Geography (Thesis): Environment (M.Sc.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)
Degree: Master of Science
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
**This program is currently not offered.**
The Master of Science in Geography; Thesis — Environment is a research-based program of 45 credits. This program is offered in collaboration with the Bieler School of Environment (BSE). The program focuses on the role of science in informed decision- making in the environmental sector, and its influence on political, socio-economic, and ethical judgments. The thesis must be on a topic that relates to both the environment and geography.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 697 | Thesis Research (Environment Option). | 18 |
Thesis Research (Environment Option). Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Independent research under the supervision of a research director. | ||
| GEOG 698 | Thesis Proposal. | 6 |
Thesis Proposal. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Preparation and evaluation of thesis proposal. | ||
Required Courses (9 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR 610 | Foundations of Environmental Policy. | 3 |
Foundations of Environmental Policy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Analysis of current environmental policies to reveal implicit and explicit assumptions regarding scientific methods, hypothesis testing, subject/object, causality, certainty, deities, health, development, North-South concerns for resources, commons, national sovereignty, equity. Discussion of implications of such assumptions for building future environmental policies. | ||
| ENVR 650 | Environmental Seminar 1. | 1 |
Environmental Seminar 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Interdisciplinary environmental research seminars with the goals of appreciating both the breadth and interconnectedness of environmental research questions. | ||
| ENVR 651 | Environmental Seminar 2. | 1 |
Environmental Seminar 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Environmental seminars and workshops focused on critical thinking, critical review of articles, team work, effective public speaking, grantmanship. | ||
| ENVR 652 | Environmental Seminar 3. | 1 |
Environmental Seminar 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Final research seminar. | ||
| GEOG 631 | Methods of Geographical Research. | 3 |
Methods of Geographical Research. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. General research seminar in human and physical geography. | ||
Complementary Courses (12 credits)
9 credits of courses at the 500 level or higher selected according to guidelines of the Department. GEOG 696 Thesis Preparation. can count among these complementary credits for students with an appropriate background.
3 credits, one course chosen from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENVR 620 | Environment and Health of Species. | 3 |
Environment and Health of Species. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. How major environmental problems affect the health of human and non-human species, and how environment and health interact at different spatial and temporal scales and with different components of the ecosystem. Immediate, chronic and evolutionary consequences on health. Uncertainty and causation. | ||
| ENVR 630 | Civilization and Environment. | 3 |
Civilization and Environment. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Considers ways to reduce the human impact on Earth's life support systems through variables such as population size, wealth, technology, and conduct. Critically describes ethical frameworks for judging personal and policy choices, including post-collapse scenarios. | ||
| ENVR 680 | Topics in Environment 4. | 3 |
Topics in Environment 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminars and discussion of advanced, interdisciplinary aspects of current problems in environment led by staff and/or special guests. | ||
or another course at the 500 level or higher recommended by the Advisory Committee and approved by the Environment Option Committee.