The MSc and MA interdisciplinary degrees in sustainability give graduate students access to the expertise of diverse, nationally and internationally recognized researchers from a variety of faculties and disciplines in a coherent, thematic framework.

Graduates of the program will come away with a nuanced understanding of contemporary sustainability issues, and be able to approach complex sustainability concerns from a holistic, systems perspective that integrates concepts from applied science, natural science, social science, and the humanities. Graduates will be prepared for positions in government, the private sector, and teaching and research institutions.

Program milestones

• Establishing a faculty supervisory committee
• Completing coursework
• Preparing, presenting, and defending a thesis research proposal
• Completing thesis research and writing, and defending the work

Coursework requirements

12 credits are required for the MSc degree, and 18 credits for the MA degree, including:

• Proseminar in Interdisciplinary Studies (IGS 524)
• Theme Seminar in Sustainability (IGS 584)
• Theme Seminar in Knowledge Mobilization and Sustainability Policy (IGS 585)
• One research methods course
• Additional coursework, selected in consultation with the student’s supervisor (MA option)

The student’s academic and professional history will determine if the student undertakes a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree.

The PhD degree is centred on conducting original, cutting-edge research in sustainability. Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for careers requiring advanced independent research and teaching in academia, government, and industry.

Program milestones

• Establishing a faculty supervisory committee
• Selecting and completing coursework
• Preparing, presenting, and defending a dissertation research proposal
• Passing an oral candidacy exam
• Completing dissertation research and writing, and defending the work

Coursework requirements

12 credits are required for the PhD degree, including:

• Proseminar in Interdisciplinary Studies (IGS 524)
• Theme Seminar in Sustainability (IGS 584)
• Theme Seminar in Knowledge Mobilization and Sustainability Policy (IGS 585)
• Methods coursework (3 credits, selected in consultation with the student’s supervisor)

Leandro Biondo

PhD Student

Leandro M. Biondo is a meteorologist and forest science master who worked for two years with green buildings, then 10 years with environmental and science institutions of the Brazilian government where he became a public forest and geospatial information specialist. Leandro has contributed to spatial databases and big data analysis on projects for Indigenous and traditional peoples, rural properties, land and tenure management, biodiversity research, and One Health activities. Leandro’s climate and transportation research is part of an interdisciplinary project funded by the Climate Action and Awareness Fund. Through his associations with Brazil’s National Institute for the Atlantic Forest and Brazilian Forest Services, Leandro will study climate and territorial changes in the Americas, particularly impacts on populations and biodiversity in Brazilian and Canadian forests.

luis cadavid

MSc Student 

Luis Cadavid is a father, entrepreneur, farmer and writer. He completed his BA in Classical Civilizations in Syracuse University, his MSc in Management at Imperial College and has had the opportunity to further his education at the London Business School. He is also on the Board of a non-profit that is dedicated to the agricultural education in Ecuador, LA CASA (Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Agriculture), which is currently doing a 12-hectare permaculture project in the highlands of Ecuador. During the past ten years, Luis’ focus in the agricultural industry has been sustainable production, product development and efficient supply chains. As a business owner he is a fervent believer of sustainable business that’s environmentally conscious. Luis is interested in food safety, supply chain efficiency and sustainable agricultural production.

Madeline Donald

PhD Student 

Madeline was born an uninvited guest on Coast Miwok territory and raised a traveler. Delighted to be living with this place now, her PhD research is about current and potential ethnoecological engagement with non-indigenous plants in riparian restoration efforts in the Okanagan watershed. This research takes place with the Land of the Syilx (Okanagan) peoples and in a context of settler colonial dispossession, violence, and ecologically dismissive infrastructure. The ethnoecological relations of interest in riparian restoration run parallel to and interweave with the reconciliation and (re)building of Indigenous and non-Indigenous human and Land relations. Living with narcolepsy, Madeline actively questions and counters temporally inaccessible expectations for academic labour.

Stephenie hendricks

PhD Student

I’m a “mature” international (U.S.) PhD student focused on documenting environmental health and environmental justice movements. Using Scholarly Personal Narrative text with podcast episodes, these elements are included in modules for an Open Education Resource (OER) curriculum for post secondary students. I am very excited about supporting young adults to understand the intersections of health, environment and justice, especially as these themes gain increased relevancy in their lives with the advancement of climate change.

Cole Hooper

MSc Student

Cole is attending UBCO to pursue his MSc in the Sustainability theme. His research background is in wildlife biology and physiology. He graduated in 2019 from Thompson Rivers University with a BSc in Animal Biology, and an honours thesis on rattlesnake stress physiology. Taking lessons from his past work, he is now shifting towards a focus on management-specific research. Under the supervision of Dr. Lael Parrott, Cole’s research project focuses on informing a climbing management plan for the Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park. This project is in collaboration with BC Parks and the Penticton Indian Band. As an avid climber and biologist himself, he hopes to help bring balance to the state of conservation and recreation in the park and surrounding area.

Ian turner

PhD Student

Ian Turner is a PhD student in the Food Systems PRISM Lab at UBCO. Ian previously attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Animal Physiology and Genome Biology. Ian has pursued research opportunities covering many disciplines, ranging from large mammal ecology and physiology, to food systems sustainability. Ian joined the PRISM lab in 2018 to aid in the development of the Canadian Agrifood Life Cycle Data Centre (CALDC). He subsequently enrolled in a Biology MSc in the PRISM Lab, before transitioning to the IGS – Sustainability PhD program. Ian’s research is focused on environmental and animal welfare benchmarking and optimization of the Canadian egg industry using machine learning techniques.

To examine the work of previous UBC Okanagan graduate students, search on cIRcle, the University’s digital repository for research and teaching materials.

As a domain of scholarship, creative activity, and teaching, Sustainability is wide-ranging and interdisciplinary in nature. Sustainability encourages graduate students to become well-rounded scholars, educators, and public intellectuals. During their degree, students will have the opportunity to conduct original research, learn to become effective educators, and work as Teaching Assistants, as well as acquire knowledge in the professional practices of writing for publication, academic CV development, grant writing, networking, and community-engaged research skills.

Interested in Working in the Food Systems PRISM Lab?
​Are you motivated, innately curious, and highly disciplined? Are you keen to hone your research skills and knowledge? Do you have a strong interest in food system sustainability issues? Are you willing and able to critically examine your own assumptions, and to challenge and be challenged in an environment of respect, collaboration, and exploration? Does the prospect of living, working and playing in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in western Canada match your lifestyle aspirations? If so, the Food Systems PRISM Lab might be a good match for you.

Funded Graduate Research Project Opportunities

MASTER OF ARTS (MA) and MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) APPLICANTS 

Applicants to the master’s program are expected to hold:

• the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC, with a B+ (76%) average or better in their third- or fourth-year classes, or
• at least 12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study, with an A (80%) or better average.

Applicant background training must be sufficient for advanced work in their chosen field.

DOCTORAL (PHD) APPLICANTS 

PhD applicants will normally have a master’s degree in a related field, with a B+ (76%) average or better, and clear evidence of research ability or potential. Applicant background training must be sufficient for advanced work in their chosen field.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements information. The calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 

 MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) and MASTER OF ARTS (MA) APPLICANTS 

Applicants to the master’s program are expected to:

• hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from UBC
• demonstrate superior academic standing

Applicant background training must be sufficient for advanced work in their chosen field.

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are listed in the Academic Calendar.

DOCTORAL (PHD) APPLICANTS 

PhD applicants are expected to hold the academic equivalent of a two-year master’s degree from UBC in a related field and to demonstrate superior academic standing. Applicant background training must be sufficient for advanced work in their chosen field.

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are listed in the Academic Calendar.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements information. The calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Required Grades and Credential Guide

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. Search the Required Grades and Credential Guide—a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.

International Advisors

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC. Visit the Global Engagement Office’s website to meet the team.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above (best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox or YouTube’s mobile app).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

• Student Residence
• Important Housing Dates

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

• Living Off Campus Resources
• Kelowna Off Campus Student Housing Facebook group*

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

College of Graduate Studies: CoGS offers orientation events to support you in your first steps as a graduate student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.