent Wolfe
Professor
Acting Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Cross-Appointed Faculty Member

Alex Latta
Associate Professor

Join us at Laurier

Geography (MA)