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Collaborative Specialization in Environmental Studies

Building a Greener World

The collaborative specialization in Environmental Studies is offered through the Centre for Environment (CFE) at the University of Toronto. Graduate students admitted to a home department (i.e. Rotman School of Management) can apply to the collaborative specialization and pursue course work and research in environmental areas.

Welcome to the program

The collaborative specialization in environmental studies attracts graduate students from across the disciplinary spectrum, including anthropology, social work, religious studies, law, management, geography, chemistry, biology and geology, to name a few. The Rotman School offers a unique and comprehensive specialization of graduate study. Taking advantage of the university’s extensive library holdings and faculty resources, it offers one of North America’s most engaging and cross-disciplinary specializations in the environment.

MBA students in the specialization are expected to meet the two-year degree requirements in addition to those of the collaborative specialization. Note that collaborative specialization requirements can be met concurrently with, or in addition to, the MBA requirements. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the collaborative specialization will receive the notation 'Completed Collaborative Specialization in Environmental Studies' on their transcript in addition to the MBA, and an official Parchment from the School of Graduate Studies.

Specialization Requirements:

1) Master of Business Administration (MBA) (NON-THESIS)

In addition to the MBA coursework requirements as determined by the Rotman School, master’s degree students must complete the following collaborative specialization requirements:

  • One half core course (ENV 1001H);
  • One half-course elective from School of the Environment;
  • Write a research paper (ENV 5555Y) on an environmental topic; and
  • Take an internship (ENV 4444Y).

The internship and the research paper are equivalent to two half-course electives in management. The internship should be the equivalent of about three months of full-time employment. Many students do their internships in the summer. Students may also participate over the academic school year. The collection of information for the research paper may take place during the internship.

A formal proposal for the internship must be submitted to School of the Environment by the end of the second semester in residence.

A copy of the final research paper must be submitted to School of the Environment prior to convocation.

Note: With Rotman School of Management permission, School of the Environment coursework can be counted toward internal electives in the MBA degree program.

2) Doctoral Degree

In addition to the PhD coursework requirements as determined by the Rotman School, doctoral degree students must complete the following collaborative specialization requirements:

  • One half core course ENV 1001H (unless already taken at the master's level);
  • One half-course elective from School of the Environment; 
  • Write a thesis in the home department on an environmental topic; and 
  • Present a seminar either in the School’s Seminar Series OR at the Research Day.
  • A copy of the final thesis must be submitted to School of the Environment prior to convocation.

With the permission of the Rotman School, coursework from the School of the Environment can be counted toward internal electives in the PhD degree program.

Master’s degree students may apply to the Environmental Studies collaborative program during their first or second year of studies.

For more information, please contact Pavel Pripa, Graduate Student Advisor at the School of the Environment at pavel.pripa@utoronto.ca and at 416-978-3475, or visit our website

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For More Information Contact Us

Pavel Pripa
Graduate Student Advisor
Email: pavel.pripa@utoronto.ca 
Tel: 416-978-3475 

Visit the website at: www.environment.utoronto.ca


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