Program
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.Cert. | 1 year |
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Planning responds to the growing demand for professionals in environmental planning fields such as environmental consultants and Indigenous and non-Indigenous land and resource managers, community and regional planners, and decision makers.
Designed to be delivered online, this certificate will help university graduates develop practical and skills-based training to transition to the workforce. This program will also help early- and mid-career professionals expand and adapt their skills amid a rapidly changing environment, the emergence of new technologies and reimagining of how policies and places are designed and planned.
The certificate responds to the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call to action, which aims to create a better world through access to clean water, responsible resource production and consumption, climate action, and sustainable living. Innovative and effective tools and approaches are emerging for planning land and resource use, infrastructure and services to create sustainable and resilient communities. These approaches embrace environmental, social, economic, and governance factors, and employ evidence and place-based planning practices to ensure inclusive frameworks for achieving sustainable outcomes.
Tuition and funding
Funding
Certificate programs are not eligible for scholarships. Industry professionals may have access to professional development funds through their employers.
Tuition
Course-based master's or postgraduate diploma program
Students in course-based programs pay tuition for each class they take. Every class is assigned a number of credit units (usually three) which determines their cost. If a student is not enrolled in any classes for a term, they will need to register in a 'Maintenance of Status' class that is assessed tuition equivalent to 3 credit units to stay in their program.
Graduate students in course-based programs registered in any undergraduate classes will be assessed tuition for these classes at the undergraduate rate. International graduate students in these programs registered in undergraduate courses, whether or not the classes are part of their program of study, will also be assessed the undergraduate international differential rate of 4.84.
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per graduate credit unit | ||
| Maintenance of Status course | ||
| Cost per 3 credit unit graduate class |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
Graduate Certificate (G.Cert.)
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (ie. 60 credit units)
- Four-year honours degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study,
- or 5 years professional experience in environmental planning fields,
- or 3 years professional experience plus a 2 year diploma or certificate
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies
Application process and deadlines
Application deadlines
Domestic students' application deadlines:
- March 1 (start program in spring term)
- July 1 (start program in fall term)
- November 1 (start program in winter term)
International students' application deadlines:
- January 1 (start program in spring term)
- May 1 (start program in fall term)
- September 1 (start program in winter term)
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- Your letters of recommendation may be from either academic or professional contacts and must speak to your capacity for success in a graduate program
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
Contact
Department of Geography and Planning
Kirk Hall
117 Science Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8
Graduate Chair
Dr. Alec Aitken
Email: alec.aitken@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Phyllis Baynes
Email: geography.planning@usask.ca
- Department of Geography and Planning
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements