1. Applications – when are they due and how do I apply?
The normal application deadline for graduate programs in the Faculty of Environment is February 1st for admission to the Fall term of the application year. All applications are completed and submitted online. Links to the application are available on the uWaterloo Graduate Studies webpage: www.grad.uwaterloo.ca/students/applyingonline.asp.
2. Work experience is a requirement when applying for the MEB. What is considered applicable experience?
The applicant should have at least three years of full-time work experience in a private, public or non-public sector setting, either through employment, through documented volunteer efforts, or through cooperative work terms as an undergraduate student.
3. What references can be used if I have been out of school for an extended period of time?
Referees who are not academic can be used as a reference if an extended period away from school prevents you from having an academic reference available to you. At least one professional reference is required.
4. What is the approximate tuition cost for the complete program?
a. Tuition Fee
The MEB is a professional program. Each of the ten courses (ENBUS 690 is a double courses) is currently priced at $2,987* (CDN) + incidentals.
*Based on 2011/2012 academic year. For updated tuition, click here.
b. Other costs
In addition to the tuition fee for the MEB, students will be expected to attend a two-week course at the uWaterloo campus in August, and will be expected to cover their own room and board costs. In addition, there will be a shorter residency period at the end of the MEB program. uWaterloo will endeavor to make affordable residence spaces available for the period. Students are expected to provide for their own computer equipment and internet service, in order to participate in online Distance Education courses in the MEB. Students are also expected to cover the costs associated with attending two professional and/or academic conferences.
5. The core courses are offered in a specific term. Is it possible to take the courses in other terms?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Each course will only be offered once/year.
6. Is it possible to take electives out of sequence?
While the foundation, core, and capstone courses will be offered in sequence, it is possible to take electives out of sequence. Students are also able to take electives from other departments, however, only some of these courses are offered through distance education.
7. How long does it take to complete the degree?
Three years as a part-time student.
8. Can I fast track the degree?
While one course per semester is a realistic pace for someone who works full-time, if you believe you can manage 20-30 hours/week at coursework, it is possible to fast track the degree.
9. Would my previous courses taken during my MBA or MES program count as electives?
Up to two electives can be transferred BUT transfer credits must be "unused" credits, i.e., they must not have been credited towards an earlier acquired degree.
10. What kind of project in ENBUS 690 would students potentially work on?
This is a consulting project. Please see course description below:
ENBUS 690 - Enterprise Sustainability Project
This capstone class synthesizes the learning in the program into an action research project. Students show original application of the knowledge they have learned and reflect on the utility of the frameworks and tools using a case study approach. After learning relevant research methods, student teams develop a proposal on a research project which meets the needs of their assigned live case study (i.e., the company or other organization which has committed to be the case in the research project). This proposal includes a review of the relevant literature, the methodology, the timeline, and a breakdown of task assignments. Next, students obtain ethics approval for their research project. Then student teams apply the business sustainability toolbox, and their management skills to the real-world problem of their live case. Each field study includes conducting a situation analysis, developing a sustainability strategic plan for the organization including a complete and coherent business case. A faculty member assists each team. Students are expected to demonstrate and build their interpersonal and team management skills. Teams deliver field study project results as a report to both the organization and the course instructor. Individual students also complete a reflection paper including a discussion on the case in relation to the application of the tools, frameworks, and literature.
11. I have an MBA; will the MEB cover similar subjects that would be covered in a normal MBA program, or will the MEB enhances my knowledge with a heavy emphasis on the environment?
The MEB will enhance your knowledge.
12. What would be the time commitment of each course on a weekly basis?
The MEB is designed for a working professional. On average, it should take about ten hours/week, depending on assignments and your pace. Courses have been designed so there are no "crunch" periods at the end.
13. How much time will I have to spend in Waterloo in order to complete the MEB program?
The MEB has been designed for a working professional. The initial residency period is two weeks in August and includes the first course (ENBUS 601). All of the subsequent courses are through distance education (i.e., through the internet). There will also be a shorter residency period at the end of your third year. In addition, there is a requirement that you attend two professional or academic conferences within the three years. You can choose from a list of different conferences which are held in different locations across North America (including options in Vancouver and Waterloo).
14. Do international students need a study permit?
No. As this is an online degree, international students can complete the residency period as a visitor.
15. I have a 3 year degree. Can I qualify?
The school may consider applications from applicants who do not have a 4 year or honours degree.
16. Can I apply for a Ph.D. with an MEB degree?
Yes, the MEB is a course based master's program and is simnilar in design to an MBA. Ph.D. programs in management or business will recognize this degree. Programs in other disciplines may require a research master's degree. Check with the university to confirm their requirements.
17. When do I apply for the bursary program?
The MEB Award applications are distributed to current and incoming students in april. Grants are made annually for the Spring, Fall and Winter terms. Students can re-apply each year they are in the program.
18. Will the MEB prepare me for a career as a sustainability professional?
About half of our students are already working as an environment or sustainability professional. Others work in a related business or professional field. A minority of students are intending to make a career shift. Throughout the program you will have numerous opportunities to network with sustainability professionals so if a career shift is your goal, you can transfer into a new position long before the program ends.
19. I am already a sustainability professional. What will the MEB offer me?
The MEB provides current knowledge, tools and skills in a broad range of business and sustainability topics. The program will update your knowledge, expand your understanding, provide you with new skills, increase your network, enable your time to reflect with peers, and give you expert feedback on your ideas. For some, the increased credibility of a Master's degree is also important.
20. I have not been in school for years. What should I expected?
For most working professionals, there is a learning curve on the time management of school work with your regular job, the online technology, and on academic assignments. We are aware of this and provide assistance with the transition. In addition, your classmates are in the same situation, so here is considerable peer support.
