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Collaborative Specializations
The Department of Geography offers several Collaborative Specializations that allow students to enhance their degree with interdisciplinary training. Students enrolled in a collaborative program may count one collaborative course toward their Geography electives. Admission to these programs requires submitting a Collaborative Program Admission Form.
MA or MSc in Geography and Environment (Environment and Sustainability)
This interdisciplinary degree combines core requirements from Geography and Environment with the collaborative Environment and Sustainability Program. Students gain enhanced research, communication, and teaching skills through seminars, panels, and field trips, while engaging with peers from diverse academic backgrounds.
Supervision:
Masters students are supervised through an Advisory Committee of at least two, consisting of the Supervisor and another faculty member knowledgeable in the area of research, usually from Geography and Environment. The Geography and Environment Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the student's academic program, especially the thesis research and preparation. The Environment and Sustainability Specialization requires that the student have at least one meeting/ year with an Environment and Sustainability Advisor, who is in addition to the Geography and Environment Advisory Committee. This can be done during the diagnostic or independent of the diagnostic meeting. For details see https://www.uwo.ca/enviro/graduate/collaborative_specialization/advisors/advisors.html
PhD in Geography and Environment (Environment and Sustainability)
Offered in collaboration with the Environment and Sustainability Program, this interdisciplinary PhD focuses on original research that contributes to the field, with a thesis centered on Environment and Sustainability topics. Students complete all core requirements from both Geography and Environment and the Environment and Sustainability program.
The specialization enriches the PhD experience with seminars, panels, and field trips, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening research, teaching, and communication skills.
Supervision:
PhD students are supervised through a Thesis Supervision Committee of three, consisting of the Supervisor and two other faculty members knowledgeable in the area of research. The Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the student's academic program, especially the thesis research and thesis preparation. The advisory committee provides a formal support system, but students are encouraged to draw widely on faculty for informal assistance in their research. The Environment and Sustainability Specialization requires that the student have at least one meeting/ year with an Environment and Sustainability Advisor, who is in addition to the Geography and Environment Advisory Committee. This can be done during the diagnostic or independent of the diagnostic meeting. For details see https://www.uwo.ca/enviro/graduate/collaborative_specialization/advisors/advisors.html
Questions?
Please contact Holly Sanderson, the Program Administrator in the Environment and Sustainability program, with any questions regarding the collaborative program.
MA in Geography and Environment (Migration and Ethnic Relations)
This interdisciplinary MA is offered in collaboration with the Migration and Ethnic Relations (MER) Program. Students complete all Geography and Environment program requirements, including a thesis, alongside MER components. The program combines strong disciplinary training with interdisciplinary insight to support advanced research in migration and ethnic relations. Graduates receive an MA in Geography and Environment with a specialization in Migration and Ethnic Relations.
Supervision:
Masters students are supervised through a Thesis Advisory Committee of at least two, consisting of the Supervisor and another faculty member knowledgeable in the area of research. The thesis supervisor must be listed as a member of the Migration and Ethnic Relations list of Faculty Advisors. The Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the student's academic program, especially the thesis research and thesis preparation.
Thesis Examination:
The Thesis Examination Committee must include a University Examiner (outside Geography and Environment) who is also a MER Faculty Advisor.
Funding:
Core funding remains the same for Geography and Environment students. However, additional MER-specific funding opportunities may be available.
PhD in Geography and Environment (Migration and Ethnic Relations)
Offered in collaboration with the Migration and Ethnic Relations (MER) Program, this interdisciplinary PhD includes all core requirements of Geography and Environment, plus those of the MER program. The specialization equips students with strong disciplinary and interdisciplinary training to support advanced research in migration and ethnic relations. Graduates earn a PhD in Geography and Environment with a specialization in Migration and Ethnic Relations.
Supervision:
Students are guided by a Thesis Advisory Committee of at least three faculty members, including a Supervisor from the MER Faculty Advisor list, who oversees the student’s academic progress and research.
Thesis Examination:
The Thesis Examination Committee must include a University Examiner (external to Geography and Environment) who is also a MER Faculty Advisor.
Funding:
Core funding remains the same for Geography and Environment students. However, additional MER-specific funding opportunities may be available.
Questions?
Please contact the Graduate Administrator with any questions regarding the graduate program.
Phone: 519-661-2111, Ext. 85033
Email:GeoGradAdmin@uwo.ca
MSc and PhD in Geography and Environment (Planetary Science and Exploration)
Offered by the Western Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, this is Canada’s only planetary science graduate specialization—bringing together students from five departments: Physics & Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, and Geography and Environment.
Program Highlights:
- Original student-led research
- Small-group discussions of current literature and discoveries
- Interdisciplinary training
- Hands-on lab and/or field experience
Since 2008, over 150 students have participated in the program and have been offered a wealth of planetary science graduate courses unparalleled at any other Canadian institution. Graduates of this specialization have gone on to careers in industry, government and academia.
Questions?
If you're interested in joining the Collaborative Specialization and you have any questions, please reach out to westernspace@uwo.ca.