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
Admission Requirements
- 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 English language proficiency page for further information on 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.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
Please see the Geography, Planning and Environment Courses page for course descriptions.
Environmental Assessment MEnv (45 credits)
21 | credits of Compulsory Courses: |
6 | credits of Elective Courses: |
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 |
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.
During a four-month internship, you will gain hands-on experience under professional supervision. Internships may evolve into temporary or permanent employment positions, and students are often paid during their placement.
To start 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. Read about employers’ testimonials of MEnv students.
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. About 80% of our alumni have found employment in various environmental fields, including governments (34%), private sector consulting firms (28%), NGOs (9%) and universities (8%). For example, graduates are working as planning policy officers, environmental and permitting managers, consultants, analysts, project coordinators, and environmental planners. The department supports an active LinkedIn page to share relevant resources and opportunities with current students and alumni. For more details, see the results of our latest Graduate placement survey.
Examples of organizations and institutions our alumni are currently working for include:
Indigenous-led organisations
- Firelight Group
- Grand Conseil de la Nation Waban-Aki
- Grand Council Treaty #3
- Institut de Développement Durable des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador
Public services
- Algonquin College
- Canadian Coast Guard
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- Canadian Wildlife Service
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Office of the Auditor General
- Parks Canada
- Species at Risk Implementation
- Vanier College
Private sector
- HSP Engineering & Environmental Services
- Logiag lnc
- Nimonik
- Odonaterra Inc
- OXIA-Initiative
- Terrahumana Solutions
- Terrapex Environnement Ltée
- WSP
NGO/Agency
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation
- Canadian Institute for Climate Choices
- Climate Reality Canada
- Green Coalition
- Net Impact Montreal
- Regeneration Canada
- Trout River Environmental Committee
Our graduates are also well-placed to continue their studies at the doctoral level. Explore scholarly publications authored or co-authored by MEnv students.
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.