Geography (MA)

In our Master of Arts (MA) in Geography program you can benefit from the breadth and depth of the expertise of our faculty and your fellow graduate students in this rich intellectual environment. Our Geography MA program allows you to explore a range of research interests, from the analysis of pressing social and environmental problems to theoretical questions of philosophical and technical importance.

The MA in Geography program is ideal if you’re interested in human geography, environmental and resource management, or the societal applications of geomatics. We also offer a Master of Environmental Studies in Geography and a Master of Science in Geography.

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Opportunities to do research in Canada or abroad.

Environmental Data Analytics field meets labour market demands for geospatial and data handling training.

Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups.

Program Details

Program Structure

The MA can be completed as a two-year degree with thesis, or via a major research paper option.

The thesis option requires you to complete three courses and the thesis. The thesis option is normally completed in six terms (two years).

The research paper option requires you to complete six courses and the research paper. The research paper option is normally completed in three terms (one year).

Environmental Data Analytics

Students can choose to complete the Environmental Data Analytics (EDA) field over one year: two semesters of course work (six courses) and one semester of research placement.

The EDA field meets labour market demands for people trained in geospatial and data handling related to environmental change and related management, regulatory, planning and policy decision-making. The degree focuses on environmental analytics knowledge generation and dissemination applied to the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Research

Faculty Research Strengths

Faculty teaching in the MA in Geography support a wide range of research interests in human geography, such as:

  • food systems
  • political ecology
  • spatial behaviour and human activity patterns
  • sustainable transportation
  • immigration and population
  • ethnicity, gender and cultural transformation
  • historical heritage and landscape studies
  • local labour markets and changing work arrangements
  • local and community economic development
  • development and socioeconomic implications

Related Research Centres

Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups, including:

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"The program I attended was so unique because it allowed me to tailor my program specifically to my intersectional and multidisciplinary research interests in human rights, gender, immigration and settlement policy."

Lualhati Marcelino

Admissions

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

  • Start: Fall (September)
  • Format: Full-time or part-time
  • Application opens: Oct. 1 (domestic and international applicants)
  • Application deadline: March 30 (international applicants) or July 30 (domestic applicants). Applications will be considered until the program is full.

"The academic staff at Laurier is superb. The professors take pride in what they do and care about their students. I learnt lots from the professors, guest speakers and from my peers as well."

Hector Goldar (MA '17)

Waterloo Campus

This program is available on Laurier's Waterloo campus.

Laurier Waterloo is where tradition, innovation and incredible school spirit collide.

The Waterloo campus spans one large city block, ensuring you’re close to your classes, favourite study spots, student services and favourite coffee shops. Laurier is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, and many of our research centres and institutes are housed in Waterloo.

We offer the guidance and support you need to thrive academically and personally throughout your degree.

Discover Laurier Waterloo for yourself: 

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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Careers

MA students who recently completed our program are currently employed by:

  • Government of Canada
  • Metrolinx/GO Transit (Route analyst)
  • St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation (Development officer)
  • Peel Region (Planner)
  • Waterloo Region District School Board (Senior planner)
  • Private industry (Global Spatial Technology Solutions)
  • University of Waterloo (Admissions officer; research assistant)
  • Wilfrid Laurier University (ESL facilitator)

Additionally, some have gone on to further education, such as doctoral programs, teacher’s college and law school.

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.

Faculty

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.

Alison Blay-Palmer
Professor
UNESO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies

Sean Doherty
Professor

Adrienne Johnson
Associate Professor

Christopher Lemieux
Associate Professor
John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography

Sherri Longboat
Associate Professor

Robert McLeman
Professor

Steven Roberts
Associate Professor
Graduate Officer, Geography

Terah Sportel
Assistant Professor

Andrew Spring
Assistant Professor

Brent Wolfe
Professor
Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Cross-Appointed Faculty Member

Alex Latta
Associate Professor

Debora VanNijnatten
Professor