Admission and Program Requirements
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ON-LINE INFORMATION SESSION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
September 15, 2023 3:30 PM (ET) on ZOOM
Admission for Registered Graduate Students
The Specialization in Environment and Sustainability is not a direct entry program. Graduate students in research programs may apply following admission to and registration in a home department, where the student will have a research supervisor, complete a research thesis and earn a graduate degree in a specific discipline.
Entry Timelines
| Masters Year 1: Home Program Entry | Collaborative Specialization Application |
| May start | Eligible for September entry |
| September start | Eligible for September entry |
| January start | Ineligible to apply to program |
| PhD Year 1: Home Program Entry | Collaborative Specialization Application |
| May start | Eligible for entry in September of Year 1 or Year 2 |
| September start | Eligible for entry in September of Year 1 or Year2 |
| January start | Eligible for entry in September of Year 2 |
Masters students: admission is restricted to students entering their first year of studies in a home department either the May or September term. Students entering their home program in the January term are ineligible to apply.
Masters students enrolled in course-based or one-year home department programs are ineligible to apply.
PhD students: admission is restricted to students entering their first year of studies in a home department, but may seek entry to the program as late as the first term of their second year of studies, as late as term 4.
Research Interests
The applicant must be completing research (in any discipline) that is related to the study of the environment or sustainability.
Permission
The applicant must have the permission of the home department research supervisor to participate in the Collaborative Specialization in Environment and Sustainability.
Good Academic Standing
Applicants in the process of completing home program degree requirements must be in "good academic standing" in the home program.
Attendance and Participation
Applicants will be prepared to participate fully in the program. Attendance and overall program participation is required in order to successfully advance through the program.
About Home Programs
The Specialization in Environment and Sustainability welcomes graduate students from all faculties and departments. A list of home programs includes but is not limited to: Chemistry, Engineering, Political Science, Anthropology, History, Microbiology and Immunology, Geography, Biology, Physics, Law, Business, Computer Science, Sociology, Earth Sciences, Information and Media Studies and the Faculty of Education.
Home Program Admissions
Admission to a home program (department) must occur before application to the Specialization in Environment and Sustainability can occur. Application deadlines and admissions processes are unique to each department and separate from the specialization processes. Prospective Western students will contact and consult directly with home programs to learn about the admissions process in the department that interests them and the method of identification of a home department research supervisor.
