Environmental Science / Environmental Studies

mangrove mapping — The programs consist of course work plus a Major Research Paper (one-year program) or coursework plus a Thesis (two-year program), and are offered on a full-time or flex-time basis.

student taking readings in the field — All students require 24 credits to complete the Master of Environmental Science or Master of Environmental Studies degree; however, they can choose the program structure that works best for them, depending on their career goals.

students drilling through the ice on the pond — Faculty research spaces offer equipment and support for a wide range of research methods and investigation.

Jaimée Bergeron, Water Resources and Stewardship Specialist with Conservation Sudbury explains groundwater sampling procedures and equipment — MESc students working with Conservation Sudbury Staff to sample groundwater wells.

moving gear across frozen lake — Recent research on Lake Nipissing embayments has focused on understanding phosphorus loading and occurrence of anoxia.

The Lake Nipissing Beading Project — The Lake Beading Project, a community-based arts project led by Dr. Kirsten Greer.

students taking samples in the pond — Our Master of Environmental Science (MESc)/Master of Environmental Studies (MES) programs take a unique interdisciplinary approach by integrating ideas and methodologies from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to explore and address environmental issues.

lake core sampling — Students work directly with faculty to design and conduct a research project or thesis; research opportunities can involve research partners from community, government or private sectors

Masters of Environmental Science/Studies program brochure cover — Download the program brochure (PDF)

Welcome to Master of Environmental Science and
Master of Environmental Studies

Environmental challenges in the 21st century are complex: we believe solutions will be found by bridging what divides us. Nipissing’s Graduate Program in Environmental Science/Studies offers students the chance to study contemporary environmental issues while considering multiple perspectives.

Nipissing’s Master of Environmental Science (MESc)/Master of Environmental Studies (MES) programs take an interdisciplinary approach to explore and address environmental issues by considering and integrating ideas and methodologies from the humanities, social sciences, indigenous studies and natural sciences.

Flexible graduate programming means students can earn a Master of Environmental Science or Master of Environmental Studies degree. Students can choose from 1-year (major paper) or 2-year (research thesis) options.

The programs consist of course work plus a Major Research Paper (one-year program) or coursework plus a Thesis (two-year program), and are offered on a full-time or flex-time basis.

Learn more about the research by recent students

Download the program brochure (PDF)

Master of Environmental Science/Studies (MESc/MES)

Students will choose to apply to either the Masters of Environmental Studies (MES) or the Masters of Environmental Sciences (MESc) program. For more details on these two program options, please see the “Research Clusters” tab. All students require 24 credits to complete the MES or MESc degree programs; however, they can choose the program structure that works best for them, depending on their career goals:

Thesis Route (four three-credit courses + thesis)

The thesis route provides students with the opportunity to pursue original research questions by conceiving, designing and executing a study in their area of interest. Course work provides exposure to interdisciplinary thinking and development of technical expertise in a specific area of interest.

Four, three-credit courses
Thesis (12 credits)
Two years to complete
This offers appropriate preparation for further graduate studies at the doctoral level or for a career in research, consulting, or government

Major Research Paper Route (six three-credit courses + MRP)

The Major Research Paper (MRP) route offers students a less extensive research experience that involves analysis and interpretation of ideas and information, while emphasizing a broad exposure to environmental systems and problem solving through additional graduate-level course work.

Six, three-credit courses
Major Research Paper (six credits)
One year to complete
This route is appropriate for providing additional training for working professionals or recent graduates who wish to expand upon their disciplinary training while further developing their research skills.

University of the Arctic (UArctic)

Nipissing University is a member institution of the University of the Arctic (UArctic), a global higher education and research network with more than 200 institutions and organizations.

UArctic activities are organized by thematic network. Nipissing MES/MESc students interested in Northern Tourism can apply to take courses offered by this thematic network, either as electives in their MES/MESc plan of study or as separate complimentary skills and knowledge development. Courses are offered in English by three host institutions (University of Lapland, University of Oulu and the University of Iceland). With supervisory approval, students can take up to two courses to count towards their MES/MESc degree. Taking all three courses provides students with a certificate of completion, a value added ‘addition’ to their Master’s degree at Nipissing University.

Courses offered by the Northern Tourism program include:

Sustainable tourism development in northern environment (online)
Northern tourism: performances and experiences (online)
Graduate Field course: northern tourism in practice (in person)

For more information on taking courses or research opportunities through UArctic, please contact the Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies at officegsr@nipissingu.ca or SGS@nipissingu.ca.

UArctic - University of the Arctic - Thematic Network on Northern Tourism

For additional information on UArctics’ Study Catalogue, check out

UArctic - University of the Arctic - UArctic Study Catalogue

In the case of an interdisciplinary focus that spans Environmental Sciences and Studies, a student’s supervisory committee will provide guidance and approval for the appropriate degree option.

Within each program option (MESc or MES), students will further develop their knowledge within or across disciplines and sub-discipline specialties. Students will build a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in their specialty areas, implementing and reporting through either a thesis research project (TRP) or major research project (MRP).

Masters of Environmental Sciences (MESc)

Students choosing the MESc program will typically have a background in one of the core disciplines within environmental science or related fields (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Geosciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Physical Geography, Engineering, Physics). Current faculty supervisors with research programs in the environment and natural sciences span the study of biotic, abiotic and chemical processes, from the molecular to landscape scale; often integrating core disciplines with techniques-based skills development (geomatics, remote sensing, computer modeling, data visualization, analytical chemistry) and interests in resource management. Working at the interface of the natural world and human impacts, we regularly collaborate with government, industry and/or community partners.

Masters of Environmental Studies (MES)

Students choosing the MES program will typically have a background within environmental studies or a related discipline (e.g. History, Human Geography, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy).

Prior to submitting application

Before applying to the Master of Environmental Science/Studies graduate program, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements of this specific program.

Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited University and at least a 75% average on the last ten full (20 semester) courses completed at the time of application, or equivalent qualifications to be considered for admission. Applicants are also required to submit a Statement of Academic Intent which explains how the MES/MESc program relates to previous academic studies.

Application Process: Master of Environmental Science/Studies

Students are highly encouraged to contact faculty to discuss potential supervision/research interests and degree paths prior to submitting their applications to the program. All students must have an approved supervisor to be admitted to the program.

Minimum Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs

Language requirements

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

Applications

Tuition and Fees

Master of Environmental Science and Master of Environmental Studies Tuition, Fees and Payments

Funding and Financial Aid - Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

Funding is available to graduate students from both internal and external sources. Internal funding includes teaching/research assistantships, faculty research grants, and Nipissing Graduate Scholarships. The value of these scholarships varies. Students are also encouraged to compete for scholarships from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS), the Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship.

It is also possible for students to be funded by external research grants to faculty. This is not guaranteed, but it is possible. Please contact potential supervisor to explore additional funding opportunities.

Faculty supervision within their individual research programs span a broad range of themes and perspectives and are described on faculty webpages. Below is a list of highlighted research clusters.

Hydrology and Water Governance

Faculty focus on water from a range of perspectives.

Physical Hydrology: April James, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
Wetlands: John Kovacs, Colin McCarter
Water Quality and Governance: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, April James, John Kovacs, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
Fisheries (social and cultural dimensions): James Abbott, Reade Davis

Northern and Precambrian Shield Environments

Supervisory Faculty offer a focus on place-based research in Northern and Precambrian Shield Environments.

Forest ecology: Jeff Dech, John Kovacs, Peter Nosko
Wildfire: Jeff Dech, Peter Nosko
Dendrochronology: Jeff Dech, Kirsten Greer
Species at Risk and Biodiversity: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer
Precambrian Shield Lakes and Rivers: Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer, April James, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
Social Ornithology (human-bird relationships): James Abbott, Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer
Green Chemistry: Mukund Jha
Agriculture in Northeastern Ontario: John Kovacs, James Murton, Dan Walters
Northern Tourism & Education: Pat Maher
Other Relevant Faculty: Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens

Environment and Health

Faculty supervisors work at the interface and interaction between environment and human health. Their research focuses on understanding the role of environment in human health and well-being and disease: the impact of the natural environment on health (e.g. climate change, air, water and soil pollutants and improving health and quality standards); the built environment and impact on health and well-being (e.g. occupational health, urban planning for healthy living, health behaviours and policy) and communicable diseases (e.g. environmental epidemiology, living standards and disease control).

Faculty: Odwa Atari, Steven Arnocky, Carly Dokis, Pat Maher, Dan Walters, Veronika Williams.

Environmental History

Environmental History is the historical study of past environments, human-environmental relations in the past, and the origins of environmental movements.

Faculty: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Robin Gendron, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivukoski, James Murton, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens

Political Ecology, Social Movements, and Environmental Policy

Faculty and students in the Political Ecology, Social Movements, and Environmental Policy cluster examine the ways in which social, political and economic power at the local, national, and/or global level shape the relationships between human communities and the more-than-human environment. Key topics of interest include:

The Social and Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton
Ecological Imperialism: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivukoski, James Murton, Katrina Srigley
The Politics of Preservation and Conservation: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Robin Gendron, Toivo Koivokoski, Pat Maher, James Murton
Food Security and Food Sovereignty: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton
Extractive Industries & Society: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Robin Gendron, James Murton
Resource-dependent Communities/Rural Livelihoods: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Robin Gendron, Kirsten Greer, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens
Science, Technology, and Society: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivokoski, James Murton

Indigenous and Decolonialization Research

Nipissing University researchers engage in a broad range of work using innovative methods and practices to better understand the deep history, culture and ideas of our region. For example, theoretically, settler accountability understood through the lens of Indigenous and decolonial scholarship participates in the larger effort to respond to the truth and reconciliation calls to action.

Faculty: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens, Dan Walters

Nipissing University researchers understand that complex environmental challenges at the local and global scale can best be examined through multiple perspectives. Many of our researchers work collaboratively on interdisciplinary research projects, bringing together methodologies across the natural sciences, health and social sciences, and humanities as a way of providing greater explanatory power. In addition to research collaboration, some of our faculty members co-teach and co-supervise students interested in combining scientific and social science approaches with the humanities (i.e. history, art-creation, philosophy) as part of their graduate work.

Post-Graduation Opportunities and Careers

Graduates of the MES/MESc program may go on to doctoral programs or enter careers in government and industry. As professionals they may work in areas such as environmental policy, planning, impact assessment, natural resource management, scientific research and education. Additional information on Environmental Careers and professional accreditations may be found through a range of organizations such as Eco Canada (www.eco.ca), Professional Geoscientists Ontario (www.pgo.ca), Ontario Professional Foresters Association (www.opfa.ca), among others.