Environmental Assessment (DEA)
Diploma in Environmental Assessment (DEA)
Program overview
The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Assessment looks at today’s most pressing environmental problems and provides training in data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and policy development. These skills will help you address the environmental problems facing future generations as rapid development and accelerated resource extraction have contributed to escalating ecological crises in our society. You will examine fields such as political ecology, science and technology, and critical geographies while maintaining a particular focus on Canadian and Indigenous affairs. Course materials are designed for students who want to pursue their studies at more advanced academic levels and for working professionals interested in the environmental field. Montreal is home to various international institutions such as the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Future Earth. Now more than ever, we need critical minds to apply rigorous environmental standards and to reflect on how to improve the environmental assessment process.
Program details
- Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline in Arts or Science.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Students who lack appropriate Ecology, or Geographic Information Systems, Physical Geography or Statistics are required to take preparatory courses such as BIOL 205, Introduction to Sustainability; a 300-level physical geography course; GEOG 362, Statistical Methods or GEOG 363, Geographic Information Systems. Those lacking a social science background may be required to take GEOG 355, Resource Analysis and Management, or a similar course.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
15 credits – Compulsory Courses
ENVS 601 - EA: Concepts, Principles and Practice (6 credits)
ENVS 652 - Data Collection and Analysis for EA (3 credits)
ENVS 653 - Geographical Information Systems for EA (3 credits)
ENVS 668 - Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Assessment (3 credits)
15 credits – Elective Courses
BIOL 618 - Ecology for Environmentalists (3 credits)
ECON 659 - Economics for Environmentalists (3 credits)
ENVS 604 - Environmental Law and Policy (3 credits)
ENVS 605 - Environmental Standards (3 credits)
ENVS 620 - Advanced Topics in Environmental Assessment (3 credits)
ENVS 664 - Field Course in EA (3 credits)
GEOG 607 - Indigenous Peoples and the Environment (3 credits)
GEOG 620 - Special Topics in Geography (3 credits)
HENV 610 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
HENV 625 - Sustainable Resource Management (3 credits)
HENV 660 - Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)
HENV 655 - Environmental Modelling (3 credits)
HENV 670 - Environmental Governance (3 credits)
HENV 675 - Community-Based Conservation (3 credits)
HENV 680 - Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science (3 credits)
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form (two of which must come from academic referees)
- Statement of purpose (250 to 500 words maximum) should include the type of experience and background you have and your expectations of the program
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Environmental Assessment | Diploma | Feb. 1 | n/a | n/a |
Courses typically offered include:
- Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
- Economics for Environmentalists
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Community-Based Conservation
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
The DEA program is considered a professional program, which means that no internal funding is available. Occasionally, opportunities may arise for Teaching Assistantships, but these are not guaranteed.
In some cases, research assistantships are available for specific projects.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Faculty members regularly publish their research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed journals, including Development and Change, the Journal of Political Ecology, Ecological Indicators, Ecology and Society, and Geoforum.
Faculty research interests include:
- geographic information systems
- historical and economic geographies of the Americas
- landscape ecology and road ecology
- political ecology
- political economy
- indigenous resource management
- quantification and assessment of landscape structure and landscape change
- urban sprawl
- remote sensing
- workforce development
The David B. Frost GIS Laboratory is a state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems teaching and individual study computer lab. Computers run the latest version of ArcGIS, as well as support programs for Computer Assisted Design, remote sensing and image editing.
The Geography, Planning and Environment Graduate Students Association hosts seminars and social events for all graduate students in our department. Become an elected officer and participate in a number of committees that make a vital contribution to university activities.
Students admitted to the Diploma in Environmental Assessment (DEA) may subsequently apply, in a future admission cycle, to the Master of Environment (MEnv), if they have maintained a CGPA greater or equal to 3.30. A new application will be required, with 3 letters of reference from current or recent professors. Courses taken in the Diploma with a grade of B+ or better will transfer to the new MEnv degree after admission. The Graduate Committee will assess the new applications with the other applications for the cycle.
