Start dates
Fall (Sept), Winter (Jan), Spring (April), Summer (July)
Program length
18 months
Program Delivery
On-campus, Online
Awards and Scholarships
More than 15 million in 2025
Grow solutions to solve critical global challenges
The Master of Water and Food Security (MWFS) program addresses critical global challenges related to food and water security. This interdisciplinary program equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable water and food systems, resilience, and security.
Whether you're drawn to on-campus classes or need the flexibility of studying remotely, the MWFS program is designed to support your goals with strong academics and practical engagement.
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 sustainability science. 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
Find out how regenerative sustainability goes beyond reducing environmental impacts to restoring and enhancing natural and social capital. The principles of regenerative sustainable development are examined from historical, technical, cultural and ethical perspectives.
Organizational Theory and Leadership
An understanding of organizational structures, processes, and culture and how they shape behaviour of groups and individuals, as well as the principles of organizational change. The course builds on the theory to provide practical tools relevant to managers today.
Term two courses
Climate Change and Zero Carbon
Addressing climate change is explored through the lenses of adaptation, mitigation, impacts, governance, finance and technology. The underlying science of climate change and the role of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is examined.
Reconstructive Agriculture and Food Systems
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.
One of these two courses
Food Systems Analysis
Current food systems have a profound effect on our planet and understanding and transforming food systems are essential for securing a healthy future. The present food system is examined, as is the impact on it from social, political, economic, technical, and environmental issues.
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.
Term three courses
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.
Water Security and Innovation
Water innovation and water security are examined through this course, and Indigenous perspectives taken into consideration. Case studies in the use of capture and reuse, treatment, efficiency, analytics, AI, and good governance applied to water security are analyzed.
Case Study 1: Food
Under the guidance of faculty members, students are organized into small groups to delve into a case study that piques their interest and enhances their comprehension of a specific discipline. The case study could be written documents, or a practical field study sponsored by an organization.
Term five courses
Hydrology and Water Quality
Water sources, pathways, and travel times through the landscape are examined using variables such as topography, land cover, and vegetation.
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 2: Water
Individual students are guided by faculty to examine a case of interest to further deepen their understanding of a water security issue. The case could either be a written document or a field study conducted in collaboration with a sponsoring organization.
Term six course
Capstone Project
The capstone project represents a collaborative endeavor, with each student contributing individual work. The project commences in the term preceding the final term, with all deliverables expected by the end of 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 Water and Food Security
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
This program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become leaders in addressing critical global challenges related to food and water security. You will be able to find employment opportunities in sectors such as environmental consulting, regional planning, and agricultural research.
Agriculture
Government
Trade
Non-Profit
Career paths after graduating with a Master of Water and Food Security
With the global population forecast to hit 9.7 billion by 2050, there is an urgent for leaders who can ensure the robust delivery of food and water amidst the challenge of climate change.
Labour market projections show an increased demand in the Niagara region over the next five years for several of the key potential career paths for MWFS graduates, including urban and land use planners, natural and applied science policy researchers, and economists and economic policy researchers.
Sustainability specializations continue to be the leading specialization in demand, according to ECO Canada, at a time when environmental job postings and job ads were on the rise.
Career path and salary
- Water Resources Manager - $109,128
- Agricultural Specialist - $86,006
- Program Manager, Environmental Planning - $117,000
- Environmental Policy Analyst - $88,345
- Food Security Analyst - $85,192
Source: Talent.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Master of Water and Food Security program?
This master’s in water and food security is a graduate-level program designed to investigate the interlinked challenges of ensuring both reliable water supplies and sufficient nutritious food for populations. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, looking at agriculture and food systems, policy and governance, economics and sustainability. Rather than treating water and food separately, the program emphasizes the link between them and how water availability, quality, and distribution affect food production, access, and nutrition. Graduates will gain the knowledge and tools needed to engage with one of the most urgent and complex sustainable-development challenges of our time: securing water and food for all.
What is the relationship between food and water security?
Food and water security is a foundational relationship, the success or failure in one area often influences the other. Water is essential for food production as crops, livestock, and aquaculture depend on reliable water supply. Access to water also influences food access, utilisation, and stability. Households that have access to clean water, may also struggle to prepare food safely or to maintain health and nutrition. Climate change, droughts, floods, and water scarcity highlight the need to secure water to secure food long term. Students in this program learn how to manage, assess, and intervene in the coupled system.
What are the four types of food security?
Students in the Master of Water and Food Security program will learn about the most widely accepted definitions of the four types of food security: availability – looking at the supply side and ensuring there is sufficient quantities of food that is produced, imported, and stored; access – making sure individuals and households have the means to obtain appropriate food, whether that’s income, markets, or transport; utilisation –how food is used by the body, this looks at nutrition, diversity, food safety, sanitation, and health practices; and stability – working to ensure that food supply, access, and utilisation are maintained over time and not jeopardised by shocks, seasonality, or crises.
How long does the food and water security program take to complete?
This master’s program is delivered over six terms and takes 18 months to complete. Included in that time frame is a one-term break, taken at the end of the first year.
What skills will I gain from this food and water security program?
Graduates of the Master of Water and Food Security program can expect to develop a skills-set that combines analytical, technical and soft skills. Some of those skills include systems and nexus thinking, quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, governance, policy, and institutional understanding, project design and management, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking. They can use these skills to carve out roles in sustainability, policy, agriculture, and water resources.
What is the program structure of the MFWS program?
The program consists of 10 core courses covering areas such as Regenerative Sustainable Development, Climate Change Impact, Water Security, and Food Systems Analysis. Students will also undertake two directed case studies for specialization and a final capstone project.
How does the MWFS program leverage its setting in the Niagara region?
The Niagara region provides opportunities for students to engage with real-world issues through field trips, projects, and case studies related to the Great Lakes, water governance, and the region's vibrant agricultural sector.
What are the potential career prospects in the Niagara region specifically for MWFS graduates?
There is potential career growth in the Niagara region for Urban and Land Use Planners, Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, and Economists. Given the region's focus on agriculture and water resources, graduates can find employment opportunities in sectors such as environmental consulting, regional planning, and agricultural research.
What are the opportunities for research and experiential learning within the program?
The program offers opportunities for research through case studies, a capstone project, and potentially through research assistantships or independent research projects. Experiential learning is facilitated through field trips and partnerships with industry and community organizations.
How does the program address the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
This program directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) and 6 (ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all).
What is the program structure of the MWFS online program?
The program consists of 10 core courses covering areas such as Regenerative Sustainable Development, Climate Change Impact, Water Security, and Food Systems Analysis. Students will also undertake two directed case studies for specialization and a final capstone project.
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.
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 program address the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
The MWFS online program directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) and 6 (ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all).
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.)
