About

The master of arts in environmental policy (MAEP) at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, is a unique program coordinated by the Environmental Policy Institute (EPI) of Grenfell. It builds on Grenfell Campus’s core strengths in environmental programming, which includes:

  • environmental policy
  • environmental studies
  • environmental science
  • sustainable resource management

MAEP has been designed to integrate these diverse fields of study and fill the gap in environmental policy expertise locally, regionally, nationally and internationally by cultivating students’ research and professional skills in the field of environmental policy.

It combines a thesis-based program (2 years) or a research paper-based program (1 year) with an internship to offer students a means of bridging the policy-science divide while providing a valuable experiential learning opportunity and exposure to challenges faced by practitioners. This structure ensures a relevant program for students and mid-career professionals who wish to return to upgrade their credentials. 

Why study environmental policy at Grenfell?

Pursuing a master of arts in environmental policy is a great way to develop your research, writing and analytical skills while exploring and expanding your career opportunities in the field of environmental policy.

MAEP is specifically aimed at people wishing to gain expertise regarding contemporary environmental challenges and potential policy alternatives. The program provides both introductory and specialized modules in environmental policy, and we welcome applicants from a diverse range of academic backgrounds including humanities and social sciences, environmental sciences, law and society, business and engineering.

MAEP also appeals to professionals already working in fields related to environmental policy. The part-time option allows these professionals to continue working while upgrading their credentials.

Admissions

    1. Admission is limited and competitive.
    2. To be considered for admission, applicants shall have an undergraduate degree, with a minimum B standing, from an institution recognized by Senate.
    3. In exceptional cases, applicants who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission. Preference will be given to those who have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience, including demonstrated success in environmental policy, and who have successfully completed substantial university course work including several courses at an advanced undergraduate level from an institution recognized by Senate. Applicants without an undergraduate degree must have completed one or more undergraduate courses in public policy, public administration or political science AND one or more undergraduate courses in geography, biology or chemistry from an institution recognized from Senate, with a minimum B standing in each course. Applicants may also be required to successfully complete the GMAT or the GRE with an acceptable score and/or additional undergraduate courses before being considered for admission.
    4. To be eligible for consideration for admission, applicants shall meet the English Proficiency Requirements described under General Regulations – Qualifications for Admission, English Proficiency Requirements.
    5. Applicants will be assessed for admission to the M.A. in Environmental Policy based on their interests, their potential to produce meaningful research in the field of environmental policy and the availability of supervisors in the area of the applicant’s interest.
    6. Interdisciplinary study in the program is encouraged by the university. Applicants with an interdisciplinary background or whose background combines two or more fields of study (e.g., political science, public policy, environmental studies, geography, resource management, environmental science, public administration) would be an excellent fit for this program.
    7. The Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy (MAEP) program reserves one (1) seat for a qualified Aboriginal student under the Aboriginal Designated Seats Program. The Aboriginal Designated Seats Program is part of an initiative at Memorial University that responds to the recommendations of the 2009 Presidential Task Force on Aboriginal Initiatives.  The seats have been established in a number of programs across the university and are protected by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.  Students admitted through the Designated Seats Program must meet minimum entrance standards.  The same admissions criteria apply to Aboriginal students as they do to non-Aboriginal students.  There is no separate application process for the Aboriginal Designated Seat.  Students interested in the Aboriginal Designated Seat Program must apply to the MAEP program through the normal School of Graduate Studies process. In your application, please indicate in the Statement of Interest section that you self-identify as Aboriginal and that you would like to be considered for the Aboriginal Designated Seat Program.
    8. Click here to apply for the Master of Arts in Environmental Policy program. 

Career opportunities

MAEP prepares graduates for careers in:

  • Environmentally-oriented Government Departments/Agencies (federal, provincial, local, and Indigenous)
  • Natural Resource and Environmental Management Companies
  • Environmental Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Research, Teaching, Writing, and/or Academia