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
Admission Requirements
- 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 English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Please see the Geography, Planning and Environment Courses page for course descriptions.
Environmental Assessment Graduate Diploma (30 credits)
| 15 | credits of Compulsory Courses: |
| 15 | credits of Elective Courses chosen from: |
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.
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.