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The Department of Geography and Planning provides resources for graduate studies culminating in MA, MS, and PhD degrees. The doctoral program equips students for scholarly careers in education and research, while also opening doors to leadership roles in government and non-profit organizations, where PhD qualifications are increasingly valued.
Geography faculty specialize in diverse research domains including: landform processes, climate science, water systems, plant geography, soil science, environmental evaluation and sustainable resource practices, global development, technological advancement, metropolitan and economic studies, cultural and historical perspectives, gender research, societal geography, area studies, geographical theory, satellite imaging, digital mapping, spatial data analysis, GIS applications, and quantitative methods. Research focuses span Canada, the US, Latin America, the Caribbean, Northwestern/Central Europe, East Asia, South Asia, and post-Soviet regions.
An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ in the final two years.
Applicants are expected to have completed at least 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in geography or a related discipline. Applicants lacking the minimum requirements should consider doing qualifying work at the undergraduate level prior to application. Such work should be undertaken in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Applicants who hold an appropriate bachelor's degree but are changing disciplines or require further preparatory work, may be required to complete an additional year of graduate-level coursework.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Including Writing and Speaking Sections: Overall score: 93; Writing: 22; Speaking: 22
Academic English Level 60: Required score: B
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Online: Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
Cambridge Assessment English: Required score: minimum 185 overall with at least 176 in each component.