Start dates
Fall (Sept), Winter (Jan), Spring (April), Summer (July)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
On-campus, Online
Specializations
Regenerative Sustainability and Circular Economy, Water and Food Security
Drive change through sustainable innovation
Address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges and be an important part of the solution with a Master of Sustainability Systems (MSS). Make an impact in sustainable practices, renewable energy, and environmental policy.
If you’re looking for an in‑person classroom or a fully online option, the MSS program is designed to align with your needs while delivering strong academics and real‑world experience.
Specializations
Three program streams allow you to tailor your learning to suit your career ambitions and gain deeper problem-solving experience.
Regenerative Sustainability and Circular Economy
Focus on restoring natural systems, fostering social and economic well-being, and promoting ethical, cultural shifts toward harmony with nature. Emphasizing a circular economy, it explores waste reduction, resource efficiency, and ecosystem regeneration, preparing you to address global sustainability challenges with innovative, impactful solutions.
Water and Food Security
Prepare yourself to address critical challenges in food and water systems, resiliency, and security amid climate change. Leveraging Niagara’s rich agricultural sector and Great Lakes, you will engage in fieldwork and explore diverse approaches to water governance, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Study options
On-campus
Location
All on-campus programs are delivered at the University of Niagara Falls Canada campus in downtown Niagara Falls. Students attend in-person classes, access labs, collaborate with peers, and engage directly with faculty. Certain programs include specialized equipment and lab components, which are provided by the university.
Schedule
Courses follow a structured weekly schedule. Most classes use a flipped-classroom model, meaning students complete pre-class learning and then apply concepts through active, in-person sessions. Expect approximately two hours of in-person class time per course each week, with additional guided activities, labs (where applicable), and independent study. Exams for on-campus courses are conducted in person.
Timeline
UNF follows a four-term academic year. Terms consist of 10 weeks of instruction, followed by an additional final evaluation period that is typically one to two weeks.
Break term: One scheduled break term is included annually.
Study terms: Students typically complete three study terms each year.
Graduate programs are structured for 18-month completion, while undergraduate programs follow a four-year honours pathway. Students may take longer within the approved maximum duration for their program.
Course content
Each course includes a detailed syllabus outlining learning outcomes, weekly topics, assessments, and required materials. Coursework blends theory with applied learning, supported by case studies, simulations, hands-on activities, and real-world assignments. Some programs also include labs or specialized equipment, all provided by UNF.
Participation
On-campus learning is highly interactive. Students engage through discussions, group projects, presentations, and applied challenges. Collaboration is central, approximately a 60/40 split between individual and group assessments is typical. Students also meet with instructors during scheduled classes and can arrange additional meetings as needed. Faculty integrate real-world tools, AI applications, analytics platforms, and industry-focused technologies into classroom activities.
Assessments
While individual courses vary, depending on the subject matter and instructor, students can expect a mix of quizzes, exams, presentations, case studies, projects, and applied assignments. Undergraduate programs generally include more quizzes and exams, while graduate programs emphasize applied work such as projects, research, and capstones. Assessment weights vary by course, typically ranging from five to 50 percent per component.
Learning environment
Studying on campus provides direct access to faculty, student services, academic advising, and the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Office. Students form networks through peer collaboration, challenge-based learning, and internship or practicum opportunities (where applicable). Capstone projects are completed under faculty supervision as the culminating applied component of each master’s program.
Technology and resources
On-campus students use the same learning technologies as online learners, including D2L Brightspace and industry-relevant digital tools. Additional equipment or lab access is provided for programs that require it. Students benefit from a full suite of on-campus supports, including tutoring, writing assistance, and program hubs.
Online
Location
This is a fully online program. You can complete your coursework from anywhere.
Schedule
There will be no scheduled classes. Asynchronous learning means you can study at your own pace. All course materials will be made available at the start of term, except for exams and quizzes.
Timeline
Weeks 1-10: You will be able to access your course content online and complete tasks throughout this period.
Weeks 11-12: You will need to complete any review activities and final assessments, including exams and final projects.
Course content
Each course will have a syllabus as well as additional course materials that will be made available at the start of the term, except for exams and quizzes.
Participation
While components vary depending on the individual course, you can expect to use discussion forums and group chat platforms, participate in videoconferences, as well as utilize project management tools. There will be group assignments in addition to individual assignments.
Course highlights
Term one courses
Sustainability Science Techniques
Using examples from the literature, students will examine quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in interdisciplinary areas like Regenerative Sustainability. The various elements of the research process (question, design, accessing and evaluation of information and data, methodologies, data collection, ethics, interpretation and dissemination) are examined.
Regenerative Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy
Regenerative sustainability aims to restore and enhance natural and social systems, moving beyond simply reducing environmental impacts. This contrasts with the circular economy, which focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency within existing systems. This course explores these concepts from historical, technical, and ethical perspectives, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in transitioning to a more sustainable future.
Organizational Theory and Leadership
This course explores organizational theory and leadership, examining how structures, processes, and culture influence individual and group behavior. It delves into principles of organizational change and provides practical tools for managers, including organizational design, HR practices, training, and DEI initiatives. Students will also develop practical skills in self-awareness, communication, negotiation, and leadership.
Term two courses
Climate Change and Zero Carbon
Achieving net zero emissions is a critical step toward safeguarding our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for all. The underlying science of climate change and the role of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is examined. Addressing climate change is explored through the lenses of adaptation, mitigation, impacts, governance, finance and technology.
Reconstructive Agriculture and Food Systems
With the world’s population projected to reach more than nine billion, the balancing of food production and resource usage will need to be enhanced. Opportunities for improvement in the food supply chain are examined by looking at design issues, digitalization of supply chains, new business models, waste management and reverse logistics. Case studies of successful implementations of these ideas are analyzed.
Water Security and Innovation
This course explores UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on ensuring access to clean water for all. It examines water innovation, including desalination, reuse, and emerging technologies, alongside water security considerations like governance, cooperation, and climate change impacts. Indigenous perspectives are integrated. Case studies analyze the application of capture, reuse, treatment, efficiency, AI, and good governance to enhance water security.
Term three courses
Specialization 1: Regenerative Sustainability and Circular Economy (RSCE)
Smart Travel and Tourism
Smart tourism refers to digitally enabled experiences using information and communication technology to enhance the travel experience and promote sustainable practices by minimizing waste and energy consumption. The travel and tourism sector presents an ideal candidate for significant improvement given the length of the value chain. The concept of tourism as an ecosystem is examined where the focus is on regeneration.
Specialization 1: Water and Food Security (WFS)
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water sources, pathways, and travel times through the landscape are examined using variables such as topography, land cover, and vegetation.
Specialization 2: RSCE
Sustainability in Logistics and Supply Chains
This course explores how sustainable supply chains provide a strategic advantage, enhancing long-term viability and resilience. It contrasts linear with closed-loop models (reduce, reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycle, recover), analyzes leading companies, and examines the role of AI, IoT, and big data in improving sustainability. The impact of legislation, societal expectations, and effective measurement metrics for sustainable supply chains are also investigated.
OR
Selected Studies in Materials, Production and Waste
This course examines cradle-to-cradle management of plastic and steel, two critical materials. It analyzes the complexities of their value chains, from resource extraction to end-of-life, focusing on resource optimization and sustainability. The steel value chain is explored through life cycle assessment and circular economy principles. Students apply these concepts to other material flows, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable resource management.
Specialization 2: WFS
Water Governance
The political and technical forces of agriculture, trade, energy, environment, and industrialization are examined with respect to water governance. Indigenous perspectives, case studies and policy implications are examined.
Case Study One
Students work in small teams, guided by faculty, to examine a case of interest to further deepen their understanding of a particular field. The objective of the study is to examine the case from the perspectives of resource optimization, economics, environment, design, business models, policy, technology, and justice.
Term five courses
Specialization 3: Regenerative Sustainability and Circular Economy (RSCE)
Improving Energy Systems
The role of energy systems in the transition to a decarbonized economy is examined. The energy system is examined from production through transportation and transmission to end uses. Techniques for managing demand and emissions including carbon capture and digital innovations are explored.
Specialization 3: Water and Food Security (WFS)
Food Systems Analysis
Current food systems have a profound effect on our planet and understanding and transforming food systems are essential for addressing malnutrition, safeguarding the environment, promoting equity, and securing a healthy future. The present food system: production, processing, transportation, consumption, and disposal, is examined. The impact of social, political, economic, technological, and environmental issues on the food system is studied.
Specialization 4: RSCE
Urban Development and Smart Cities
This course explores the concept of the ideal sustainable city, examining urban metabolism—the flow of materials and energy within urban systems. It delves into industrial ecology, urban ecology, and critical urban sustainability studies, considering social justice and equity. The course analyzes policy levers, emerging technologies, and case studies of sustainable cities worldwide to understand how to create more resilient and equitable urban environments.
Specialization 4: WFS
Food and Water Informatics
Smart farming combines digital sensors with data analytics to enhance productivity and resource optimization. Students examine the analytical tools crucial for assessing threats to water security, predicting trends, and making informed decisions.
or
Food Production
The challenges for food production, including soil and nutrient management, water resources, pests, climate change, energy use, animal welfare, genetics and biodiversity are examined in detail. In teams, students research, analyze, and propose solutions.
Case Study Two
Students work individually, guided by faculty, to examine a case of interest to further deepen their understanding of a particular field.
Term six course
Capstone Project
The capstone project is a team effort with individual pieces of work. Project initiation is in the term before the final term and all deliverables are due in the final term.
These course highlights provide a glimpse into the Master of Regenerative Sustainability program, your actual schedule may vary. There is a program break during Term 4. For full course descriptions and schedules, consult the Academic Calendar.
Admission requirements for the Master of Sustainability Systems
Academic information
- Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard, or relevant bridging studies, with CGPA of 3.0 (on 4.33 scale) or better.
Document checklist
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all post- secondary institutions attended
- Official documentation confirming professional designations, where applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
International information
Applicants who completed undergraduate studies outside Canada must also submit:
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
- Documentation confirming award of their previous degree(s), if not already indicated on official transcripts
- A credential evaluation from a recognized service, if required by the registrar
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Office of the Registrar had dedicated more than $15 million in scholarships, awards and financial support to students in 2026. Entrance Awards are for newly admitted international and domestic students, while Academic Scholarships are for those entering the second term of their program.
Career highlights
With a degree focused on sustainability, become a changemaker dedicated to building a more sustainable world. Graduate prepared to lead initiatives in diverse industries.
Environmental
Governance
Education
Research
Career paths after graduating with a Master of Sustainability Systems
Over the next decade, there will be an increased demand in Canada’s environmental sector, with an expected 480,510 additional workers needed across various industries.
Nearly 30% of the current environmental workforce is anticipated to retire by 2029, leading to substantial career advancement opportunities for new and existing professionals.
Career path and salary
- Urban planner - $96,460
- Policy advisor - $91,802
- Environmental consultant - $87,500
- Sustainable transportation specialist - $103,678
- Energy project manager - $123,423
Sources: Talent.com, Payscale
Frequently asked questions
What is a Master of Sustainability Systems?
An MSS is a graduate-level degree designed to train professionals to understand transform interconnected social-ecological-technical systems that underpin sustainability. It is interdisciplinary and emphasis systems thinking, not just single issues. It looks at how multiple systems interact and includes analytical tools and frameworks.
How long does it take to get a master’s in sustainability systems?
This is an 18-month program that is delivered over the course of six terms, which includes a one-term break at the end of the first year.
What are the most in-demand sustainability skills?
Given the evolving sustainability agenda in Canada, certain skills are increasingly in demand. These include sustainability reporting and standards, systems thinking and life-cycle assessment, quantitative analytics and modelling, stakeholder engagement and change management, and technical domain expertise.
What are the admission requirements for the sustainability systems program?
The university accepts qualified applicants who meet the stated admission requirements, subject to program enrolment limit. Applicants to the Master of Sustainability Systems program may qualify for admission if they have completed a recognized undergraduate degree, equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard identified in the Ontario qualifications framework, with a CGPA of 3.00 on a 4.33 scale, or better. For more information regarding admission requirements, refer to the Graduate Admission Requirements page.
What career opportunities are available after completing this sustainability program?
The career possibilities are broad and span the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Potential career pathways include corporate sustainability and ESG reporting, government policy and regulatory roles, consulting and advisory roles, social enterprise, entrepreneurship, and further studies, such as the PhD track.
What is the role of technology and innovation in the MSS program?
The program emphasizes the role of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data in addressing sustainability challenges.
How does the MSS program differ from traditional sustainability programs?
The MSS program emphasizes a problem-driven approach, focusing on understanding complex social-ecological systems and developing solutions-oriented decision-making skills. It goes beyond minimizing environmental impacts to promote regenerative practices and a circular economy.
What are the key learning outcomes of the MSS program?
Key learning outcomes include collaboration and communication, leadership, systems thinking, ethics, global perspectives, digital mindset, and knowledge and application.
How does the program integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives?
The program incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including conceptualizations of social justice, into the curriculum.
What is the benefit of taking this program in the Niagara region?
The Niagara region provides opportunities for field studies, projects, and case studies related to water quality, conservation, and agriculture, enhancing the practical learning experience.
What is the role of technology and innovation in the MSS online program?
The program emphasizes the role of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data in addressing sustainability challenges.
Is there a set schedule for the online courses?
No, there is no regular schedule for courses offered online. The online program is asynchronously and coursework can be completed at any time, as long as it is finished by the deadlines.
How does the MSS online program differ from traditional sustainability programs?
The MSS online program emphasizes a problem-driven approach, focusing on understanding complex social-ecological systems and developing solutions-oriented decision-making skills. It goes beyond minimizing environmental impacts to promote regenerative practices and a circular economy.
What are the key learning outcomes of the MSS online program?
Key learning outcomes include collaboration and communication, leadership, systems thinking, ethics, global perspectives, digital mindset, and knowledge and application.
Are there any on-campus components to this degree?
No, you will not have to come to our downtown Niagara Falls campus. This program is fully online, and all coursework will be completed online.
How does the program integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives?
The program incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and being, including conceptualizations of social justice, into the curriculum.
Talk to a Student Advisor
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting Dec. 10, 2025. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)
