Environmental Science/Studies (MESc/MES)
Graduate Program Overview
Integrate Perspectives. Research Real World Solutions. Advance Environmental Leadership.
Nipissing University’s graduate program in Environmental Science and Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to tackling complex environmental challenges. Students explore environmental issues through humanities, social sciences, Indigenous studies, and natural sciences. You can choose either a one-year Major Research Paper (MRP) or a two-year research thesis pathway, with options to study fulltime or flex-time.
Program Highlights
Over a 24 credit course of study, you will:
- Complete core courses such as Perspectives on the Environment, Methods of Inquiry in Environmental Research, and Geomatics for MES/MESc Students
- Choose between:
- Thesis Route: four courses + original research thesis
- MRP Route: six courses + applied research paper
- Specialize through electives in areas like forest ecology, watershed hydrology and management, environmental humanities.
- Participate in speaker series and present at undergraduate or graduate research conferences
- Benefit from faculty mentorship and a supportive research environment tailored to graduate students
Study Northern Tourism Beyond Nipissing
Nipissing University is a member institution of the University of the Arctic (UArctic), a global higher education and research network with more than 200 institutions and organizations.
UArctic activities are organized by thematic network. Nipissing MES/MESc students interested in Northern Tourism can apply to take courses offered by this thematic network, either as electives in their MES/MESc plan of study or as separate complimentary skills and knowledge development. Courses are offered in English by three host institutions (University of Lapland, University of Oulu and the University of Iceland). With supervisory approval, students can take up to two courses to count towards their MES/MESc degree. Taking all three courses provides students with a certificate of completion, a value added ‘addition’ to their Master’s degree at Nipissing University.
Courses offered by the Northern Tourism program include:
- Sustainable tourism development in northern environment (online)
- Northern tourism: performances and experiences (online)
- Graduate Field course: northern tourism in practice (in person)
For more information on taking courses or research opportunities through UArctic, please contact the Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies at officegsr@nipissingu.ca or SGS@nipissingu.ca.
For additional information on UArctics’ Study Catalogue, check out
Program Structure
Choose Masters of Environmental Science (MESc) OR Masters of Environmental Studies (MES)
- All students require 24 credits to complete the MES or MESc degree programs; however, they can choose the program structure that works best for them, depending on their career goals.
- In the case of an interdisciplinary focus that spans Environmental Sciences and Studies, a student’s supervisory committee will provide guidance and approval for the appropriate degree option.
Masters of Environmental Science (MESc)
Students choosing the MESc program will typically have a background in one of the core disciplines within environmental science or related fields (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, Geosciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Physical Geography, Engineering, Physics). Current faculty supervisors with research programs in the environment and natural sciences span the study of biotic, abiotic and chemical processes, from the molecular to landscape scale; often integrating core disciplines with techniques-based skills development (geomatics, remote sensing, computer modeling, data visualization, analytical chemistry) and interests in resource management. Working at the interface of the natural world and human impacts, we regularly collaborate with government, industry and/or community partners.
Masters of Environmental Studies (MES)
Students choosing the MES program will typically have a background within environmental studies or a related discipline (e.g. History, Human Geography, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy).
Choose Program Type
Thesis Route:
Four, three-credit courses.
This offers appropriate preparation for further graduate studies at the doctoral level or for a career in research, consulting, or government.
Full-time Length: 2 years
Flex-time Length: Up to 4 years
The thesis route provides students with the opportunity to pursue original research questions by conceiving, designing and executing a study in their area of interest. Course work provides exposure to interdisciplinary thinking and development of technical expertise in a specific area of interest.
Major Research Paper (MRP):
Six, three-credit courses.
This route is appropriate for providing additional training for working professionals or recent graduates who wish to expand upon their disciplinary training while further developing their research skills.
Full-time Length: 1 year
Flex-time Length: Up to 3 years
The Major Research Paper (MRP) route offers students a less extensive research experience that involves analysis and interpretation of ideas and information, while emphasizing a broad exposure to environmental systems and problem solving through additional graduate-level course work.
Find Programs & Degree Requirements
These links give information on required credits and degree requirements.
Graduate Student Funding
Financial Aid, Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards
Funding is available to graduate students from both internal and external sources. Internal funding includes teaching/research assistantships, faculty research grants, and Nipissing Graduate Scholarships.
Meet our Faculty
Discover how Nipissing faculty are tackling real-world environmental challenges
Through the Master of Environmental Studies/Environmental Sciences (MESc) program, Nipissing University’s faculty are committed to Northern Ontario and the traditional territories of Indigenous Nations in the region. Their work is rooted in place-based research, sustainability, and collaboration with local and Indigenous partners. Students benefit from close mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities to engage directly with real-world environmental challenges through fieldwork and community partnerships.
Dr. Kirsten Greer, Associate Professor
Faculty of Arts and Science – Environmental Science/Environment Studies
Dr. Kirsten Greer, Associate Professor at Nipissing University, is a globally respected historical geographer and a Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Histories and Geographies. Her research brings together environmental science, history, and Indigenous knowledge through collaborative projects with Dokis First Nation and Nipissing First Nation. From repatriation initiatives to environmental and cultural research, Dr. Greer’s work demonstrates how interdisciplinary scholarship can create meaningful impact in communities while advancing our understanding of environmental change.
Research Clusters
Faculty supervision within their individual research programs span a broad range of themes and perspectives and are described on faculty webpages.
Expand the accordions to learn more about the highlighted research clusters for this program.
Hydrology and Water Governance
Faculty focus on water from a range of perspectives.
- Physical Hydrology: April James, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
- Wetlands: John Kovacs, Colin McCarter
- Water Quality and Governance: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, April James, John Kovacs, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
- Fisheries (social and cultural dimensions): James Abbott, Reade Davis
Northern and Precambrian Shield Environments
Supervisory Faculty offer a focus on place-based research in Northern and Precambrian Shield Environments.
- Forest ecology: Jeff Dech, John Kovacs, Peter Nosko
- Wildfire: Jeff Dech, Peter Nosko
- Dendrochronology: Jeff Dech, Kirsten Greer
- Species at Risk and Biodiversity: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer
- Precambrian Shield Lakes and Rivers: Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer, April James, Colin McCarter, Dan Walters
- Social Ornithology (human-bird relationships): James Abbott, Reade Davis, Kirsten Greer
- Green Chemistry: Mukund Jha
- Agriculture in Northeastern Ontario: John Kovacs, James Murton, Dan Walters
- Northern Tourism & Education: Pat Maher
- Other Relevant Faculty: Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens
Environment and Health
Faculty supervisors work at the interface and interaction between environment and human health. Their research focuses on understanding the role of environment in human health and well-being and disease: the impact of the natural environment on health (e.g. climate change, air, water and soil pollutants and improving health and quality standards); the built environment and impact on health and well-being (e.g. occupational health, urban planning for healthy living, health behaviours and policy) and communicable diseases (e.g. environmental epidemiology, living standards and disease control).
- Faculty: Odwa Atari, Steven Arnocky, Carly Dokis, Pat Maher, Dan Walters, Veronika Williams.
Environmental History
Environmental History is the historical study of past environments, human-environmental relations in the past, and the origins of environmental movements.
- Faculty: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Robin Gendron, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivukoski, James Murton, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens
Political Ecology, Social Movements, and Environmental Policy
Faculty and students in the Political Ecology, Social Movements, and Environmental Policy cluster examine the ways in which social, political and economic power at the local, national, and/or global level shape the relationships between human communities and the more-than-human environment. Key topics of interest include:
- The Social and Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton
- Ecological Imperialism: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivukoski, James Murton, Katrina Srigley
- The Politics of Preservation and Conservation: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Robin Gendron, Toivo Koivokoski, Pat Maher, James Murton
- Food Security and Food Sovereignty: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton
- Extractive Industries & Society: Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Robin Gendron, James Murton
- Resource-dependent Communities/Rural Livelihoods: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Robin Gendron, Kirsten Greer, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens
- Science, Technology, and Society: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, Toivo Koivokoski, James Murton
Indigenous and Decolonialization Research
Nipissing University researchers engage in a broad range of work using innovative methods and practices to better understand the deep history, culture and ideas of our region. For example, theoretically, settler accountability understood through the lens of Indigenous and decolonial scholarship participates in the larger effort to respond to the truth and reconciliation calls to action.
- Faculty: James Abbott, Reade Davis, Carly Dokis, Kirsten Greer, James Murton, Katrina Srigley, Nancy Stevens, Dan Walters
Nipissing University researchers understand that complex environmental challenges at the local and global scale can best be examined through multiple perspectives. Many of our researchers work collaboratively on interdisciplinary research projects, bringing together methodologies across the natural sciences, health and social sciences, and humanities as a way of providing greater explanatory power. In addition to research collaboration, some of our faculty members co-teach and co-supervise students interested in combining scientific and social science approaches with the humanities (i.e. history, art-creation, philosophy) as part of their graduate work.
Resources
Program Related
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must have a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent as recognized by Nipissing University in an appropriate discipline, with a minimum B standing.
To find specific requirements details, use the buttons below
Future Careers
Graduates gain advanced analytical, technical, and interdisciplinary research capabilities well-suited to:
- Environmental policy development, environmental planning, and impact assessment roles
- Natural resource management, sustainability consulting, and environmental education
- Research positions in government, industry, NGOs, and academic environments
- Doctoral study preparation in environmental sciences or interdisciplinary studies
Our program prepares leaders equipped to drive environmental inquiry and change, whether locally, nationally, or globally.
Real People, Real Impact
I appreciate the well-equipped labs and hands-on learning opportunities that allow me to gain strong practical experience alongside my coursework and complete my thesis in the best possible way.
Fatemeh T.
Class of 2026
The professors are incredibly kind, compassionate, and genuinely dedicated to their students they don’t just teach the material, they truly care about our growth and inspire us to become thoughtful, ethical professionals who can make a difference in our fields.
Emily S.
Class of 2027
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See All ProgramsNotes:
Flex-time for MRP or Thesis Route. Flex-time is how Graduate Studies refers to part-time student.
Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.