Trent’s M.A. in Sustainability Studies provides interdisciplinary graduate education and research focused on environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social responsibility. Customize your degree through an individual study plan balancing core and elective courses while developing research, critical-thinking, professional, leadership and entrepreneurship skills. Prepare to address complex sustainability challenges and become an intellectual and organizational leader across academia, government, industry, and the non-profit sector.
- Customize your plan of study with a Thesis, Major Research Paper or paid co-op pathway.
- Explore sustainability across disciplines through project-based learning focused on pressing social and environmental challenges.
- Build your professional network through the community colloquium, connecting with sustainability professionals in your chosen field.
Turn your vision for a more sustainable future into action through the first graduate program of its kind in Canada, connecting environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social responsibility.
Program Types
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. or B.A. honours degree (a four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in a related field
- Minimum A- (80%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- Appropriate previous education and training, plus feasible proposed course of study and research project
- A foundation in appropriate research methodology
Eligibility Requirements
- B.Sc. or B.A. honours degree (a four-year undergraduate bachelor's degree) in a related field
- Minimum A- (80%) or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study, or last ten full academic credits
- Appropriate previous education and training, plus feasible proposed course of study and research project
- A foundation in appropriate research methodology
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our International Applicant Resource page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements.
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are required. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Writing Sample: A sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. The preferred submission format is PDF. Good choices for writing samples include: an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a master's thesis, or a published article.
- Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Citizenship (i.e. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor: A potential supervisor must be chosen as an admission requirement for this program. Please list your supervisor on your OUAC application and discuss this in your plan of study. Please visit the program's Faculty and Research page for a listing of faculty and areas of research. Applicants are responsible for reaching out to a faculty member to seek approval prior to submitting their application
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply page and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Eligible full-time students are offered minimum funding packages during their funded period of $18,000 annually. This includes a Graduate Teaching Assistantship employment offer valued at approximately $13,000 annually. Specific funding details are included in individual admission letters.
Students are supported in competing for external awards during their studies, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. A full list of external awards is available on our Scholarships and Awards page.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
I chose Trent as it was scored as one of the best universities focusing on the environment in Canada. My undergrad taught me about environmental engineering and sustainability. However, I believe the MASS program helped me refocus on community. I really appreciate the guidance offered by the professors that were involved in the program.
Dr. Rutherford’s research thinks about justice – for both humans and nonhumans. She has current research projects that explore environmental inequality in Peterborough, climate justice from a multispecies lens, and wildlife coexistence strategies.
Dr. Zohar’s research examines the processes and enabling conditions that promote the translation of visions and missions of sustainability into successful organizing strategies and actions. He has played a leadership role in introducing sustainability into both undergraduate and graduate programs at Trent and beyond.
Choose a strong academic focus through a customized study plan that combines coursework with a thesis. Develop research and critical thinking skills that can prepare you for further doctoral or academic study.
Take an applied approach to your studies by completing a Major Research Paper alongside your customized coursework, developing practical expertise to address sustainability challenges.
Gain hands-on work experience through a paid summer co-op placement, with opportunities to apply your sustainability knowledge in governmental, not-for-profit and corporate sustainability settings.
Areas of academic research focus and faculty expertise
Trent's Sustainability Studies graduate program brings together award-winning, globally recognized faculty spanning departments across the University. This interdisciplinary expertise enables students to explore sustainability from diverse perspectives and pursue research in three fields of study:
- Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability
- Organizational Change
- Social Innovation