Frequently Asked Questions

The SEDV program was established in 1995 through a partnership in Quito, Ecuador to offer a combined degree focused on energy and the environment. With a growing interest from both domestic students and industry, the program transitioned from a study abroad option to a Calgary based offering in 2008.

The SEDV program does not offer online learning options. Students must be regularly available for in-person classes to pursue this program.

The M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development is a multi-disciplinary (business, engineering, law and environmental design) degree providing a balanced education relating to energy and environmental management. The Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development specialization is comprised of management courses within the topics of Energy Management and Sustainability as part of the Daytime or Evening MBA.

Our students join us from various backgrounds including engineering, business, law, political science, international development, environmental and or sustainability studies, architecture, and countless other Bachelor of Science specializations.

This interdisciplinary program is enhanced by the diversity of our student’s academic and professional backgrounds. Successful applicants possess a high level of analytical and technical ability, which is required to succeed in a Masters of Science program.  
If you have question related to the suitability of your academic background, please contact our office with scanned copies of your transcripts.

We have only one intake each year, which is in May. We do not have Fall or Winter start options.

While this may vary between students, past SEDV students have indicated they spent approximately 20 hours per week on studying/coursework outside of the classroom.

The SEDV program is structure as a cohort based, full-time offering. We offer each course once to a cohort over the 16-months period, with many courses scheduled during regular office hours. Part-time students must adjust their personal/work schedules to fulfill the program requirements over multiple years (normally two to three). The timetable is subject to change from year to year, which is a risk part-time students must assume.

The ability to work while pursuing the SEDV program depends on your personal situation. Many of our students maintained their professional roles during their studies; however, their employers were supportive of their education and provided schedule flexibility to attend daytime classes.

Structured over 16-months of full-time studs, SEDV students commence study in May with the expectation to complete in August of the following year.

Please see the Format and Timing section of our website.

Graduates receive a Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development.

Though students are welcome to explore these possibilities, the SEDV degree requirements does not involve an internship or co-op placement.

While SEDV requires a capstone research project as a degree requirement, it is not a thesis nor do we offer a thesis option. If you are interested in a research based program, please contact future.grad@ucalgary.ca to inquire about program options.

SEDV is a master's level program only. While many of our graduates do go on to pursue their PhD, they do so through other programs. Please contact future.grad@ucalgary.ca to inquire about the available PhD options at the University of Calgary.

While you may have one or two part time students appear in some courses, the people you meet in orientation will be the same people in your courses through to convocation.

Yes. We require official transcripts from all of the academic institution you attended regardless of whether or not it lead to a degree; this requirement will not be waived under any circumstances.

We do not have separate admission criteria for mature students. All applicants are assessed using the same admission requirements listed on our website. 

We aim to review applications and notify applicants of the decisions within two to four weeks of the application deadline. While this is our goal, it is not always reachable due to various circumstances.

As this is a graduate program, there is a high level of professionalism and ‘real world’ experience and knowledge required; although it is possible to gain admission without the full two preferred years, it is essential to have some experience. We found those admitted without the appropriate level of experience struggled with course content.

The SEDV program does not require a GMAT or GRE.

We require one academic and one professional reference (direct reports to supervisor and or manager) for a complete application. If you have been absent from studies for five years or more, two professional references will suffice; however only under these circumstances.

Letters from friends, family, general colleagues, fellow church members, clergy, current or past SEDV students, and general reference letters are not acceptable. We also do not accept submission from free email accounts (Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc.)

Please ensure the references you submit meet these expectations to avoid an incomplete application.

Apply early! This allows your reference enough time to submit their letters of support, and ensure all of your supporting documents arrive in time to meet the deadline. Submitting applications within two weeks or less of the deadline often results in an incomplete package. We do not consider late applications, nor do we grant extensions to the deadline.

Applicants requiring a student visa must submit and complete their applications by December 31. Canadian and Permeant Residents must submit and complete their applications by February 28. If Canadian/PR applications are complete by the December 31 deadline, we will review during this earlier cycle.

We do not accept late applications or documents.

Incomplete applications will not advance through the review process and will be deemed inadmissible following the applicable deadline. Please review the information on our website for a detailed list of these components.

As a course-based program, you do not require a formal supervisor.

If you are unsure if your GPA meets our academic requirement or have questions about this area, please contact our office directly.

Applicants must hold must hold a 4-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution to be considered for admission to the SEDV program. International applicants should view the academic requirement specific to their country, which can be found on our International Graduate Student website

Applicants must hold must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution to be considered for admission to the SEDV program. International applicants should view the academic requirement specific to their country, which can be found on our International Graduate Student website.

If you would like more information on potential bridging options, contact our undergraduate office for more details.

Because processing times may take up two to three months, we suggest submitting your visa application immediately following receipt of your offer letter. We often have prospective students who are unable to secure their permit in time to begin the program because they waited too long to begin this process.

We do not allow students to begin the program late. Please ensure you have set yourself up for success by submitting your application early.

Please clarify the terms of your student visa with an immigration officer. You may also contact the university's International Student Services for assistance in understanding the parameters of your study permit.

Proof of English proficiency is required of all internationally educated applicants. Please contact our program office for clarification if you are unsure if this pertains to you; assumptions often lead to an incomplete application.

While we understand the visa process is out of your hands, we do not have an option for students to begin the program late. You may inquire about deferral possibilities; however, the program only defers a small number of applications to the following year.

SEDV tuition includes course instruction only. Students are also assessed general fees, which are set annually by the university. For a detailed breakdown of the general fees, please review the current Graduate Calendar. 

Students can expect to spend approximately $300 a term on textbooks.

Yes. Please refer to the University of Calgary's Tuition Support Program parameters for more information.

As a course-based program, students pay tuition for the courses they take during that specific semester. Payment deadlines are in the first month of each term, with specific dates found on the FGS calendar.

Please contact the Student Loans office by phone 403.210.7625 or email financialaid@ucalgary.ca

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum, we are unable to grant advanced credit for prior education.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum, we are unable to accept transfers nor grant advanced credit for prior education. Interested student, including those enrolled in another University of Calgary program, must submit an application and follow our standard admission process.

SEDV courses are restricted to students admitted to the SEDV program; these courses are not available through open studies.