In Acadia's Master of Science in Environmental Science you will both increase your employability in government, non-profit organizations, and industry. You will also be well prepared to move on to other graduate level opportunities. As part of a small, research-focused department, you will primarily be working closely with your supervisor on your research, field work, and thesis. You will also take additional courses to supplement your research and broaden your advanced knowledge in the discipline.
You can apply directly to the two-year program once a willing supervisor has been confirmed.
The faculty members in Acadia’s Environmental Science program are highly active researchers in the local region and internationally. You will benefit from a wide variety of dedicated field locations, engaging researchers, and friendly faculty and staff. Acadia’s faculty work in partnership with a wide range of NGOs, industry, and government departments to provide many networking opportunities.
You also have access to a wide variety of research tools and facilities within the department, and through connected research centres such as the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, the Acadia Centre for Microstructural Analysis, and the Centre of Geographic Sciences.
Courses take place in-person at Acadia University.
For admission to Acadia University:
Candidates for admission to the graduate programs of Acadia University must possess an Honours degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree from an approved university. Those candidates possessing a major in a field other than that of their graduate program will normally be required to take sufficient undergraduate courses to make up the equivalent of an Acadia undergraduate major. Special consideration may be given to those candidates wishing to change from one undergraduate field to a related graduate one.
Candidates must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60h) of university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed. Applicants to all MEd programs must have at least a B average (73-76%) in their final two years of full-time equivalent (60h) university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work completed.
It is expected that applicants will review the applicable graduate program website to learn about faculty research specializations and connect with possible research supervisors before applying to see what resources are available to them.
Admission is highly competitive, and the number of students admitted each cycle or year may vary depending on the applicant pool and resource availability. It is important to note that possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Our programs are small to reflect our university tradition of personal contact and individual attention; unfortunately, we cannot accept all applicants, and excellent students are often not accepted. All prospective students are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on resource availability and evidence of probable success in their chosen program. The admitting average varies and can be competitive depending on the program of choice. For research-based programs, it is important to note that lack of faculty resources due to program over-capacity, or similar reasons, could also result in an unfavourable admission decision that is not related to the merit of the admission application. Applicants will only be considered for a program when a formal application, all supporting documentation, and the applicable application fee, is received.
Admission to research-based programs is centred on evidence of overall academic excellence, including in research ability, critical thinking, writing ability, and knowledge of and aptitude for the area of research interest. This evidence may be provided in applicants’ transcripts (including both the courses taken and the grades earned), resume, confidential reference letters/online reference forms, writing sample, and/or statement of research interests.
Several programs have a requirement to identify/secure a willing Acadia supervisor prior to applying as a key piece of entry/admission.
If offered admission to graduate studies at Acadia University, students are expected to have sufficient means of financial support for the length of time normally required to complete the graduate program in which they intend to enroll.
The offer of admission is a contract with the student. There is currently no university-mandated minimum level of financial support for graduate students, although many graduate programs have established internal policies indicating such an amount such as our Master of Science in BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL and GEOM.
Students are encouraged to work with their supervisors, or Graduate Coordinators (in the case of our Master of Arts programs), to identify funding opportunities when funding is not noted in the offer letter. The Graduate Studies Office is not responsible for this and should not be contacted for funding.
All applicants to graduate studies are strongly encouraged to seek external funding support.
You must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in your major field in the last two undergraduate years (or 60 credit hours) of university study, including coursework in undergraduate degree(s) and any graduate work you have completed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Studies Officer by emailing gradadmissions@acadiau.ca.
Acadia’s minimum admission requirement is 2.67/4.0 GPA OR a 70% in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years. To be eligible for an Acadia Graduate Scholarship/Acadia Graduate Teaching Assistantship [Internal Scholarship], you must possess a GPA of 3.0/4.0 in each of the last two years of study. If you are applying for an external scholarship, in most cases a 1st Class Average is required. Acadia defined 1st Class as 3.67/4.0 GPA. Please note that some departments/schools may have additional admission requirements.
80% (B) for admission; 85% (B) for internal scholarship; 86% (A) for external scholarship.
2nd Class, Lower Division (B- or 70%) for admission; 2nd Class Upper Division (A or 73%) for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A+ or 83%) for external scholarship.
2nd Class, Lower Division (B-, 50%, or 2.7/4.0) for admission; 2nd Class, Upper Division (B+, 55%, or 3.3/4.0) for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A-, 60%, or 3.7/4.0) for external scholarship.
11/20 (B-) for admission; 12/20 (B) for internal scholarship; 14/20 (A-) for external scholarship.
7/10 (70%) for admission; 8/10 (80%) for internal scholarship; 9/10 (90%) for external scholarship.
2nd Class, Upper Division (B or 3.0/4) for admission and internal scholarship; 1st Class (A or 4.0/4) for external scholarship.
4.5/7.0 (B-) for admission; 5/7.0 (B) for internal scholarship; 6/7.0 (A-) for external scholarship.
80% (B) for admission; 82% (B) for internal scholarship; 89% (A) for external scholarship.
3.5/5.0 for admission; 3.7/5 .0 for internal scholarship; 4.0/5.0 for external scholarship.
3.0/5.0 (B, or Dobar [Good]) for admission and internal scholarship; 3.5/5.0 (A, or Vrlo Dobar [Very Good]) for external scholarship.
4.0/5.0 (B or 3.0/4) for admission and internal scholarship; 4.5/5.0 for external scholarship.
North (Turkish-Cypriot)
16/20 (B or 80%) for admission; 17/20 (B or 85%) for internal; scholarship; 19/20 (A or 95%) for external scholarship.
South (Greek-Cypriot)
7/10 (B) for admission; 8/10 for internal scholarship; 9/10 (A) for external scholarship.
68% for admission; 70% for internal scholarship; 80% for external scholarship.
65% (B) for admission; 74% for internal scholarship; 75% (A) for external scholarship.
80% (B or 3.0/4) for admission; 84% for internal scholarship; 89% for external scholarship.
12/20 (B or 3.0/4) for admission; 13/20 (B+ or 3.3/4) for internal scholarship; 14/20 (A or 3.7/4) for external scholarship.
2.6/5 (B or 3.0/4) for admission; 3.0/5 (3.0/4) for internal scholarship; 1.6/5 (A- or 3.7/4) external scholarship.
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (B-, or 50%, or 2.7/4) for admission; 55% for internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (A, or 70%, or 4.0/4) for external scholarship.
2nd Division (B or 50%) for admission; 55% for internal scholarship; 1st Division, (A or 60%) for external scholarships.
14/20 (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 15/20 for internal scholarship; 16/20 (A or 4.0/4) for external scholarship.
2.7/4.0 (B- or 60%) for admission; 3.0/4.0 (B or 70%) for internal scholarship; 3.7/4.0 (A- or 80%) for external scholarships.
3.0/4.0 (B or 75%) for admission; 80% for internal scholarship; 4.0/4.0 (A or 85%) for external scholarships.
70% (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 74% for internal scholarship; 80% (A or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
80% (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 84% for internal scholarship; 90% (A- or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
12/20 (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission and internal scholarship; 16/20 (A- or 3.7/4.0) for external scholarships.
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (B- or 50%) for admission; 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division (B or 60%) for internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (A or 70%) for external scholarships.
B- (60% or Bare 2nd) for admission; B (65% or Clear 2nd) for internal scholarship; A (80% or Clear 1st) for external scholarships.f
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (50%) for admission; 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division (60%) for internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (70%) for external scholarships.
50% for admission; 55% for internal scholarship; 60% for external scholarships.
Senior High School diploma with minimum 85% or 2.24/5.00
B (4.0/5.0, or Khorosho [Good], or 3.0/4.0) for admission and internal scholarship; A (5.0/5.0, or Otlichno [Excellent], or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
80% (B, or 3.0/5.0, or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 84% for internal scholarship; 90% (A, or 4.0/5.0, or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
2nd Class, Division 2 (B-, or 60%, or 2.7/4.0) for admission; 65% for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A, or 75%, or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
70% (B) for admission; 75% for internal scholarship; 80% (A) for external scholarships.
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (B- or 2.7/4.0) for admission and internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (A or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
80% (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 85% for internal scholarship; A, or 4.0/4.0 for external scholarships.
65% (B, or 7.0/10, or Iyi [Good], or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 75% for internal scholarship; 85% (A, or 9.0/10, or Pek Iyi [Very Good], or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (B) for admission and internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (A) for external scholarships.
70% (B, or 4.0/5.0, or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 80% for internal scholarship; 90% (A, or 5.0/5.0, or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
80% (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 85% for internal scholarship; 90% (A (UAE) or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
2nd Class Honours, Lower (B-, or 53%, or 2.7/4.0) for admission; 56% for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A, or 70%, or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
13/20 (B or 3.0/4) for admission; 14.0/20 for internal scholarship; 17/20 (A- or 3.7/4) for external scholarship.
6/10 (B) for admission; 7/10 for internal scholarship; 8.5/10 (A) for external scholarship.
8/11 (B, or 56%, or Very Satisfactory) for admission; 65% for internal scholarship; 10/11 (A, or 76%, or Distinction) for external scholarship.
2nd Class, Lower Division (B, or 65%, or 2.7/4) for admission; 2nd Class, Upper Division (B+, 70%, or 3.3/4) for internal scholarship; 1st Class (A, or 80%, or 4.0/4) for external scholarship.
2.75/4.0 (B- or 70%) for admission; 3.0/4.0 (B or 75%) for internal scholarship; 3.75/4.0 (A- or 85%) for external scholarship.
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division (B- or 2.7/4.0) for admission and internal scholarship; 1st Class Honours (A or 4.0/4.0) for external scholarships.
65% (B or 3.0/4.0) for admission; 70% for internal scholarship; 75% (A- or 3.7/4.0) for external scholarships.
Candidates for admission to this program must possess an Honours degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree, from an approved university. Undergraduate degrees in Biology, Earth and Environmental Science and Physical Geography are most compatible with this degree. Candidates should have at least a B- average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years. Before applying for this MSc degree program students will have been enrolled in the NSCC Geomatics diploma program; acceptance is also subject to availability of positions, faculty advisors and adequate funding. Acceptance of a qualified candidate will also be contingent on letters of support from appropriate referees.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteYou must possess an honours degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an approved university. Students holding degrees with high academic standing in fields that are closely related to Chemistry (such as Biology, Physics, Geology and Engineering) may also be accepted for graduate work in Chemistry, although you may be asked to take additional course work to improve your background in Chemistry. You must have at least a B- average (70%) in the courses taken in the major field in the last two undergraduate years.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteWe place emphasis on research rather than course work. Individual programs of study are determined by your supervisor and committee. The advisory committee consists of your supervisor and at least two other faculty members or research associates.
You are advised to contact your prospective supervisor directly at the time of application. We make decisions on accepting applicants primarily on the recommendation of these prospective supervisors.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteTo apply, you need to possess a 4-year undergraduate degree in computer science (course and project routes). The thesis route requires an Honours undergraduate computer science degree. Please check the Grad Guide to find out if you have the required undergraduate requirements.
In general, students required to make-up more than three undergraduate computer science courses will not be admitted. Individuals requiring more make up courses may be considered based on their special research interests and preparation.
Visit the website of this program to learn more, read their Grad Guide, and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteWe seek applications from excellent graduating and mature students with a range of Bachelor's degrees who are interested in an intensive, self-directed, and engaging program. The program is thesis-based and you will also complete a number of courses while working in close cooperation with faculty on your research project. We are seeking applicants who have a particular interest in one of the following areas:
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteAll applicants must meet the minimum graduate admission criteria as outlined below and should carefully note the program-specific information under Additional Admission Requirement(s).
MEd (Curriculum Studies) Additional Admission Requirement
At the time you apply, you must possess:
Visit the website of this program to learn more.
Visit WebsiteApplicants for admission should hold a BA Honours degree in English or equivalent.
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Visit WebsiteCandidates for admission to this program must possess an Honours degree, or a four-year Bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from an approved university. Applicants with undergraduate degrees not meeting these qualifications would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can be approved by consensus among the supervisor, graduate coordinator, and department head. Undergraduate degrees in science, in particular Environmental Science, Environmental Geoscience, Environmental Engineering, are most compatible with this MSc degree. Candidates should have at least a B- average in relevant disciplines in the last two undergraduate years. Acceptance of a qualified candidate will also be contingent on letters of support from appropriate referees.
Initial inquiries should be addressed to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Acadia University or to a potential supervisor. Contact with and agreement from a potential supervisor are required prior to submission of your application.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteWe usually accept only students who have completed undergraduate degrees in Geology with A grades.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteThis program does not have specific admission requirements.
Visit the website of this program to learn more:
Visit WebsiteIn addition to other admissions requirements, applicants must submit a brief statement of possible research interests and indicate whether they will be seeking an internship.
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Visit WebsiteThe current average threshold for admissions in our program is a Bachelor Degree in Political Science/Political Studies/Politics, with a minimum GPA of 3.50/4.00 in the last two years of full time study. We on very rare occasions admit candidates with degrees in related disciplines or with lower GPAs, however, in such instances we reserve the right to require candidates to complete undergraduate coursework in Political Science prior to admission to the MA depending upon the actual qualifications of individual candidates (and their equivalence to Political Science). Your complete application package must include: two (2) letters of academic reference, an up-to-date curriculum vitae, an official undergraduate university transcript, a sample of your recent written academic work that is representative of your scholarship and research skills (maximum 10 pages long), a research statement that clearly lists: your proposed research topic, thesis statement, its connection to the research conducted in the department/faculty, and a suggested supervisor in the department that you hope to work with, as well as the non-refundable application fee as required by Acadia University.
Visit the website of this program to learn more.
Visit WebsiteTo apply, you must have either an Honours degree in psychology or equivalent (i.e. an undergraduate degree majoring in psychology along with sufficient and relevant research experience). If you are interested in counselling, but do not hold those qualifications, you may be interested in either our Master of Education in Counselling, or in completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. More information is available at the Graduate Psychology website.
Previous research activity, work experience, and clinically-related public service are considered. Short-listed candidates shall receive a telephone or in-person interview by two or more faculty members in order to augment the selection process. Admission is restricted to those holding a bachelor’s degree with Honours in Psychology (with a thesis) or equivalent (please see chart and description below).
*Biological bases of behaviour (neuropsychology, biological psychology, physiological psychology) Cognitive bases of behaviour (learning, memory, cognition), Social bases of behaviour (social psychology, cultural, ethnic and group processes), Individual differences (abnormal psychology, developmental psychopathology)
**The research statement must outline how you are prepared to complete a Master's thesis. Please describe your research experience and completed coursework that is related to research such as research design and statistics. The statement must also include general areas of research interest and potential Acadia supervisors in those areas. The document has a 1-3 page limit. The statement of applied interests must describe your academic and clinical interests and how you intend to pursue them in the clinical psychology graduate program at Acadia University. Please state what you are interested in studying and why Acadia University is a good place for you. Please also include your career objectives, preparation, suitability for the program, and any other relevant information. If you've applied for a scholarship opportunity (i.e. SSHRC/NSERC/CIHR), please include this info in your statement. Applicants are invited to describe any special circumstances that may affect their application and academic record such as the need for paid employment during undergraduate years, parental and medical leave(s), and possible socio-cultural disadvantages. If included, this information should be added with a subheading “Special Circumstances”. This last component is completely voluntary and not required; however, the Department of Psychology is committed to Equity/ Diversity/ Inclusiveness principles and actions and is willing to consider applicants’ special circumstances as part of the admission selection process. The document has a 1-3 page limit.
***The onus is on the applicant without a four-year Honours degree in Psychology (thesis based) to demonstrate how all requirements have been met. At least one referee must comment on how you are prepared to complete a Master's thesis.
Visit the website of this program to learn more and view available options for perspective thesis supervisors.
Visit WebsiteWe are interested in admitting a diversity of students with a common motivation and ability to pursue interdisciplinary, graduate-level theoretical work on society and/or politics. We encourage applications from interested students graduating from relevant disciplinary (e.g. Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, English) and interdisciplinary (e.g. Communication and Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies, Women and Gender Studies) programs, as well as from those with relevant work or life experience beyond their undergraduate degree. All applications will be considered on an individual basis.
Your application must include: at least two letters of reference, curriculum vitae, undergraduate university transcript, sample of your recent written work, statement of research interest, and the application fee as required by Acadia University.
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Visit WebsiteIn addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must have an Honours degree in sociology and a grade-point average of at least 3.55 in the last two years of their program. Applicants are required to have completed 6h coursework in each of social theory and research methods. The application must include: a statement of research interests, a sample of written work (e.g. chapter from an Honours thesis or excerpt from a major research paper), a curriculum vitae, all undergraduate transcripts, and two letters of reference. The deadline is February 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for university funding. Other applications may be considered after this date, if space permits. Students will identify a supervisor, in consultation with the department, once they start the program.
Students without an Honours degree but who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in sociology may be considered if they demonstrate equivalent academic and/or work experience. These students must submit a full-length major research paper for their writing sample.
Visit the website of this program to learn more.
Visit WebsiteFor a detailed look at your admission requirements, please visit our Admissions page.
Tuition for all graduate students is based on either a 1- or 2-year residency requirement, except the Master of Education program. In the unusual situation where a student completes their graduate program early, tuition for the residency will still apply.
Students who do not complete within the residency period will be charged a continuance fee for each additional semester that they are registered. However, MEd and MAK Coaching (part-time) students pay per course, and a fee will not be charged when a course is not taken towards the degree. The MEd thesis (5966) is charged as a 6 credit-hour course.
If you plan to study part-time, please see our fees page for part-time students.
Tuition for all graduate students is based on either a 1- or 2-year residency requirement, except the Master of Education program. In the unusual situation where a student completes their graduate program early, tuition for the residency will still apply.
Students who do not complete within the residency period will be charged a continuance fee for each additional semester that they are registered. However, MEd and MAK Coaching (part-time) students pay per course, and a fee will not be charged when a course is not taken towards the degree. The MEd thesis (5966) is charged as a 6 credit-hour course.
If you plan to study part-time, please see our fees page for part-time students.
Tuition for all graduate students is based on either a 1- or 2-year residency requirement, except the Master of Education program. In the unusual situation where a student completes their graduate program early, tuition for the residency will still apply.
Students who do not complete within the residency period will be charged a continuance fee for each additional semester that they are registered. However, MEd and MAK Coaching (part-time) students pay per course, and a fee will not be charged when a course is not taken towards the degree. The MEd thesis (5966) is charged as a 6 credit-hour course.
If you plan to study part-time, please see our fees page for part-time students.
For a detailed look at all fees and everything that they encompass please visit Student Accounts.
Interested in a Graduate Studies program? Contact the Graduate Studies Officer with questions about admission requirements or the application process. If you have questions about a particular program, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Not sure if the graduate program you’re considering is right for you, or if you meet the admission requirements? Our Graduate Studies Officer is happy to help! They can guide you through the process of choosing a program and applying for admission to Acadia.
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