Admissions

Qualifications for Admissions:

  1. Admission is limited and competitive.
  2. To be considered for admission, applicants shall have an undergraduate degree, with a minimum B standing, from an institution recognized by Senate.
  3. 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 from Senate, with a minimum B standing in each course. Applicants may also be required to successfully complete the GMAT or the GRE with an acceptable score and/or additional undergraduate courses before being considered for admission.
  4. To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants shall meet the English Proficiency Requirements described under General Regulations – Qualifications for Admission, English Proficiency Requirements.
  5. Applicants will be assessed for admission to the M.A. in Environmental Policy based on their interests, their potential to produce meaningful research in the field of environmental policy and the availability of supervisors in the area of the applicant’s interest.
  6. Interdisciplinary study in the program is encouraged by the university. Applicants with an interdisciplinary background or whose background combines two or more fields of study (e.g., political science, public policy, environmental studies, geography, resource management, environmental science, public administration) would be an excellent fit for this program.
  7. The Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy (MAEP) program reserves one (1) seat for a qualified Aboriginal student under the Aboriginal Designated Seats Program. The Aboriginal Designated Seats Program is part of an initiative at Memorial University that responds to the recommendations of the 2009 Presidential Task Force on Aboriginal Initiatives. The seats have been established in a number of programs across the university and are protected by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. Students admitted through the Designated Seats Program must meet minimum entrance standards. The same admissions criteria apply to Aboriginal students as they do to non-Aboriginal students. There is no separate application process for the Aboriginal Designated Seat. Students interested in the Aboriginal Designated Seat Program must apply to the MAEP program through the normal School of Graduate Studies process. In your application, please indicate in the Statement of Interest section that you self-identify as Aboriginal and that you would like to be considered for the Aboriginal Designated Seat Program.

Application Timing:

  1. Applicants seeking full-time enrollment will normally only be admitted to the program in the Fall (September) semester.
  2. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 15 for applicants wishing to enter full-time or part-time studies in the Fall (September) semester.
  3. Applications must be postmarked no later than August 15 for applicants wishing to enter part-time studies in the Winter (January) semester.
  4. Individuals submitting applications later than the above dates 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.

Procedure for Admission:

  1. 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.
  2. The following documents must be submitted in support of the official application form:
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. All applicants must submit a one page statement outlining their research interests and are strongly encouraged to identify a supervisor.
  3. Application files are normally evaluated after the deadline dates for application noted above and only when all required documentation has been received.
  4. 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