Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 74.37
Liaison Manon Raby
Submission Date Dec. 24, 2024

STARS v3.0

Concordia University
AC-3: Graduate Programs

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.92 / 8.00 Manon Raby
STARS Coordinator
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

3.1 Graduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements

Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused degree or major for graduate students?:
Yes

List and description of the institution’s sustainability-focused degrees and majors for graduate students:
GRADUATE DEGREE/MAJOR (FOCUSED) DESCRIPTION # GRADUATES
Environmental Assessment Students will develop a comprehensive background in scoping, data collection and analysis, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).The program exposes students to a range of social science and public policy considerations involved in environmental planning, sustainable development and resource decision-making. Students explore all aspects and methodologies of the environmental assessment process through effective analysis of technical reports and oversight of complex projects. Objective assessments must identify all environmental risks associated with a proposal and offer solutions to mitigate those concerns. 4
Environmental Assessment Students will develop a comprehensive background in scoping, data collection and analysis, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).The program exposes students to a range of social science and public policy considerations involved in environmental planning, sustainable development and resource decision-making. Students explore all aspects and methodologies of the environmental assessment process through effective analysis of technical reports and oversight of complex projects. Objective assessments must identify all environmental risks associated with a proposal and offer solutions to mitigate those concerns. 28
Geography, Urban & Environmental Studies This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical foundation and methodological tools necessary to contribute to the understanding of human interventions in the environment. Through its emphasis on specialization and interdisciplinary perspectives, students are given the opportunity to carry out in-depth research work in any of the Department’s areas of specialization covering three broad categories of environment: the natural or bio-physical environment; the human, cultural or behavioural environment; and the urban, built or designed environment. In addition to contributing to the advancement of knowledge, students will be well placed to enter a wide range of careers in environmental, urban planning and public policy fields. 4
Geography, Urban & Environmental Studies The program is designed to address the theoretical foundation and methodological tools to contribute to the understanding of the complex nature of reciprocating interactions and feedbacks between humans and the environment. Students are given the opportunity to conduct in-depth research work in any of the Department’s areas of specialization covering three broad categories of environment: the natural or bio-physical environment; the human, cultural or behavioural environment; and the urban, built or designed environment. In addition to be at the forefront of the advancement of knowledge in this vital field, students will be well placed to enter a wide range of careers in environmental, urban planning and public policy fields in the academic, private or governmental sectors.  10
Social and Cultural Analysis The PhD in Social and Cultural Analysis combines elements of anthropology and sociology to examine a range of social questions. The program has a unique bi-disciplinary structure that allows you to carry out independent research projects on issues related to topics such as social inequality, gender, technology, food, environment, urban development and the politics of representation. Our large faculty is active in multiple research centres and groups, such as the Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology and Quebec’s first-ever Research Chair on Gambling. Our faculty and students conduct research around the world, as well as at home in Montreal's diverse communities, neighbourhoods, and orgnaizations. 8
Social and Cultural Anthropology The MA in Social and Cultural Anthropology enables students to conduct research into a wide array of topics including gender, colonialism, media and technology, language, environmental politics and the senses. In the thesis option, fieldwork projects are individualized, giving you the freedom to choose your subjects and/or a community to work with in consultation with your supervisor. Or you may choose to pursue a year-long, essay (non-thesis) option that requires you to engage in a broad and rigorous study of anthropological literature. This course of study is well-suited for those wanting to dedicate more energy to course work or for a faster point of entry into a Doctoral program. Our faculty members work all over the world on a wide range of topics, and also run local research clusters such as the Centre for Sensory Studies and the Concordia Ethnography Lab. 3
Master of Environmental Engineering The MEng in Environmental Engineering focuses on the design and implementation of waste management technologies, including water, wastewater and air treatment processes. Many communities now recognize the importance of sustainable engineering and are seeking to upgrade treatment facilities, capture greenhouse gases and improve environmental impact assessment tools. Students will gain a deeper understanding of environmental problems and regulations from both a national and global perspective.  22
Construction Engineering and Management  The MEng in Construction Engineering and Management trains engineers in the design and implementation of construction processes. Civil engineering calls for intelligent, innovative and efficient delivery of construction services. Students are introduced to a wide range of project delivery systems, risk management, value engineering and alternative dispute resolution methods. Coursework places particular emphasis on sustainable development. You will learn about state-of-the-art construction methods and project management strategies, as well as project planning, scheduling and cost estimation methods. Our research facilities are equipped with thermal imagery systems, ground penetrating radar, ladybug spherical cameras, laser scanning and more. Faculty members also oversee a number of cutting-edge research laboratories, including Construction Engineering Management Group. This program prepares you for a career and leadership role in the public and private sectors. 143
Chemical Engineering The Master of Applied Science program in Chemical Engineering is a thesis-based program that focuses on the design of new chemical manufacturing processes and on the properties of novel materials. We train skilled engineers that find novel ways in which to solve problems that have significant impacts on everyday life, ranging from climate change to food security. Our faculty members are experts in fields such as green chemical processes, polymers and nanomaterials, new battery materials, environmental health diagnostics, and the fundamental study of the properties of materials. We place particular emphasis on developing sustainable solutions for the energy sector as well as other sectors. Montreal offers unique opportunities to work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and companies supplying the aerospace and transportation sector. 2
Chemical Engineering The PhD program in Chemical Engineering is a thesis-based program that focuses on the design of new chemical manufacturing processes and on the properties of novel materials. We train skilled engineers that find novel ways in which to solve problems that have significant impacts on everyday life, ranging from climate change to food security. Our faculty members are experts in fields such as green chemical processes, polymers and nanomaterials, new battery materials, environmental health diagnostics, and the fundamental study of the properties of materials. We place particular emphasis on developing sustainable solutions for the energy sector as well as other sectors. PhD graduates in Chemical Engineering are typically employed as consultants and research engineers in industry and government labs, or as faculty members in academia. 12
Master of Design The two-year Master of Design program provides an opportunity for students to broaden their theoretical knowledge of design and focus on innovative research in the areas of visual communication, the built environment, interaction design and design studies. The MDes program offers a stimulating and creative environment in which students are encouraged to explore conceptual and theoretical issues through a project-based or academic research.

In contrast to traditional design education in which disciplines such as graphic or industrial design are segmented and separated, the program identifies and synthesizes connections between the visual, the built, and the interactive so that integrated, experimental and collaborative aspects of design practice emerge. Most importantly, the program distinguishes itself by putting the emphasis on issues that deal with sustainability (ecological, social, and economic) as a strategy and a philosophy fundamental for the future of design theory and practice. The program also recognizes the importance of approaching design through sensorial as well as cognitive investigation.
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Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused certificate, concentration, or minor for graduate students?:
Yes

List and description of the institution’s sustainability-focused certificates, concentrations, and minors for graduate students:
GRADUATE  CERTIFICATE/CONCENTRATION/MINOR (FOCUSED) DESCRIPTION # GRADUATES
Certificate in Environmental Engineering The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Engineering is designed for practicing engineers who wish to specialize in one or more of the following subdisciplines in Environmental Engineering: Industrial Waste Management, Environmental Auditing or Modelling in Environmental Systems. 1
Innovation, Technology and Society The Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Technology and Society pushes students to develop new strategies to tackle complex global problems and incorporate them into viable business models. In this program, social entrepreneurs, engineers and non-engineers work together across disciplines to cultivate innovative processes to address issues such as global warming, market crashes and animal extinction. Combining aspects of theoretical and practical learning, the program encourages you to discover ideation techniques before pursuing the commercial potential of your ideas through a practicum at Concordia’s District 3 Innovation Hub.

0
Sustainability Perspectives microprogram Elevate your career with our 7-week Sustainability Perspectives Microprogram. Co-taught by leading experts in the field, this interdisciplinary program blends theory and practice through a flexible curriculum. It equips students to tackle some of the toughest challenges we face today, such as climate change, sustainable cities, corporate governance, engaged artistic practice and responsible citizenship.

Enjoy a flexible schedule that begins with an intensive week of in-person lectures, followed by part-time, remote case study work that you can complete from anywhere.
Through real-world case studies, you'll gain hands-on experience in addressing pressing sustainability issues and apply what you've learned to devise tangible strategies. The program offers the opportunity to expand your network by collaborating with fellow students, professionals and expert professors from various disciplines.

As sustainability takes a more prominent role in our world,
our program prepares you to take meaningful action and lead the integration of sustainable practices across various sectors. 
0

Does the institution offer at least one graduate qualification focused on a subject other than sustainability that has a sustainability-focused learning requirement?:
Yes

List and description of the institution’s graduate qualifications focused on subjects other than sustainability that have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
GRADUATE SUST QUALIFICATIONS (OTHER) DESCRIPTION # GRADUATES
Biotechnology and Genomics The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Genomics will give you a solid foundation in the theories, methods and applications of genomics, molecular genetics, protein biochemistry and bioinformatics. You’ll acquire an in-depth understanding of functional genomics, microbial biotechnology, and protein production for the pharmaceutical, agri-food and forestry industries. You will also learn about the development of genomic methods for industrial and environmental applications. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and training with state-of-the-art genomic and biotechnology research equipment. Thanks to small class sizes and our research component you will be prepared to enter the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or to pursue further graduate studies. 11
Civil Engineering The MASc in Civil Engineering is a course-based program that increases technical knowledge in the design of built facilities, their construction processes, their operation and maintenance and their impact on the surrounding environment. The Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, offers comprehensive programs in building and civil engineering. The program is designed to strengthen specific areas of knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and to provide an introduction to graduate research.  
Civil Engineering The MEng in Civil Engineering is a course-based program that increases technical knowledge in the design of built facilities, their construction processes, their operation and maintenance and their impact on the surrounding environment. The Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, offers comprehensive programs in building and civil engineering. The program is designed to strengthen specific areas of knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and to provide an introduction to graduate research. 69
Chemical Engineering The Graduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering allows you to learn about chemical and materials engineering and their applications. The chemical industry manufactures materials such as composites that reduce the amount of fuel aircrafts consume to lightweight batteries that reduce the size of your cell phone. We need skilled engineers to continue to find novel ways in which to solve problems that have significant impacts on everyday life. Our faculty members are experts in fields ranging from energy storage to nanomaterials, and place particular emphasis on developing sustainable solutions for the energy sector. Montreal offers unique opportunities to work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, oil refining, and companies supplying the aerospace and transportation sector. Working professionals make up a large proportion of the student body and enrich the collective experience of our classrooms. 14

The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:

Points earned for indicator AC 3.1:
4

3.2 Percentage of graduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements

Performance year for graduate qualifications:
2024

Total number of graduate qualifications awarded:
3,011

Number of graduate qualifications awarded that are sustainability-focused:
253

Number of graduate qualifications awarded that are focused on subjects other than sustainability but have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
94

The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following three figures:

Total number of graduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
347

Percentage of graduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements:
11.52

Points earned for indicator AC 3.2:
0.92

Optional documentation

Notes about the information provided for this credit:

METHODOLOGY
(1) We reviewed each program page and took note of programs whose descriptions hinted at sustainability concepts. We copied their desriptions, required courses, and degree type.
(2) If the program title included the term sustainability or if its description included a strong emphasis on sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural.economic systems, we marked it as "focused"
(3) If there were sustainability learning outcomes included in the program description, we highlighted them in bold text and the program was included as a (non-focused) sustainability qualification
(4) Ifany of the program's core courses were identified as sustainability-focused in the AC-1 inventory, we highlighted them in red text and the program was included as a (non-focused) sustainability qualification
(5) We deleted programs that did not meet criteria in (2) or (3) or (4)
(6) We used filters to count the number of programs that meet the various criteria in AC-2 and AC-3 as well as to apply graduation figures to these programs and sum them within their respective criteria

https://www.concordia.ca/sustainability/study/programs-certificates.html

 


Additional documentation for this credit:

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.