Program Objectives

The Diploma in Environmental Assessment (EA) has been designed to fulfill three objectives:

• to develop a sound understanding of the processes and methodologies of EA;
• to expose students to the range of broad public policy and social science considerations involved in environmental planning, sustainable development and resource decision-making; and
• to enhance students' existing knowledge of the biogeophysical environment.

The Diploma is directed towards individuals who hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in developing or enhancing their knowledge and skills in the environmental field. The program will be offered over two semesters (fall and winter). To meet the schedule of those in the work force, many courses will be offered in the evening.

Diploma Requirements

1 - Residence

The minimum period of residence is two terms of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study.

2 - Credits

A fully qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 30 credits as follows:

• A. Compulsory Courses (18 credits)

  All students must take 18 credits: ENVS 601, ENVS 662, ENVS 663.

• B. Courses in Governance and Environmental Sustainability (6 credits)

  ECON 659, ENVS 603, ENVS 605, GEOG 607, POLI 605.

• C. Courses in the Biogeophysical Environment (6 credits)

  BIOL 618, ENVS 606, GEOG 670, GEOG 674, HENV 655.

Note: Elective courses within list B and C may be substituted with permission of the department based on individual student background and need.

Admissions Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline in Arts or Science is required with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.3 or equivalent. Students who lack appropriate Ecology or Geographic Information Systems or Biogeophysical Geography preparation may be required to take some or all of the preparatory courses such as BIOL 298C (Intro to Sustainability), and/or Biophysical Geography courses, such as GEOG 272 (Natural Environment - Air/Water), GEOG 274 (Natural Environment - Land/Life) and two GEOG 370 levels courses. At the second year level, adequate preparation would be two courses from such offerings as GEOG 371 (Plant Ecology), GEOG 375 (Hydrology), GEOG 372 (Plant Reproductive Ecology), GEOG 377 (Landform Evolution) as well as an introductory course in GIS, such as GEOG 363, (Geographic Information Systems). Those applicants lacking a social science background may be required to take GEOG 355, (Resource Analysis and Management), or a similar course.

Application Procedures

The Concordia University Application for Admission to the School of Graduate Studies is to be completed for consideration for admission to the program.

Each application must include:

• A statement of purpose (250 to 500 words maximum) this letter should include what type of experience and background the prospective student has, and their expectations of the program.
• Three letters of reference - at least two from academic referees
• An official copy of transcript(s)
• Proof of citizenship
• Any international student applying from outside Canada whose first language is other than English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by writing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and obtain a minimum score of 95 on the TOEFL iBT or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and obtain a or a minimum score of 7.

Applications must be received by February 1st (September Admission). There is no winter admission for the program. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information contact Ms. Mae Anne Burridge, Graduate Program Assistant.