Master of Science in Ecological Restoration

A highly qualified talent pool is urgently needed in Canada’s ecological restoration industry. This master’s program will provide students with the critical thinking and experiential skills to be leaders and educators in the rapidly developing ecological restoration industry. The unique, shared institutional curriculum will produce graduates with an integrated body of knowledge, methods, and tools for advancing the practice and science of restoring degraded ecosystems. The program will establish a unique interdisciplinary and inter-institutional curriculum that provides students with an integrated science-based body of knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenge of delivering effective and successful restoration programs. Given that there are so few graduate programs with this specialization in North America, the proposed program will advance the knowledge and practice of ecosystem restoration in Canada and internationally.

Applicants applying for entry into the program require:A four-year bachelor’s degree in ecological restoration, ecology, plant science, animal science, soil science, environmental science, resource science (land, water, fish and wildlife, forestry), physical geography, environmental engineering, or a related program from a recognized post-secondary institution.A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.33 (70%; B average), or a grade point average of at least 3.33/4.33 (77%; B+ average) based on the last 60 credits/units of undergraduate courses. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower academic qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of study (as evaluated through a review of the applicant’s resume and letters of reference).One introductory course each in ecology and statistics.Two upper-level courses in any combination of: biology, ecology (plant, fish, wildlife, restoration/reclamation, etc.), statistics, plant science, soil science, physical geography (hydrology, geomorphology, limnology, etc.), forest science, natural resource management, environmental science, or related courses.Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. If an applicant has not studied in an English-speaking country, the applicant will need to meet the SFU English-language Requirements. Provide names and e-mail addresses for three references (academic or professional). The referees will each receive an e-mail with instructions on how to log into SFU’s application system and complete an electronic reference. At least two references should come from faculty members at universities. This requirement may be waived for mid-career applicants with professional experience. In this case, references from employers may be substituted for references from university faculty.Resume and official transcripts:The transcripts will be used to confirm grade point averages and the strength of the academic background of applicants.The proposed program has been designed both for applicants just entering the ecological restoration (ER) workforce and for experienced restoration practitioners wanting to upgrade their academic credentials. Applicants with extensive experience in ecological restoration but with lower academic qualifications will also have their work experience assessed, through a review of their resume and letters of reference. In some circumstances, an applicant may be accepted into the program based upon their academic performance in combination with their work experience.Applicants may be required to complete bridging courses to strengthen their academic background prior to admittance into the master’s program.Applicants that have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, or England should refer to our minimum equivalent qualifications and academic standing page. This site provides general guidelines, by country, for minimum entry requirements for graduate programs at SFU and BCIT.