Welcome to SENS!
Important Dates
Applications for the 2023–2024 academic year open 15 November 2022. (SENS will begin reviewing applications in late-January 2023.)
The deadline to apply is 15 June 2023.
International students are strongly encouraged to apply before 15 March 2023 for in-person programs to ensure enough time for application and study permit processing.
Info Sessions: 2023–2024 Academic Year
SENS hosts virtual information sessions for more information about all our graduate degree and certificate programs. In these sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to speak with program directors and staff about the programs and about applying.
Upcoming sessions
| 8 February 2023 (Wednesday) | 7:30pm CST |
| 7 March 2023 (Tuesday) | 8:00am CST |
| 4 April 2023 (Tuesday) | 7:30pm CST |
| 4 May 2023 (Thursday) | 8:00am CST |
| 31 May 2023 (Wednesday) | 7:30pm CST |
Tuition for 2023–24 Academic Year
The SENS tuition rates for 2023–2024 are expected to increase slightly across the board (all students, all programs). The international student differential for USask will likely also change for both PhD and Master’s students.
Final tuition rates will be announced in late March 2023 after approval by the University’s Board of Governors and subsequently posted on the SENS website. Learn more about graduate tuition here.
Graduate Degree Programs - Professional
The SENS professional programs are course-based Master degrees that culminate in a one-semester community-based or applied project instead of a research thesis. Students do not identify a supervisor before applying and do not receive a stipend.
Master of Sustainability: Energy Security
(MSs)
Master of Sustainability: Regenerative Sustainability
(MSs)
The Regenerative Sustainability stream of the Master of Sustainability program is designed to equip the next generation of thinkers and planners to move beyond simply sustaining the environment towards regenerating ecological and social systems for more fundamental transformation. Our mission is to empower our graduates to catalyze positive, transformative, changes in socio-ecological systems by engaging with the latest developments in sustainability thinking and practice. Career prospects include job titles such as Environmental Manager, Communications Officer, Environmental Educator, and Sustainability Coordinator.
Master of Water Security
(MWS)
The MWS is a cross-disciplinary, project-based and professional-style program. Graduates are prepared to address complex water problems, with training in science, engineering and policy analysis enabling them to investigate water security issues of regional, national and international significance. Graduates are ready to pursue careers as water scientists, managers and policy-makers with the necessary expertise needed to tackle the complex water problems facing us now, and in the future.
Graduate Degree Programs - Thesis
The MES/PhD is a research-based Master or Doctoral degree program, with a limited course load. Students are responsible for finding a SENS faculty member to act as their supervisor before applying. Completion of the degree requires, among other things, a written thesis and oral defense. Students receive a stipend for a minimum of two years (Masters) or first three years (PhD) of their program.
Environment and Sustainability
Master (MES) and PhD
Through interdisciplinary learning and research experiences, students will advance their understanding of sustainability challenges in today’s world. Students will explore a wide range of scientific, technical, political, social, economic, and institutional factors that shape environmental and sustainability problems, their management and their potential solutions.
Graduate Programs-at-a-Glance
| Water Security Masters |
Sustainability Masters
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Environment and Sustainability MES & PhD |
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| Regenerative Sustainability (stream) |
Energy Security (stream) |
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24-month program |
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Research can be community-based. |
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Applicant does not need to identify a supervisor. |
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Applicant MUST identify and secure written support from a faculty supervisor to work with before applying.* |
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Self-funded (successful applicant pays tuition). Minimal scholarship funding is available. |
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Applicants should seek funding from desired supervisor. Scholarships are available. |
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*Tips on finding a faculty supervisor.
International Students - Immigration Questions
If you are an international student, please connect with the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). They have the latest information on study permits, post-graduate work permits (PGWP) and other student immigration inquiries.
As of March 2021, programs that are temporarily online due to COVID-19 (but that would normally be offered in person) may be eligible for a study permit and PGWP. Learn more from IRCC online about how Covid-19 may impact you as an international student. Students can also visit Usask Covid-19 Updates on International Students.
Students who wish to begin an academic program online abroad that normally requires in-person attendance are advised to apply for a study permit before commencing their studies online, as the program of study may still require the student to be in Canada in the future (subject to travel restrictions).
Programs that are offered online permanently (not due to COVID-19) are not eligible for a study permit or a PGWP. The SENS M.Ss. Energy Security is being offered permanently online, and not as a result of COVID-19.
MESPOM
Learn more about the MESPOM, a master course in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management offered jointly with six consortium universities.
Questions?
Information about admission requirements and deadlines, tuition, applying and more are listed on each program page (find program links above).
If you have any questions, please email sens.admissions@usask.ca.