Environmental Assessment (MEnv)
Master of Environment (MEnv)
Program overview
The MEnv in Environmental Assessment gives you a comprehensive background in 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. Objective assessments must identify all environmental risks associated with a proposal and offer solutions to mitigate those concerns. You will benefit from a four-month internship where you will work under professional supervision in a field related to environmental assessment. Potential placement after graduation includes all levels of government, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and private corporations. Now more than ever, we need specialists in federal environmental laws and policies to effectively develop impact studies before plans or programs are carried out.
Program details
- 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.
- Strong language skills in English and/or French.
- 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 may be required to take preparatory courses if there is a lack of appropriate preparation in Ecology or Geographic Information Systems, Physical Geography or Statistics.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
21 credits – Compulsory Courses
ENVS 601 - EA: Concepts, Principles and Practice (6 credits)
ENVS 608 - Getting Ready for the EA Internship (3 credits)
ENVS 652 - Data Collection and Analysis for EA (3 credits)
ENVS 653 - Geographical Information Systems for EA (3 credits)
ENVS 664 - Field Course in EA (3 credits)
ENVS 668 - Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Assessment (3 credits)
6 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)
GEOG 620 - Special Topics in Geography (3 credits)
HENV 610 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
HENV 625 - Sustainable Resource Management (3 credits)
HENV 655 - Environmental Modelling (3 credits)
HENV 660 - Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)
HENV 670 - Environmental Governance (3 credits)
HENV 675 - Community-Based Conservation (3 credits)
HENV 680 - Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science (3 credits)
18 credits – Internship and Report
ENVS 696 - Internship and Report (18 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). 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 |
The MEnv 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.
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
While we welcome applications from qualified international candidates, it is important to note that certain restrictions and/or limitations may apply:
- International students may not be eligible for some of our posted internships, as certain programs require Canadian citizenship and/or Canadian Permanent Residency.
- While Concordia is an English university, we are situated in a Canadian province that is primarily French. Students that speak both languages will have greater advantage when seeking internships.
- Not all internships posted take place in Montréal, Québec. Students that are willing to relocate after their first year of study have greater success in securing an internship.
- Having an international driver’s licence is an asset.
