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Geography (MSc)

Geography (MSc)

Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Faculty of Science

waterloo

Our Master of Science (MSc) in Geography is a two-year program offered by the Waterloo-Laurier Graduate Program in Geography. The MSc in Geography program is perfect if you want to develop expertise in the science sub-disciplines of Geography with an emphasis on environmental science and geomatics.

We also offer Master of Environmental Studies and Master of Arts in Geography programs.

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

Benefit from the breadth and depth of faculty expertise and peers in a rich intellectual environment.

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

Program Details

Program Structure

This full-time program can be completed in two years. You’ll complete four one-term courses, and write and defend a master’s thesis.

You can explore a range of research interests, from the analysis of pressing social and environmental problems to theoretical questions of philosophical and technical importance. You’ll gain expertise and skills through a combination of formal coursework, research and teaching assistant positions, field and laboratory experimentation, and independent research leading to the completion of your thesis.

Related Research Centres

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

"Research has given me an outlet for creativity and accomplishment – and being a part of a research group has allowed me to explore my own interests while also collaborating with peers working toward a common goal."

Alicia Pouw, MSc in Geography student

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
Application opens: Oct. 6
Application deadline: April 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 jdrowns@wlu.ca or call 519.884.0710 x2325.

Nature Writing Retreat

Environment enhances the writing process at Laurier’s Nature Writing Retreat.

Real-Time Monitoring

Research near Yellowknife aims to improve ice safety through real-time measurements of lake ice.

Thawing Permafrost

Research finds increasing shrub growth on the tundra may cause permafrost to thaw faster.

Nature Writing Retreat

Environment enhances the writing process at Laurier’s Nature Writing Retreat.

Real-Time Monitoring

Research near Yellowknife aims to improve ice safety through real-time measurements of lake ice.

Thawing Permafrost

Research finds increasing shrub growth on the tundra may cause permafrost to thaw faster.

"Get ready for an experience you'll always remember. In this program you'll improve your critical thinking, collaborate with professionals on modern projects, progress the scope of research taking place within the Canadian Arctic, and in the sphere of climate change."

Anton Jitnikovitch, 2019 graduate

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 Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Careers

MSc in Geography graduates have secured employment as research technicians in academia, resource specialists with government agencies (Yukon Government) and environmental consulting firms and companies (Geomorphic Solutions, EDI Environmental Dynamics, Hoskins).

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.

Mary-Louise Byrne
Professor
Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Joseph Culp
Environment and Climate Change
Canada Research Scientist in Residence

Homa Kheyrollah Pour
Assistant Professor
Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change

Philip Marsh
Professor
Canada Research Chair in Cold Regions Water Science

William L. Quinton
Professor
Laurier Research Professor

Steven Roberts
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Officer, Geography

Jason Venkiteswaran
Associate Professor

Brent Wolfe
Professor
Associate Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Cross-Appointed Faculty Members

Jennifer Baltzer
Associate Professor
Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

Alex Latta
Associate Professor

Join us at Laurier

Geography (MSc)