A 1-Year M.Sc. in Integrated Water Resources Management

Why study IWRM at McGill?

Many watersheds around the world are facing increasingly complex water crises. These crises can only be addressed in an effective and sustainable manner by applying more integrated and adaptive forms of water resources planning, management, and governance. Decision-making must be coordinated, cross-sectoral, and participatory, as well as adaptive, to allow water resource professionals to ensure more sustainable water management globally. Providing a unique opportunity to study the biophysical, environmental, legal, institutional, and socio-economic aspects of water use and management in an integrated context, McGill’s IWRM program promotes a holistic perspective and awareness of water resources management issues through a wide range of courses offered by collaborating departments and faculties at McGill University.

Internship Opportunities and Funding

IWRM students gain hands-on experience by participating in internships in government, non-profit, and academic organizations in Quebec, Canada, the United States, and around the world. Several scholarships are available each year to support travel for internships in Israel and the United Kingdom, as well as for studying water issues with communities in Canada’s North and with indigenous communities across Canada. Students receive support from the IWRM program to help them find an internship.

Program Curriculum

This 45-credit, non-thesis M.Sc. program can be completed in 12 months.  Its curriculum includes lectured courses, the internship and project (central features of this program), and the Research Visits course which allows students to meet professionals from industry, government agencies, and NGO’s. Students complete their coursework in the fall and winter terms, and complete the internship in the following summer term.

Applying for the IWRM Program

Join the program! Applications are currently being accepted for our Fall 2023 intake. Potential applicants may also contact IWRM Program Director Prof. Jan Adamowski at jan.adamowski@mcgill.ca to express their interest about the program.

As outlined in McGill’s detailed admission requirements, candidates are required to have a Bachelor’s degree but this does not need to be an engineering degree. Non-engineering students with a demonstrated interest in water resources management are encouraged to apply, as students have been admitted into the program with undergraduate degrees in geography, international development studies, sociology, anthropology, mathematics, environmental studies, biology, natural resources management, and engineering, among others.

Application Deadlines for Fall 2023:  January 15 (International); March 15 (Canadian/Permanent Resident) **If you feel you are a strong applicant but the deadline has passed, please contact gradstudies.macdonald@mcgill.ca to see if a late application can be opened for you.