UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management - Thesis Stream
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- On-campusLocation
- Full or Part-timeAttendance
- 2 years (Full-time)Duration
- 5 courses + ThesisProgram Structure
- Specializations in Water or Aeronautics availableStreams
- Minimum 70% GPA requiredAcademic Requirement
The Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management (SUSM) offers a thesis-based, on-campus program designed for full-time or part-time study. Students can specialize in general Sustainability Management, Water, or Aeronautics. The program focuses on in-depth research and culminates in a thesis defense. It requires completion of five graduate-level courses, including electives, and a significant research thesis. A minimum GPA of 70% is required for graduation.
Curriculum
The thesis-based MES in Sustainability Management program involves coursework in the first year and dedicated thesis research and writing in the second year. Students must complete five courses and a thesis. The program structure may vary slightly depending on the chosen stream (General, Water, or Aeronautics).
- Year 1
- Foundations for Sustainability ManagementSUSM 601
- Theories and Concepts of Sustainability ManagementSUSM 602
- Research Methods for Sustainable ManagementSUSM 603
- Graduate Level Elective
- Graduate Level Elective
- Year 2
- Thesis Research, Analysis, and Defence
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements to apply for the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management?
- You need a minimum GPA of 70%. If your first language is not English and you haven't completed four years of full-time education in an English-speaking country, you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- How do I apply for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
- The application process involves identifying and contacting potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. You will then need to prepare your application documents, including academic transcripts and English language proficiency scores if applicable, and submit your application through the University of Waterloo's graduate studies portal.
- What is the duration of the MES in Sustainability Management program?
- The program is designed for 2 years of full-time study. It involves completing five graduate-level courses in the first year and dedicated thesis research and writing in the second year.
- Where can I find information on tuition fees for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
- Specific tuition amounts are not provided here. You can find an estimate for the fall 2026 term using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator on their website. Actual costs may be higher at the time of enrollment.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing the MES in Sustainability Management?
- Graduates are typically prepared for roles in sustainability management and environmental research. While specific outcomes are not detailed, the program focuses on in-depth research and a thesis defense.
- Are there opportunities for funding or scholarships for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
- The program mentions 'Graduate Student Funding' generally. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to potential research supervisors to discuss available funding opportunities related to their research.
Entry requirements
Minimum GPA70%
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 Jan 21, 2026). For tests completed on or after Jan 21, 2026, the score required is 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking.
PTE Academic63 overall, with 65 in writing and speaking.
You may need to provide an English language test score if your first language is not English AND your four most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English-language school system. Exemptions may apply if you have studied in Canada or an English-language school system for four consecutive years. Consult the applicant portal for specific requirements and deadlines.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator. Specific amounts are not provided here.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator. Specific amounts are not provided here.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not include expenses such as off-campus housing, groceries, or textbooks.
The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate for the fall 2026 term and does not include costs for preliminary English language training programs. Actual costs may be higher based on tuition rates in effect at the time of enrollment.
How to apply
1. Identify Potential SupervisorsReach out to professors whose research aligns with your interests to discuss potential supervision and research opportunities. This is a crucial step for thesis-based programs.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores (if applicable), and any other supporting documents as specified by the program.
3. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the University of Waterloo's graduate studies application portal.
4. Submit English Language Proficiency ProofEnsure official English test scores are sent directly from the testing agency by the program's document deadline, if required.
5. Monitor Application StatusAfter applying, complete the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal to confirm English language requirements.
Scholarships
Graduate Student Funding—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements to apply for the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) in Sustainability Management?
+
You need a minimum GPA of 70%. If your first language is not English and you haven't completed four years of full-time education in an English-speaking country, you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
How do I apply for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
+
The application process involves identifying and contacting potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. You will then need to prepare your application documents, including academic transcripts and English language proficiency scores if applicable, and submit your application through the University of Waterloo's graduate studies portal.
What is the duration of the MES in Sustainability Management program?
+
The program is designed for 2 years of full-time study. It involves completing five graduate-level courses in the first year and dedicated thesis research and writing in the second year.
Where can I find information on tuition fees for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
+
Specific tuition amounts are not provided here. You can find an estimate for the fall 2026 term using the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator on their website. Actual costs may be higher at the time of enrollment.
What career paths can I pursue after completing the MES in Sustainability Management?
+
Graduates are typically prepared for roles in sustainability management and environmental research. While specific outcomes are not detailed, the program focuses on in-depth research and a thesis defense.
Are there opportunities for funding or scholarships for the MES in Sustainability Management program?
+
The program mentions 'Graduate Student Funding' generally. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to potential research supervisors to discuss available funding opportunities related to their research.