University of Ottawa

Overview

The Earth Sciences – Science, Society and Policy MSc at the University of Ottawa offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, blending advanced geoscience education with essential policy and decision-making skills. This program prepares students to understand how scientific evidence shapes public choices, while fostering research capabilities across various domains such as natural hazards, geochemistry, and climate-related Earth processes.

What you'll study

This Master of Science program is structured around graduate-level coursework complemented by a research component. Students engage in a diverse range of Earth science and policy-focused courses, followed by the development of a research project under the guidance of a supervisor.

Typical coursework areas

• Environmental geoscience and Earth systems
• Geochemistry, encompassing aqueous and stable isotope methodologies
• Petrology and metamorphic processes
• Tectonics and geochronology-centered Earth history
• Natural hazards and risk, particularly in Canadian contexts
• Climate change and its impacts on Earth systems
• Geomathematics and quantitative methods for geoscience
• Geomatics and spatial/measurement techniques
• Mineral resources studies and sedimentary systems
• Geophysics, subject to availability within the graduate curriculum

Research component

As part of the program, students undertake a supervised research project, culminating in a thesis or an equivalent graduate research requirement. The research topic is chosen in collaboration with a supervisor and is aligned with the program's emphasis on the integration of science and policy.

Science-to-policy integration

The curriculum encompasses themes related to decision-making at the intersection of science and policy, equipping students with the skills to effectively communicate findings to non-technical audiences and support evidence-based public decisions.

Entry requirements

There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA grading score requirements for this program. Prospective students are encouraged to check with the university for any updates or additional information regarding entry qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Earth Sciences – Science, Society and Policy MSc program are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities. They can pursue roles in environmental consulting, policy analysis, governmental agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations, contributing to informed decision-making and sustainable practices in relation to Earth sciences.