To be considered for admission, applicants shall have an undergraduate degree, with a minimum ‘B’ standing, from an institution recognized by Senate.
In exceptional cases, applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission. Preference will be given to those who have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience, including demonstrated success in environmental policy, and who have successfully completed substantial university course work including several courses at an advanced undergraduate level from an institution recognized by Senate. Applicants without an undergraduate degree must have completed one or more undergraduate courses in public policy, public administration or political science and one or more undergraduate courses in geography, biology or chemistry from an institution recognized by Senate, with a minimum B standing in each course. Applicants may also be required to successfully complete the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with an acceptable score and/or additional undergraduate courses before being considered for admission.
Application Timing:
Applicants seeking full-time enrollment will normally only be admitted to the program in the Fall (September) semester.
Applications must be submitted no later than *January 15* (note change from February 15, starting with the 2026 application cycle) for applicants wishing to enter full-time or part-time studies in the Fall (September) semester.
Applications may be considered at other times of year and for entry in other semesters – Winter (January) or Spring (May) – but normally only with the support of a potential supervisor.
Individuals submitting applications later than the above date are not assured of consideration for admission to the program in the semester desired; their applications will be processed only if time and resources permit. Contact the Graduate Officer (refer to Faculty and Staff) with any questions about application and admission timing.
Procedure for Admission:
Applications for admission to the M.A. in Environmental Policy program must be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. Online applications are recommended.
The following documents must be submitted in support of the official application form:
Letter of appraisal from two referees, at least one of whom is capable of appraising the applicant’s academic potential as a graduate student, and at least one of whom is capable of appraising the applicant’s professional experience and/or actual or likely success in a career in environmental policy.
Official transcript(s) from each university or other post-secondary institution previously attended, to be sent directly by its Registrar (or equivalent officer) to the School of Graduate Studies. If not recorded on the transcript, official evidence of completion of undergraduate degree must also be submitted.
All applicants must submit a one page statement outlining their research interests and are strongly encouraged to identify a supervisor.
Application files are normally evaluated after the deadline dates for application noted above and only when all required documentation has been received.
Admission shall be by the Dean of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Committee in Environmental Policy (GCEP). Upon notification from the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies of acceptance into the M.A. in Environmental Policy program, applicants must give written notice to the School of Graduate Studies of their intention to register.
Length of the Program:
Thesis Option: 2 years full-time study or up to 4 years part-time study
Research Paper Option: 1 year full-time study or up to 3 years part-time study
