The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography. The master’s programs are available through thesis and project options. All graduate programs provide students with the opportunity to engage in research in the following fields:

• Environmental Management and Governance
• Biophysical Systems and Processes
• Socio-Economic Spaces and Change

The Geography programs are distinctive in their emphasis on the interrelationships between biophysical and human systems, enabling students to explore complex environmental and social dynamics. Through both theoretical and applied research, students develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which human activity and natural processes interact and influence one another.

Details regarding faculty, areas of research, and current research opportunities are provided on the Department's website.

Administrative Staff

Chair
Robin Roth (118a Hutt, Ext. 53525)
rroth01@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Kate Parizeau (343 Hutt, Ext. 52174)
ggradcrd@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Iman Shivji (139 MINS)
geograd@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

MA Program

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the minimum requirements of a four-year honours degree with a 75% ('B') average during the final two years of study. Applicants must submit a statement of their research interests with their application. It is essential that applicants contact potential advisors in the department prior to submission of an application. Students are admitted in September. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.

Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesize and evaluate diverse sources of geographic knowledge in order to explain geographic processes and patterns, identify gaps in understanding of human-environment problems, and formulate relevant and cogent research questions that contribute to the solution of these problems.
2. Develop and implement effective approaches for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data (quantitative, qualitative, and/or spatial) to answer questions about human-environment relations. 
3. Communicate the results and significance of geographic research and analyses to diverse outlets and audiences using oral, written, numerical and visual forms. 
4. Identify and prioritize research tasks and effectively manage research and knowledge mobilization projects. 
5. Collaborate effectively and respectfully with peers and stakeholders for knowledge production and exchange. 
6. Reflect critically on how dynamics of power, privilege, and marginality influence practices and systems of knowledge production. 
7. Evaluate the current state of knowledge and examine future directions for specific sub-fields of geography related to biophysical systems and processes and/or geomatics. 
8. Demonstrate academic integrity, scientific rigour, and professional and ethical behaviour in interactions with peers, advisors, colleagues, research participants, and other research stakeholders.  

Program Requirements

The MA program is distinctive in that it emphasizes interrelationships among biophysical and human systems. Scales of inquiry range from the local to the global, and students conduct research in Canada as well as internationally. In addition, the department offers a Master of Conservation Leadership.

Students enrol in one of two study options:

1. thesis, or
2. course work and major research project.

Thesis

The MA by thesis students are required to complete 2.00 credits and a thesis, as follows:

¹

Elective courses must consist of 1.00 credits of courses ordinarily identified as social science courses or as recommended by the student’s committee.

Course Work and Major Research Project (MRP)

The MA by course work and MRP students are required to complete 4.00 credits, as follows:

²

Elective courses must consist of 2.00 credits of courses ordinarily identified as social science courses or as recommended by the student’s committee.

MSc Program

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants should meet the minimum requirements of a four-year honours degree with a 75% ('B') average during the final two years of study. Applicants must submit a statement of their research interests with their application. It is essential that applicants contact potential advisors in the department prior to submission of an application. Students are admitted in September. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.

Learning Outcomes

1. Synthesize and evaluate diverse sources of geographic knowledge in order to explain geographic processes and patterns, identify gaps in understanding of human-environment problems, and formulate relevant and cogent research questions that contribute to the solution of these problems.
2. Develop and implement effective approaches for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting geographic data (quantitative, qualitative, and/or spatial) to answer questions about human-environment relations. 
3. Communicate the results and significance of geographic research and analyses to diverse outlets and audiences using oral, written, numerical and visual forms. 
4. Identify and prioritize research tasks and effectively manage research and knowledge mobilization projects.
5. Collaborate effectively and respectfully with peers and stakeholders for knowledge production and exchange. 
6. Reflect critically on how dynamics of power, privilege, and marginality influence practices and systems of knowledge production. 
7. Evaluate the current state of knowledge and examine future directions for specific sub-fields of geography related to biophysical systems and processes and/or geomatics. 
8. Demonstrate academic integrity, scientific rigour, and professional and ethical behaviour in interactions with peers, advisors, colleagues, research participants, and other research stakeholders.

Program Requirements

The MSc program is distinctive in that it emphasizes interrelationships among biophysical and human systems. Scales of inquiry range from the local to the global, and students conduct research in Canada as well as internationally. In addition, the department offers a Master of Conservation Leadership.

Students enrol in one of two study options:

1. thesis, or
2. course work and major research project.

Thesis

The MSc by thesis students are required to complete 2.00 credits and a thesis, as follows:

¹

Elective courses must consist of 1.00 credits of courses ordinarily identified as biophysical science courses or as recommended by the student’s committee.

Course Work and Major Research Project (MRP)

The MSc by course work and MRP students are required to complete 4.00 credits, as follows:

²

Elective courses must consist of 2.00 credits of courses ordinarily identified as biophysical science courses or as recommended by the student’s committee.

PhD Program

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the PhD program should have a recognized master's degree with an 80% ('A-') average in their postgraduate studies. Applicants must submit a statement of their research interests including some evidence of experience in their chosen research area. It is essential that applicants contact potential advisors in the department prior to submission of an application. Students are admitted in September. Program offices should be consulted for admission deadlines.

Program Requirements

Doctoral students conduct research relating to these areas at various geographic scales, from the local to the global.

All students in the PhD program are required to complete the Geographic Scholarship and Research course (GEOG*6100 Geographic Scholarship and Research) during the first two semesters of study. The advisory committee may prescribe additional courses to help the student prepare for the qualifying examination and thesis research. All students in the PhD program must complete a qualifying examination and submit a satisfactory research proposal by the end of the fourth semester of study.

The qualifying examination has written and oral components and evaluates the student's knowledge of the broader scholarly field as well as the specific theoretical and empirical content of the intended research area. Submission and defence of an acceptable thesis on an approved topic completes the requirements of the PhD.

Collaborative Specializations

International Development Studies

The Department of Geography participates in the MA, MSc and PhD collaborative specialization in International Development Studies (IDS). Consult the International Development Studies listing for a detailed description of the requirements of the collaborative specialization.

One Health

The Department of Geography participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Geography and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information.

Courses