Our PhD in Geography is offered by the Waterloo-Laurier Graduate Program in Geography. Our joint program allows you to explore a range of research interests, from the analysis of pressing social and environmental problems to theoretical questions of philosophical and technical importance.
The objective of our PhD in Geography is to provide you with a broad knowledge of theoretical and practical geography through courses and seminars, instructional experience through teaching assistantships and lectures, as well as basic research training and technical expertise through independent projects and research assistantships. As a result, our graduates acquire autonomy in their ability to teach, conduct research and prepare scholarly publications.
Joint program is the third-largest graduate geography program in Canada.
Benefit from the breadth and depth of faculty expertise and peers in a rich intellectual environment.
Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups.
You must satisfactorily complete the required coursework and comprehensive examination, and successfully defend your dissertation.
Potential faculty supervisors support a wide range of research interests in four fields of specialization:
Our program is enhanced by a number of research centres and groups, including:
"The Geography doctoral program is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of students. This was invaluable as it allowed me to focus on my dissertation research throughout my course work and my comprehensive exams. This put me in a position to complete my doctorate within three and a half years [and the program] helped me earn a position at Conestoga College before I even graduated."
Anthony Piscitelli (PhD '19)
Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Jan. 15 is the deadline to be considered for any scholarships and/or awards. This means your application should be complete (OUAC application completed and supplemental documents submitted) by this date. Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, apply early.
An application for admission to our PhD program in Geography must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Drowns at jdrowns@wlu.ca or 548.889.3748.
"One of the amazing aspects of this program was the professors, specifically their caring attitude and willingness to always help you. The professors here are very knowledgeable and experienced, they guide discussions very well and provide useful comments to the students. It was amazing to learn from them."
Monica Romero (PhD '20)
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
Our PhD graduates have obtained academic positions (e.g. University of Toronto – Mississauga, University of Winnipeg, University of Ottawa, York University, Brock University, Okanagan College, University of Saskatchewan), administrative positions at universities, postdoctoral positions, and full-time research positions (e.g. American Association of Geographers, conservation authorities, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources).
ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.
Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.
Alison Blay-Palmer
Professor
UNESO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies
Sean Doherty
Professor
Homa Kheyrollah Pour
Assistant Professor
Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change
Christopher Lemieux
Associate Professor
John McMurry Research Chair in Environmental Geography
Philip Marsh
Professor
Canada Research Chair in Cold Regions Water Science
Robert McLeman
Professor
Alison Mountz
Professor
Laurier Research Chair in Global Migration
Director, Haven, The Asylum Lab
William L. Quinton
Professor
Laurier Research Professor
Steven Roberts
Associate Professor
Graduate Officer, Geography
Miguel Sioui
Assistant Professor
Undergraduate Officer, Environmental Studies
Jason Venkiteswaran
Associate Professor
Margaret Walton-Roberts
Professor
Brent Wolfe
Professor
Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Jennifer Baltzer
Associate Professor
Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change
Alex Latta
Associate Professor
