Program Objectives

This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical foundation and methodological tools necessary to contribute to the understanding of human interventions in the environment. Through its emphasis on specialization and interdisciplinary perspectives, students are given the opportunity to carry out in-depth research work in any of the Department’s areas of specialization covering three broad categories of environment: the natural or bio-physical environment; the human, cultural or behavioural environment; and the urban, built or designed environment. In addition to contributing to the advancement of knowledge, students will be well placed to enter a wide range of careers in environmental, urban planning and public policy fields.

Degree Requirements

1. Residence. The minimum residence requirement is one year (three semesters) of full-time graduate study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
2. Courses. All students must take the following:
   9 credits: HENV 605, HENV 615, HENV 685.
   6 credits in elective courses chosen from: GEOG 625, HENV 635, HENV 645, HENV 655, HENV 665, or HENV 675.
3. Thesis. HENV 695 (30 credits).

Detailed information is available in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Admission Requirements

The normal requirements for admission into the MSc (Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies) are a minimum GPA of 3.30 in a BA or BSc in Geography, Planning, or Environmental Science, or an equivalent degree in a related field of study from a recognized university. Applicants are selected on the basis of a sound undergraduate academic record, strong letters of recommendation, and a convincing statement of purpose which clearly describes their academic interest in the program and intended area of research. In addition, admission is contingent on the availability of an appropriate faculty member in the Department to serve as supervisor. Some applicants with deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation may be required to take a qualifying program. Others may be required to complete certain prerequisite courses in addition to the regular graduate program.

Financial Support

The Department has a number of assistantships for teaching and research. In some cases, there is funding available for specific projects, which need to be discussed with the thesis supervisor.

Milieu

The Department is located on the downtown campus of Concordia University, in the heart of Montreal. The city is one of the oldest in North America and is a vibrant centre of contemporary culture and politics. It has long been a major focus of commerce, technology, and research, and it is a multicultural and bilingual city with a strong international profile. All this provides a stimulating intellectual environment, and this is enhanced by the resources of four large universities.

Research Areas

The Department has expertise in a wide range of research areas related to geography, planning and environment. Current research topics include river management, port development and planning, urban design, immigration, sustainable forestry, indigeneous resource management, sustainable transportation, population and environment, economic development, and metropolitan government.

Application information

Applications must be received by February 1st for September admission. There is no January admission. The application must be filled online.

For more information, please contact the graduate program secretary:

Ms. Mae Anne Burridge
Graduate Program Assistant
Dept. of Geography, Planning and Environment
Concordia University
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 1M8
tel: (514) 848-2424 extension 2051
fax: (514) 848-2032

Departmental Email: gradgeog@alcor.concordia.ca

Current Student Information

Students interested in taking GEOG 625 (Directed Studies) must complete a form of agreement which will be signed by the student, the supervisor and the graduate program director. The form can be found here.