Our Master of Sustainability (SSAS) program is designed to uniquely equip students with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change. By integrating cutting-edge research, hands-on learning opportunities, and real-world problem-solving, the program prepares graduates to lead the way in advancing sustainability across diverse sectors.
Coming from the Maritimes, I was nervous about coming to a bigger school, but the SSAS program is so close knit and immediately offered me many opportunities both academically and personally. The people I have met have become my fast friends, and I’ve enjoyed all of the opportunities for personal and professional development through the program.”
— Natalie Gillis
Tailor Your Sustainability Degree
Students in this program can tailor their experience based on their long-term career goals and desired learning outcomes through three unique degree pathways.
Master of Sustainability degree pathways at-a-glance:
| MRP & Co-op | Thesis | Coursework | |
| Requirements | 2 terms of in-class work, 1 term of co-op placement, 1 term of writing a Major Research Paper (MRP) | 2 terms of in-class work, 4 terms of writing a thesis | 4 half-credit courses, minimum of 3 half-credit non-SSAS elective courses, maximum of 3 half-credit non-SSAS elective courses |
| Entry point | September (Fall term) | September (Fall term) | September (Fall term) |
| Program duration | 16 months (4 terms) | 24 months (6 terms) | 12 months (3 terms) |
| Supervisor required? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Funding package provided? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eligible for internal/external scholarships? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application deadline | Feb. 4, 2024* | Feb. 4, 2024* | Feb. 4, 2024* |
*estimated deadline – this hasn’t been confirmed yet by FGSPA
For information about specific course requirements and degree structuring, visit the Brock University Graduate Calendar.
Sustainability Courses
Each year the ESRC offers graduate level courses to students in the SSAS program, and students in other graduate programs at Brock. Please note that not all courses are offered every year. For a full list of current graduate course offerings, visit the Brock Graduate Registration Guide.
SSAS 5P01 – Foundations of Sustainability Science and Society
An overview of the concepts of sustainability, the interactions between natural and social systems and how those interactions affect how societies can meet their current and future needs while protecting the environment. The course includes lectures, experiential education, discussion panels, and debates.
SSAS 5P02 – Methods for Environmental Inquiry
Current research approaches and methods, concepts, and forms of inquiry used by transdisciplinary researchers interested in environmental sustainability. The different ways that issues related to sustainability and the environment are examined and discussed using qualitative and quantitative tools.
SSAS 5P03 – Problem Solving in the Environment
Contemporary applied approaches to sustainability issues across spatial and temporal scales. Case studies, project management, and experiential problem solving.
SSAS 5P04 – Transdisciplinary Seminar
Students present their research to peers, academics, and professionals, participate in scholarly exchanges with visiting and guest academics, and engage with professionals within the sustainability field. Note: This course will be evaluated as credit/no-credit.
Students in the co-op and thesis pathways may choose their elective courses from those offered by ESRC and a maximum of one half-credit from a graduate course in another program. Students in the coursework pathway must complete a minimum of three electives from the ESRC offerings. Please note a maximum of one-half credit course at the undergraduate level (above 3P90 with appropriate revision for graduate credit). SSAS elective courses will be rotated, with at least two being offered by ESRC annually.
SSAS 5P11 – Water Resource Economics, Management, and Governance
The values associated with water resources, its management, and decision-making processes. International and Canadian case studies to explore innovations in water science from social and biophysical perspectives.
SSAS 5P12 – Climate Change Adaptation and Transformation
Aspects of climate change from multiple perspectives including climate change scenarios and projections, adaptation, resilience in climate change and steps towards transformations. Special focus will be devoted to the theoretical and applied aspects of climate change adaptation and planning.
SSAS 5P13 – Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Management
The drivers and consequences of global changes on the ecology of species at a range of spatial scales using geospatial technologies (e.g., GIS and RS) and spatial data analyses. Topics include spatial ecology, disturbance ecology, conservation, restoration, management principles, public policy, and health.
SSAS/BIOL 5P22 – Current Topics in Conservation Ecology and Biodiversity
This course aims to explore and discuss current trends in this field using an interdisciplinary approach. Topics may include concepts related to conservation strategies, impacts of conservation efforts on ecosystems, communities or species populations, biodiversity assessment, invasive species, balance of conserving biodiversity versus ecosystem services, and issues related to policy, management, economic and social concerns. Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in BIOL 5P02.
SSAS 5P80 – Directed Study
Specialized study in sustainability science on an individual basis, under the direction of a faculty member to examine a significant topic in a student’s area of concentration.
SSAS 5V80-5V89 – Selected Topics in Sustainability Science and Society
A topic in sustainability science and society that will vary by instructor.
SSAS 5N90 – Co-op Professional Preparation Course
The primary goal of this course, offered through the Co-op, Career and Experiential Education Office, is to provide graduate students with the tools, resources and skills to maximize co-op employment and professional development opportunities – both while at Brock and after graduation. This course is a pre-requisite for any co-op students who wish to participate in co-op job search and grade will be evaluated based on class participation including attendance and completion of professional projects.
SSAS 5N01 – Work Placement I
Co-op work term (four months) with an approved employer providing a work integrated learning experience related to the student’s chosen area of concentration. The co-op employment is full time with 35 to 40 hours per week for 12 to 16 weeks. Students are required to meet all the work term deliverables successfully (learning objective, work site visit, work term report and work term evaluation) and fulfill their employment contract to receive a “Satisfactory” grade for the work term.
SSAS 5F90 – Thesis
An in-depth research project involving the preparation and defense of a thesis which demonstrates capacity for sustained independent work and original research in sustainability science and society.
SSAS 5F91 – Major Research Paper (MRP)
A substantive inquiry in sustainability science and society which demonstrates capacity for independent research and critical thinking.
There are also many other professional development (non-credit) opportunities for graduate students in the SSAS program who are interested in enhancing their professional skills while studying at Brock. These include:
How to Apply
Ensure you meet the minimum criteria in our admission requirements:
- Successful completion of a Bachelors degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
- For students who must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, the minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 (with no subtest below 19) or equivalent is required.
Please note that our program is competitive – meeting the mandatory requirements does not guarantee admission.
Prepare all of the required application materials that will be considered by the SSAS Graduate Program Committee:
1. Written Statement of Intent
Your written statement of intent must be written in English. The statement of intent should convey the rationale for seeking entry to the program as well as describe how it advances their academic and professional aspirations. This is written as a formal essay (with cited references in text) of no more than two pages in length. Applicants should indicate their specific research interests as they relate to the field of sustainability science, experience relevant to the program and their career aspirations and plans. Applicants must also indicate whether they intend to pursue Scheme A, Scheme B, or Scheme C.
2. Curriculum vitae
This document should include the applicant’s education, employment, teaching and research activities/experience, awards and scholarships, and publications (if any).
3. List of Potential Supervisors
In your OUAC application, you will be required to include a ranked list of three Core Faculty members who can potentially act as your supervisor in principle. Students should consult the listing of core faculty and indicate their top three choices on the application. Please ensure your chosen faculty members have indicated that they are available to supervise students for the upcoming year.
4. Two Academic References
References should be from qualified academic scholars attesting to, and documenting, your potential for graduate level study/research. Click here for more information on reference requirements and procedures.
5. Transcripts
Please note that if you have an undergraduate degree from Brock University you do not need to send in your transcripts. Transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions are required.
6. Proof of English Proficiency (If Applicable)
For more information about English Proficiency requirements, click here.
Complete and submit the online application.
When you have submitted the application, you will be prompted to pay the non-refundable application fee. You must pay the fee for each program to which you are applying. The application fee for the Master of Sustainability program is $110 CAD. The fee is payable to the Ontario University Application Centre and can be paid by VISA or Mastercard.
The Graduate Programs in the ESRC, including the Sustainability Science and Society Masters Program and the Sustainability Science PhD Program are governed by a Graduate Program Committee, administered by a Graduate Program Director, and supported by a Coordinator. For detailed information about the governance of the ESRC Graduate Programs, including Rules of Procedure, visit our Graduate Programs Governance Webpage.
