Mar 17, 2026  
University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2026-2027

Graduate Programs in Sustainability


College of Natural and Applied Sciences
6-06 General Services Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9
Email: cnaspc@ualberta.ca
www.ualberta.ca/en/natural-applied-sciences 

General Information


The College of Natural and Applied Sciences, with the founding Faculty of Agricultural, Life + Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Science, offers an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Sustainability and a Master of Sustainability, combining the foundations of sustainability, proposed solutions, and future transitions with the fundamentals of data science and artificial intelligence (AI), empowering you to make data-informed, sustainable decisions.

Entrance Requirements


Master’s Program


Direct Entry: Students have the opportunity to apply directly to the Master of Sustainability program.

(Potential) Advanced Standing Option: Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability program (proposal in progress) can apply for advanced placement (12 units) in the master’s level. They will still need to apply for admission. Admission is not automatically granted per the University of Alberta Academic Calendar, and courses must be taken within 5 years of applying to the master’s level program.

Admission Requirements – Core Courses

Admission requirements into the core of the program are non-restrictive to encourage interdisciplinary cohorts. Applicants are required to have the minimum Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) entry requirements, including:

  • Four-year baccalaureate degree (or its academic equivalent) from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • An admission grade point average of 3 on most 4-point grading systems or B on most letter grading systems is required, based on the most recent two years of full time study (or equivalent)
  • English Language Proficiency

Additionally, applicants will have the opportunity to provide the following:

  • Statement of Intent (mandatory - max 1 page)
  • Special Circumstances/Considerations (optional - max 1 page)

Applicants with exceptional circumstances (lower GPA, prior learning experience, etc.) can apply for consideration. Approval can be granted by the Program Oversight Committee or delegate.

Admission and/or Program Requirements – Concentrations

Additional admission and/or program requirements may be required based on the concentration chosen.

For all concentrations, the following applies:

  • Students are required to meet any course-specific prerequisites or requirements if applicable

Certificate Program


Applicants have the opportunity to apply directly to the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability. Admission requirements into the program are non-restrictive to encourage interdisciplinary cohorts. Students are required to have the minimum Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) entry requirements , including:

  • Four-year baccalaureate degree (or its academic equivalent) from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta
  • There is no admission GPA requirement
  • English Language Proficiency

Other Admission Requirement

Additionally, applicants may provide the following:

  • Special Circumstances/Considerations (optional - maximum 1 page)

Graduate Program Requirements


Master’s Programs

Certificates

Graduate Courses


Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the subject heading Sustainability (SUST).