COURSE CURRICULUM

The thesis option of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) program is designed to provide a strong foundation in sustainability while allowing students the flexibility to pursue in-depth research in their area of interest. Students are required to complete four graduate-level courses (each 0.50 unit weight), including three required courses and one elective. The required courses include ERS 680 Sustainability Foundations (offered in the Fall term), which introduces key theoretical frameworks and concepts in sustainability, and ERS 681 Sustainability Applications (offered in the Winter term), which focuses on the practical application of these frameworks to real-world environmental challenges. In addition, students must take one of the following methods courses: ERS 669 Applied Statistics in Ecology and Environment, which emphasizes quantitative research skills, or ERS 625/GEOG 625 Qualitative Methods in Geography, which develops qualitative research methodologies. These courses ensure that students are well-prepared to conduct rigorous and meaningful research. To round out the coursework, students must also complete one elective graduate course, selected in consultation with their supervisor, allowing for customization of the program based on individual research interests. This structured yet flexible course framework supports the development of research that contributes to environmental sustainability in both theory and practice.