Application deadline
April 1, 2012
International student applications are now closed.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MES program, you must normally have an Honours (4-year) undergraduate degree from an accredited university with an academic standing of at least a “B+”. Grade averages are assessed over the last two years (or full-time equivalent) of academic study. Please note that transcripts cannot be assessed by the University before you apply. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, you must submit your current transcripts and then send us final copies once you receive your degree (ie after your convocation ceremony – your final transcripts must indicate that your degree has been completed/conferred).
NOTE: Admission to the program is not guaranteed by meeting these requirements. Preference for admission will be given to applicants with experience and accomplishments relevant to their proposed studies and whose academic interests are consistent with Faculty activities.
If you do not meet the academic requirements:
You may still be considered for admission to our MES program as a Non-Standard Applicant. You must have an extensive background in the area you wish to study, including significant writing and analytical experience. As part of your application, you must include a written explanation outlining how you are prepared to successfully complete an interview and/or equivalency exam. Please see below for complete instructions.
How to apply
You are required to submit the online forms and documents to complete your application and be considered for admission:
1. The Faculty of Graduate Studies Application for Admission Form (and applicable application fee)
2. Two official sealed copies of transcripts from each post-secondary educational institution you have attended
Please have the relevant institution(s) mail the transcripts to you and submit the unopened, sealed envelopes with your application package. DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE – this will render the transcripts unofficial. If you are still completing your degree, you must provide transcripts showing your interim marks and your application will be assessed using those grades. Should an offer of admission be made, it will be conditional on your forwarding us your final transcripts. Transcripts are not required for current/previous studies at York.
3. The online Supplemental Program Information Form
To access the form, login to Myfile using your York Identification number (York temporary reference number or York student number) and your date of birth. On the main page, follow the link on the left to “Supplementary Information Forms” then scroll down to click on “Fall 2012 application – Program in Faculty of Environmental Studies, M.E.S., Environmental Studies – Graduate Studies Supplementary Information Form”.
Important information about Supplemental Information Form questions:
Question 2 – Language skills
The MES program does not require facility in a language other than English. Your chances of admission are not decreased if you do not know another language.
Question 3 – Areas of specialization
The MES program does not have areas of specialization, in part because students design their own Plan of Study. We have some program options that students may wish to pursue as part of their Plan of Study. Please use this space to indicate which, if any, of the following MES program options you wish to pursue:
- MES Planning Program*
- Graduate Diploma in Environmental/Sustainability Education*
- Graduate Diploma in Business and the Environment*
- Joint MES/JD program with Osgoode Hall Law School**
* Given the intensive nature of our program, only one option is possible. Note that spaces in some options may be limited.
** For admission to the Joint MES/JD program, you must apply to both the Master in Environmental Studies program and the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School. Indicate your interest in the Joint program on both applications. Students admitted to the MES/JD program may pursue one of the other MES program options.
Question 4 – Professors you hope to work with
You must identify 3 professors. Review fulltime faculty members research approaches and interests, course offerings and writings as outlined in their profiles and identify the ones you think could best advise/supervise your Plan of Study and research.Question 5 – other information
Do not include information that is contained in any other part of your application.
4. The online Referee Information Form
To access the form, login to Myfile using your York Identification number (York temporary reference number or York student number) and your date of birth. On the main page, follow the link on the left to “Supplementary Information Forms” then scroll down to click on “Fall 2012 application – Program in Faculty of Environmental Studies, M.E.S., Environmental Studies – FGS Referee Information Form”.
IMPORTANT – You must submit three names. References can be academic or professional, but academic references are strongly preferred.
5. Statement of Interest
Please include three sections in your statement:
Part A: Please provide a brief summary of your research interests (20 words or less)
Part B: Please list five key words that relate to your research interests.
Part C: Please write the body of your statement as follows (around 500 words):
Clearly present your interests as they relate to your academic, career and personal aspirations. Outline the areas of study that you seek to incorporate to address this interest, demonstrate some initial knowledge of these areas and identify the reasons why the Faculty of Environmental Studies is uniquely suited to serve both the pedagogical and substantive aspects of your studies. In preparing your statement, review full-time faculty members’ research approaches and interests, course offerings, and writings as outlined in their profiles to ensure your interests relate to those of the faculty members you identify as potential advisors or supervisors in your Supplemental Program Information Form (number 3 above).
6. Your résumé
Include your résumé, showing the following information, where applicable:
- academic honours (scholarships, fellowships, awards, etc.)
- employment, volunteer and professional experience
- professional qualifications and memberships
- publications
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (if applicable):
7. Non-Standard Admission – Applicant Rationale Form (if applicable)
If you do not meet our minimum admission requirements and want your application to be considered as a Non-Standard Admission you must complete this Non-Standard Admission – Applicant Rationale Form.
8. Language requirement (if applicable)
If your first language is other than English, to be considered for admission you must submit evidence of an acceptable level of English language proficiency. For the MES program the minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL (Paper-based: 600; Computer-based: 250; iBT: 100)
- IELTS: Overall band score: 7.5; or
- York English Language Test (YELT): Band 1.
For details please see the English language proficiency information on the York graduate admissions website
If you have completed at least one year of full-time study at an accredited university in a country (or institution) where English is the official language of instruction, you may be exempt from this requirement. York University reserves the right to request a successful English language proficiency test result.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All materials submitted becomes the property of the University and will not be returned. Items 5-7 must be received in hard-copy – electronic submissions will not be accepted. Additional documentation, outside the application requirements will be accepted however it may not be reviewed by the admissions committee.
SEND THE COMPLETED SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (item 2 and items 5-8 as applicable) IN A COMPLETE PACKAGE TO:
By mail: |
By courier: |
In person drop off: |
All of the items listed above must be received before your application will be considered.