University of Saskatchewan

What you'll study

The programme combines disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary breadth. Typical study paths include a research (thesis) route and a course-based or project-oriented route, allowing students to focus on scientific investigation, policy analysis, or applied sustainability practice. Core topics commonly covered include environmental systems and modelling, ecosystem ecology, land and water management, environmental policy and governance, Indigenous perspectives on sustainability, climate change science and adaptation, environmental assessment methods, and sustainability indicators and metrics.

Students normally take a mix of seminars, advanced topical courses and research credits. Typical modules and subjects you can expect are:

• Advanced Ecology and Biogeochemical Cycles
• Hydrology and Water Resources Management
• Environmental Policy, Law and Governance
• Climate Change Science and Adaptation Strategies
• Methods in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling
• Indigenous Knowledge, Co‑management and Community Engagement
• Sustainability Assessment, Indicators and Reporting
• Research Design, Statistics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Research projects take advantage of the university's on‑campus facilities and regional field sites, and frequently involve collaborations with provincial agencies, NGOs and Indigenous communities. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, seminars, a thesis or major applied project, and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (such as biology, ecology, environmental science, geography, engineering, resource management, planning, or a related social science) with evidence of strong academic performance. Those with a three‑year degree plus significant relevant work or research experience may also be considered.

Typical application components include transcripts, a curriculum vitae, academic references (usually two), a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, and—for thesis‑route applicants—a preliminary research proposal or indication of potential supervisors. English language proficiency must be demonstrated by applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English, using an approved English test or other accepted evidence.

Some applicants will benefit from having prior coursework or experience in quantitative methods, statistics, GIS, or field techniques. Admission can be competitive and may require securing a faculty supervisor for research projects.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of careers across public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common roles include:

• Environmental consultant or analyst (impact assessment, remediation, compliance)
• Sustainability officer or corporate sustainability analyst
• Natural resource and land/water manager in government agencies
• Policy analyst or advisor on environmental and climate issues
• Research scientist or field technician in universities, research institutes or NGOs
• Community and Indigenous organisation roles focused on co‑management and sustainable development
• Positions in conservation organisations, watershed management authorities, and international development agencies

The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement and applied skills such as GIS and environmental modelling helps prepare graduates for both practitioner roles and further academic study (doctoral programmes).

Why study at University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan offers strong interdisciplinary training through its School of Environment and Sustainability and close links with campus research centres. Students benefit from the university's northern prairie and boreal landscapes as living laboratories for fieldwork and long‑term environmental studies. On‑campus research infrastructure, collaborative centres and partnerships provide access to advanced laboratory facilities, hydrological research platforms, and regional monitoring networks.

The university has an active research culture that emphasises collaboration with provincial agencies, Indigenous communities and industry partners, supporting applied projects and community‑engaged research. Smaller cohort sizes at the graduate level mean more direct supervision and opportunities to shape research that responds to real‑world sustainability challenges in the province, across Canada and internationally.

Overall, the programme suits students seeking rigorous, applied training in environment and sustainability within a university that combines strong field‑based research opportunities with community and policy engagement.