MA and MSc Degrees in Geography

 
These two-year programs combine course work with a thesis and each are tailored to the needs and interests of each Masters student. There is opportunity to obtain graduate education in a wide range of areas of geographic knowledge, research and applications. In their initial year, students take mandatory courses in geographical philosophy and research practice and also choose from an array of more specialized courses in their area of interest and research. After the course work is completed, students concentrate on supervised thesis research and writing. The program provides a blend of formal instruction, seminar discussions, personal supervision and field experience as well as the opportunity to practice and improve communication, teaching and research skills.  See also the MA or MSc in Environment and Sustainability.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for funding in the form of teaching assistantships and internal scholarships requires a minimum of 78% for domestic students (Canadian or Permanent Residents) and 80% for international students. With few exceptions, only those students eligible for funding are admitted.  Similarly, exceptionally strong Masters students may be considered for promotion to the Ph.D. program without completing the Masters degree. Environment and Sustainability students apply for graduate admission to Geography and subsequently apply to Environment and Sustainability early in their first term in the program.

Evidence of proficiency in English is required for applicants born outside Canada whose first language is not English. The required level of proficiency can best be demonstrated by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which must have been administered within the last two years.  An Official Examiner's Score can be submitted directly to Western by the Educational Testing Service.  Western's TOEFL ID is 0984.  The minimum total score for the internet-based test is 88, with individual minimum section requirements as follows:  reading - 22; listening - 20; speaking - 22; writing - 24.  If submitted in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) score is 7.

The Department of Geography does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, but these can be submitted in support of an application.

Degree Requirements

Masters degrees require both a research thesis and course work. For details about course and other requirements see the program components.

Supervision

MA/MSc students are supervised through an Advisory Committee of two, consisting of the Supervisor and one Advisor. The Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the student’s academic program, especially the thesis preparation, research and writing. Advice on the choice of research topic, background reading, design of data collection, analysis and writing are provided by the Supervisor. Applicants are asked to identify three possible supervisors on the application form. The Advisory Committee provides a formal support system, but students are encouraged to draw widely on faculty for informal assistance in their research.

Upgrade to PhD

Exceptional students who have completed their Masters coursework may potentially
upgrade to a PhD.

Questions?

Please contact the Graduate Administrator with any questions regarding the graduate program.

Phone: 519-661-2111, Ext. 85033;

Email: GeoGradAdmin@uwo.ca

Program requirements, course offerings and funding can change due to unforeseen circumstances.