Learn how social, natural and physical science impacts the environment and discover how you can lead people to make a difference.
You see climate change and biodiversity loss as the world’s most pressing social-ecological challenges. And you know that solving these wicked problems demands unprecedented collaboration across all sectors.
Delivered entirely online, you have the flexibility to choose what you’ll learn, when you’ll learn it. This master's degree will help you make a difference to your world, and promote a sustainable future for our planet.
Delivered online
Flexibility to learn at your pace from anywhere in the world.
Completion options
Finish your degree with a research paper or practicum placement.
ECO Canada Certification
Prepares graduates for the workforce with applied, industry-standard skills.
Upcoming offerings
Stay tuned for updates or contact us for more information.
Advance in a rapidly growing range of environmental careers
The MSc in Environmental Practice takes an integrated science approach, addressing social, natural, and physical sciences, along with the cultural and humanities aspects of environmental issues.
Engage environmental issues with a scientific foundation, gaining knowledge in sustainability and ecosystems, environmental risks, remediation, and sustainable development management.
Flexible choices
This 30-credit program offers flexible pacing and a wide range of electives, allowing you to tailor your learning to your current or future career and finish in two to seven years at your own pace.
You' can study fully online from anywhere in the world.
Built-in graduate certificate
You can earn a Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change as part of your degree.
ECO Canada partnership
This program is developed in partnership with the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada. Through this strategic partnership, you can gain knowledge and skills training aligned with the National Occupational Standards and informed by Canada's leading centre for environmental labour market research.
Professional certification
Depending on your work experience and competency levels across NOS skill and knowledge domains, you may be eligible to apply for Environmental Professional certification upon graduation.
As a nationally recognized designation that signifies professional excellence and integrity, EP certification follows the EP Code of Ethics and requires a commitment to continuing professional development and current practices. Explore the memberships & designations for new practitioners in the environmental sector.
Learn more about becoming an Environmental Professional.
Program outcomes
Upon completing the program, you'll be equipped to assess environmental and climate impacts, develop strategies, and implement action plans—ready for roles in government, NGOs, and the non-profit sector.
Earn your degree entirely online
This format helps you balance work with your studies and progress at your own pace. You can earn your degree in as little as two years or up to seven. Most students complete the program in two to three years.
Online learning
Online courses include readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments. You're expected to meet deadlines and actively contribute to support everyone's learning.
You’ll take one online course at a time over 10–12 weeks, with 10–15 hours of work per week. The program begins with a required non-credit course on academic integrity.
Course choices
You'll take three required courses and choose electives from Royal Roads offerings, including some from the Graduate Certificate in Science and Policy of Climate Change. You can also take up to three electives from the University of Denver.
Completion options
You'll complete your degree by writing a research paper or completing a practicum.
Option 1: Research paper
The 6-credit research paper lets you explore a topic of interest and requires one less elective than the practicum option.
Option 2: Practicum
The 3-credit practicum lets you gain practical experience in an organization of your choice and allows you to take one additional elective.
Courses
Non-Credit Required Course
All Royal Roads students are required to complete the ITAI: Introduction to Academic Integrity
ITAI
Introduction to Academic Integrity
0.0 Credits
Online
Required Core Courses
Students must complete the following two courses before taking other courses.
ENVP500
Developing a Sustainability Perspective
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR550
Research and Analysis
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
Elective Courses
Students must take one of the CAPSTONE courses listed below (after completing 21 credits)
ENVP600 Practicum - select a total of 7 courses from the list of approved BLOCK A and BLOCK B electives
ENVP691 Research Paper - select a total of 6 courses from the list of approved BLOCK A and BLOCK B electives
Block A Elective Courses
Students taking ENVP600 must take a minimum of 2 Block A electives; students taking ENVP691 must take a minimum of one Block A elective.
ENVR582
Environmental Analysis and Remediation
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR505
Ecosystem Science and Management
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR581
Toxicology and Risk Assessment
3.0 Credits
Online
Block B Electives
EECO503
Foundations for Environmental Communication
3.0 Credits
Online
EECO586
Biosphere and Sustainability: Socio-Ecological Justice
3.0 Credits
Blended, Online
PJMN501
Managing Complex Projects
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
ENVR545
Theories and Stories in Sustainable Development
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR571
Legal Aspects of Environmental Management
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
SPCC614
Science and Impacts of Climate Change
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR530
Economics for Decision Making
3.0 Credits
Online
SPCC615
Climate Policy and Governance
3.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
ENVR514
Global Environmental Processes and Current Issues
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR560
Environmental Accounting and Reporting
3.0 Credits
Online
ENVR660
Environmental Management Tools
3.0 Credits
Online
SPCC616
Climate Solutions
3.0 Credits
Online
Block B Electives from University of Denver
Students can take a maximum of 3 University of Denver courses.
Registration information for these courses will be provided to students once registered in the program. Subject areas that may be available include:
- Endangered Species and Wildlife
- Renewable and Alternative Energies
- Climate Change and Science
- Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy
- Environmental Restoration & Waste Management
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Environmental Project Management
Capstone Courses
Students must complete ONE of the following (after completing 21 credits)
ENVP691
Research Paper in Environmental Practice
6.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project
ENVP600
Practicum in Environmental Practice
3.0 Credits
Online
Faculty
Transfer agreements
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Standard admission
- Completion of a four-year (or comparable) science-focused undergraduate degree, from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a minimum GPA of 'B' (3.00/4.33).
- At least two years of relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA requirement, will normally be required to complete "Academic Writing and Critical Thinking", with a minimum passing grade, prior to commencing the program.
Flexible admission
Applicants who do not meet the Standard Admission requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows:
- Normally, six years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Normally, flexible admission applicants will be required to complete "Academic Writing and Critical Thinking", with a minimum passing grade, prior to commencing the program.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Additional Recommendations
- This program is designed to be of most benefit to environmental practitioners who have an interest in, or a responsibility for, leadership in the context of sustainability. As such, work and volunteer experience are key elements considered for admission to the program. As a guideline, we suggest that each applicant should have at least three years of experience working with environmental issues.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Letters of reference
It is ideal if one reference letter is based on your work experience and the other based on either your academic performance or community service that you have undertaken; however, two work-related references are acceptable in certain cases. There is no set standard format for letters of reference. The length and level of detail in each letter may vary.
Content of the reference letters should illustrate and support your suitability for admission to the Master of Arts/Master of Science in Environmental Practice program. Content may include how your referee feels you will succeed in the program (and why) and how the program will benefit you. Indication of demonstrated skills, competencies and aptitudes and other relevant information about which the referee can comment is beneficial. The context in which the referee has come to know you should also be mentioned.
Personal statement
Your personal statement should be no less than a one-page letter indicating your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. Your statement should comment upon your personal and career goals, the expectations you have for the program in relation to the achievement of your goals, and the strengths you feel you can bring to the program.
Detailed résumé
Your detailed résumé should include the following:
- Education: List all post secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: (You should expand on this point in case you wish to take advantage of Flexible Admission.)
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties. List positions you have held in this service. (You should expand on this point in case you wish to take advantage of Flexible Admissions.)
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information : Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
Financial aid and awards
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Tuition rates
Tuition rates for the Master of Science in Environmental Practice vary based on individual completion plans, course start dates and total course credits.
Search for tuition fees to find this year’s per-credit rates.
Please note: These rates are calculated for each course using a per-credit rate calculation.
Ancillary fees
Ancillary fees for this program include a one-time Student Services fee and an annual Self-Paced Program Administration fee. This fee covers the added costs of the self-paced program, including managing custom schedules and all letters of permission needed to take courses at other institutions.
Visit Ancillary fees to find the current rates.
Please note: Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to increase each year as of September 1.
Have a question about tuition and fees?
Contact Student Accounts for support.
The Environmental Careers Organization of Canada and Royal Roads University are the founders of the Canadian Centre for Environmental Education.
Housed at Royal Roads, the CCEE aims to provide advanced education, training and professional development tailored to the Canadian environmental sector, aligned with the National Occupational Standards for Environmental Employment.
The Master of Science in Environmental Practice is one of the programs we offer through the CCEE. Learn more about our formal partnerships with ECO Canada.