Admission

Application Process 

Thank you for your interest in the Ecological Restoration MSc program, a joint degree between SFU and BCIT. We are no longer accepting applications for this joint degree. 

If you are interested in hearing more about future offerings for graduate programming in this field, please contact msc-er@sfu.ca at SFU and Giti_Abouhamzeh@bcit.ca at BCIT.

FOR CURRENT STUDENTS: Course and project work will continue as planned. If you have any questions, please contact msc-er@sfu.ca at SFU and Giti_Abouhamzeh@bcit.ca at BCIT.

Entrance Requirements 

Applicants applying for entry into the program require:

  • A four-year bachelor’s degree in ecological restoration, ecology, plant science, animal science, soil science, environmental science, resource science (land, water, fish and wildlife, forestry), physical geography, environmental engineering, or a related program from a recognized post-secondary institution.

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.33 (70%; B average), or a grade point average of at least 3.33/4.33 (77%; B+ average) based on the last 60 credits/units of undergraduate courses. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower academic qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of study (as evaluated through a review of the applicant’s resume and letters of reference).

  • One introductory course each in ecology and statistics.

  • Two upper-level courses in any combination of: biology, ecology (plant, fish, wildlife, restoration/reclamation, etc.), statistics, plant science, soil science, physical geography (hydrology, geomorphology, limnology, etc.), forest science, natural resource management, environmental science, or related courses.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. If an applicant has not studied in an English-speaking country, the applicant will need to meet the SFU English-language Requirements
  • Provide names and e-mail addresses for three references (academic or professional). The referees will each receive an e-mail with instructions on how to log into SFU’s application system and complete an electronic reference. At least two references should come from faculty members at universities. This requirement may be waived for mid-career applicants with professional experience. In this case, references from employers may be substituted for references from university faculty.

  • Resume and official transcripts:

    • The transcripts will be used to confirm grade point averages and the strength of the academic background of applicants.

    • The proposed program has been designed both for applicants just entering the ecological restoration (ER) workforce and for experienced restoration practitioners wanting to upgrade their academic credentials. Applicants with extensive experience in ecological restoration but with lower academic qualifications will also have their work experience assessed, through a review of their resume and letters of reference. In some circumstances, an applicant may be accepted into the program based upon their academic performance in combination with their work experience.

    • Applicants may be required to complete bridging courses to strengthen their academic background prior to admittance into the master’s program.

    • Applicants that have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, or England should refer to our minimum equivalent qualifications and academic standing page. This site provides general guidelines, by country, for minimum entry requirements for graduate programs at SFU and BCIT.  

    Applicants with previous courses in ecological restoration would be classified as strong candidates for entry into the master’s program.

Apply to the program

The unique qualifications of applicants will be assessed individually by the Graduate Program Committee (a six-member committee comprised of BCIT & SFU faculty). All applicants meeting the minimum entry requirements will be assessed by the Graduate Program Committee. Most applicants will be contacted with our decision within three weeks following the review process. In some cases it can take longer to make a final decision. Please be patient. All applicants will be contacted via e-mail as soon as a decision is made.

All documents must be uploaded into SFU’s online application system. Only those applicants who have been offered admission into the program will be required to submit original paper transcripts.

SFU has some great resources about asking for reference letters. Please see their Award Application Resources for some helpful suggestions.

Application Summary:

  • Step 1: Fill out SFU's Online Application Form & pay the application fee.  
  • Step 2: Upload all transcripts and resume into the application system
  • Step 3: Provide names and e-mails for three referees. They will receive an e-mail which will allow them to log into SFU’s application system and complete an electronic reference.

Application Fees: There is an application fee of $90 (CAD) ($125 (CAD) for applicants submitting any transcripts from a non-Canadian University) which needs to be paid by credit card (MasterCard or VISA) to complete the online application. Applicants without access to a credit card can pay these fees in person, through online banking or by wire transfer. It is very important that the applicant's name and student number is received with the wire transfer. Review How to pay your fees for details.

English Requirements: Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Please read SFU English Language requirements. 

All information provided for application to the MSc in Ecological Restoration will be held in a file in the applicant’s name. All documents submitted will remain on file and will not be returned to successful or unsuccessful applicants.

Through this assessment by the Graduate Program Committee, the committee will identify areas of strength and weaknesses. If weaknesses have been identified, applicants may have the opportunity to strengthen their application through bridging courses or by completing a qualifying semester or year. Bridging courses may require completion prior to entry into the program.

Upon your acceptance to the program, please mail your official transcript to:

Graduate and Post Doctoral Studies

Maggie Benston Centre 1100
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6

Please note:  Official transcript should be received in a envelope sealed by the institution and signed by the registrar.

Please contact SFU Graduate and Post Doctoral Studies or review your offer letter for details.

Scheduled Intakes 

September each year.

All applicants starting the program in September will move through the program as a cohort.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) lets you use knowledge and skills learned outside recognized programs—including volunteer work, hobbies, on-the-job experience, or independent study—to gain exemption for particular courses in the program of your choice.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed, course by course, by the Applied Research Committee and the associated faculty members. In general, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate working knowledge of the majority (>80%) of the material within a course. The Applied Research Committee will assess the applicant’s level of knowledge (conceptual and applied) and provide details of the evaluation criterion (e.g., challenge an exam, demonstrate working knowledge of applied concepts, or complete an assignment).

Please see BCIT's Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition page for further details.