Environmental Assessment (MEnv)
Master of Environment (MEnv)
Why pursue a Master’s in Environmental Assessment?
Evaluating the environmental impacts of a project prior to its implementation is an essential part of sound decision-making. Objective assessments must identify all environmental risks associated with a proposal and offer solutions to mitigate those concerns. We need scholars to acquire a foundational knowledge in federal environmental laws and policies so they can effectively develop impact studies before prospective plans or programs are carried out.
The MEnv in Environmental Assessment provides occasions for you to establish a comprehensive approach to scoping, data collection and analysis, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). You will explore all aspects and methodologies of the environmental assessment process as you effectively analyze technical reports and oversee complex projects.
Benefit from a four-month internship where you will work under professional supervision in an environmental assessment related field. Potential placement sites include all levels of government, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and private corporations. You will also be given opportunities to improve your soft skills through a series of resumé writing and interview workshops, as well as an introduction to basic concepts of project management.
Our acclaimed faculty members represent a dynamic group of researchers with cross-disciplinary interests in fields as varied as biology and film.
Program details
The normal requirement for admission to the MEnv in EA is a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline in Arts or Science from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.30 on 4.30. Applicants are selected on the basis of a sound undergraduate academic record and strong language skills in English and/or French which allows them to secure an internship, which is a requirement of the program. Students who lack appropriate preparation in 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.
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 minimum CGPA of 3.30. A new application is required, with three letters of reference from current or recent professors. Courses taken in the Diploma with a grade of B+ or better may be transferred to the MEnv degree after admission. The Graduate Committee assesses the new applications with the other applications for the cycle.
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.
- Courses. All students must take the following:
- Compulsory Courses. All students must take 21 credits: ENVS 601, ENVS 608, ENVS 652, ENVS 653, ENVS 664, ENVS 668.
- Elective Courses. All students must take 6 credits from: BIOL 618, ECON 659, ENVS 604, ENVS 605, ENVS 620, GEOG 620, HENV 610, HENV 625, HENV 655, HENV 660, HENV 670, HENV 675, HENV 680.
- Internship and Report. ENVS 696 (18 credits)
To enter the internship students must have completed the prescribed 27 credits of course work, must have achieved an overall GPA of 3.30 or higher, and must have demonstrated language proficiency as required by the internship host.
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). This statement 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 | MEnv | Feb. 1 | n/a | n/a |
Courses typically offered include:
- EA: Concepts, Principles and Practice
- Data Collection and Analysis for EA
- Geographical Information Systems for EA
- Situating EA: Knowledge, Politics and Development
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
We are committed to providing you the support you need to focus on your studies. A limited number of teaching assistantships are available for students, valued at $4,500 per semester.
In some cases, research assistantships are available for specific projects.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
During a four-month internship, you will gain hands-on experience under professional supervision. Many internships evolve into temporary or permanent employment positions, and students are often paid during their placement.
To enter the internship students must have completed the prescribed 27 credits of course work, must have achieved an overall GPA of 3.30 or higher, and must have demonstrated language proficiency as required by the internship host.
Examples of past internship sites include:
- Environment Canada
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
- Office of the Auditor General
- United Nations
- Commission on Environmental Cooperation
- David Suzuki Foundation
- Pollution Probe
- Sierra Club
- Ericsson
- Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Lima, Peru
- US Council on Environmental Quality
- Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques (MDDELCC)
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.
A MEnv in Environmental Assessment prepares you for careers in various sectors, including the federal and provincial governments, environmental assessment agencies and private sector consulting firms.
About 85 per cent of our alumni have found employment in various environmental fields. Our graduates are also well-placed to continue their studies at the doctoral level. Please also consult the Graduate placement rate page.
Our alumni are highly sought after by environmental consulting firms, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and higher education institutions. Graduates are working as planning policy officers, environmental and permitting managers, consultants, analysts, project coordinators, and environmental planners.
Examples of organizations and institutions our alumni are currently working for include:
Public services
- Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
- Environment Canada
- Office of the Auditor General of Canada
- National Capital Commission
- Transport Canada - Programs Directorate, Environmental Affairs
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- White House Council on Environmental Quality
Private sector
- GESTENV inc.
- Stantec Inc.
- Terragon Environmental Technologies Inc.
- Quebecor Media
NGO/Agency
- Commission for Environmental Cooperation
- UNEP – Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
- David Suzuki Foundation
- Sierra Club Québec
