UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Master of Climate Change (MCC)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Coursework-only or Internship optionProgram Structure
- Focus on Physical Science, Vulnerability, Adaptation, and MitigationCurriculum Focus
- Tailor studies with electivesCustomization
- On-campus deliveryMode of Study
The Master of Climate Change (MCC) program at the University of Waterloo is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of climate change science, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Offered in both a coursework-only and an internship option, this program allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests within the field. The curriculum covers the physical science basis of climate change, vulnerability and adaptation, and mitigation strategies, providing a strong foundation for a career dedicated to addressing climate challenges. Students can further specialize through designated electives and open electives, choosing from a range of courses within the Faculty of Environment or other university faculties.
Curriculum
The Master of Climate Change (MCC) program requires students to complete a combination of core courses, designated climate change electives, and open electives. Students can choose between a capstone project or an internship. The program is designed to be completed in normally 3 terms of full-time study or 6-8 terms of part-time study.
- Full-time, Term 1 (Fall)
- Climate Change: Physical Science BasisGEMCC 601
- Climate Change: Vulnerability and AdaptationGEMCC 602
- Climate Change: MitigationGEMCC 603
- Full-time, Term 2 (Winter)
- Designated Climate Change Elective
- Designated Climate Change Elective
- Open Elective
- Full-time, Term 3 (Spring)
- Open Elective
- Graduate Capstone ProjectGEMCC 699
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Climate Change program are prepared for a variety of roles in addressing climate change. The skills acquired through the program are applicable across sectors focused on environmental sustainability, policy development, and climate action.
- Climate change analyst
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental manager
- Policy advisor
- Climate risk manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for the Master of Climate Change program?
- For IELTS Academic, a score of 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening is required. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking is needed for tests completed before January 21, 2026; a new requirement of 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking applies from January 21, 2026.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Climate Change program?
- You need to have completed an undergraduate degree. While specific admission GPA requirements are not detailed, a minimum GPA of 75% is required to graduate from the program.
- How long does the Master of Climate Change program take to complete?
- The program is designed to be completed in normally 3 terms of full-time study or 6-8 terms of part-time study.
- What are the tuition fees for the Master of Climate Change program?
- Tuition fees are charged per term and remain active even during internship periods. Specific amounts are not provided but can be estimated using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Climate Change program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Climate change analyst, Sustainability consultant, Environmental manager, Policy advisor, and Climate risk manager.
- How do I apply for the Master of Climate Change program?
- You apply online through the University of Waterloo's applicant portal. You will also need to complete a Declaration of Academic Experience and submit supporting documents, including official transcripts and potentially English language test scores.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeCompletion of an undergraduate degree is required. Specific GPA requirements for admission are not detailed but a minimum GPA of 75% is needed to graduate.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening.
TOEFL iBT90 overall, with 25 in writing and speaking (for tests completed before January 21, 2026). A new requirement of 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking applies from January 21, 2026.
You may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if you have completed four or more years of full-time education in an English-language school system (either in Canada or abroad) and your first language is not English. Official transcripts or a letter from your previous school confirming the language of instruction are required for this exemption.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are assessed per term. Specific amounts are not provided but can be estimated using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are assessed per term. Specific amounts are not provided but can be estimated using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Tuition fees are charged per term and are considered active even during internship periods. The Tuition Fee Estimator provides estimates for fall starts only and does not include costs for preliminary English language training programs.
How to apply
1. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the University of Waterloo's applicant portal.
2. Complete Declaration of Academic ExperienceOnce you have applied, complete the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal to determine if you need to provide English language test scores.
3. Submit English Language Test Scores (if required)If required, ensure your official English language test scores are sent directly from the testing agency to the University of Waterloo's Office of the Registrar by the document deadline.
4. Submit Supporting DocumentsProvide all required academic transcripts and any other supporting documents as specified by the program.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for the Master of Climate Change program?
+
For IELTS Academic, a score of 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening is required. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking is needed for tests completed before January 21, 2026; a new requirement of 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking applies from January 21, 2026.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Climate Change program?
+
You need to have completed an undergraduate degree. While specific admission GPA requirements are not detailed, a minimum GPA of 75% is required to graduate from the program.
How long does the Master of Climate Change program take to complete?
+
The program is designed to be completed in normally 3 terms of full-time study or 6-8 terms of part-time study.
What are the tuition fees for the Master of Climate Change program?
+
Tuition fees are charged per term and remain active even during internship periods. Specific amounts are not provided but can be estimated using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator.
What are the career prospects after completing the Master of Climate Change program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Climate change analyst, Sustainability consultant, Environmental manager, Policy advisor, and Climate risk manager.
How do I apply for the Master of Climate Change program?
+
You apply online through the University of Waterloo's applicant portal. You will also need to complete a Declaration of Academic Experience and submit supporting documents, including official transcripts and potentially English language test scores.