Degrees
The graduate degree programs in the Department of Geography and Environment are strongly research oriented, and the completion of a thesis is the main focus at both the Masters and PhD levels. The Department offers several different programs leading to MA, MSc, and PhD degrees.
Masters (MA or MSc)
The MA and MSc combine course work with a thesis and each are tailored to the needs and interests of each Master's student. There is opportunity to obtain graduate education in a wide range of areas of geographic knowledge, research and applications. In their initial year, students take mandatory courses in geographical philosophy and research practice and also choose from an array of more specialized courses in their area of interest and research. The program provides a blend of formal instruction, seminar discussions, personal supervision and field experience as well as the opportunity to practice and improve communication, teaching and research skills.
Program Length
- 6 terms
Program Design
- Thesis-based
- Full time study
Funding Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree.
- Minimum GPA of 78% or B+ in the final two years of the undergraduate program.
Additional Requirements
- Covering letter (offering additional information or clarification of application items).
- Résumé (a brief summary of experience, achievements and skills).
- Copies of relevant publications, if available.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD is a research degree in which the thesis, contributing original knowledge to the field of research, is the primary focus. Graduates go on to academic careers or to other occupations in which doctoral-level education is an asset or prerequisite. Courses are chosen to ensure that students have the background required to undertake the thesis research. Students are educated in geographical research through courses and especially through direct individual supervision.
Program Length
- 12 terms
Program Design
- Thesis-based
- Full time study
Funding Information
Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of a Master’s degree.
- Minimum GPA of 78% or B+ from all graduate grades.
Additional Requirements
- Covering letter (offering additional information or clarification of application items).
- Sample of graduate-level writing.
- Résumé (a brief summary of experience, achievements and skills).
- Copies of relevant publications, if available
Additional Information
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable score is 550 for the paper and pencil version, 213 for the computer version, or 86 for the internet version with no individual score below 20. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
- The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9.
- The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). Minimum acceptable score is 80 on each section and an overall score of 85.
- The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). Minimum acceptable score is 60.
Application Deadline
- February 1
While we technically receive applications year round, the Graduate Affairs Committee begins review of applicant files for Fall admission in February. Applications received after the deadline may have a lower chance of success for admission and funding.
