Master of Science - Ecological Restoration (Thesis)

The BCIT MSc in Ecological Restoration offers a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum to provide you with the science-based knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver effective restoration programs, while leading respectful engagement with right-holder communities.

This MSc program can be completed in two academic years and has two options:

• Course-based: Combines an intensive set of courses with a one-term applied ecological restoration project. Coursework includes 18 credits for the core courses, 9 credits in specialized ecological restoration electives, and 3 credits in the applied ecological restoration project.
• Thesis-based: Requires a smaller set of courses and more intensive research work in a master’s thesis. Coursework includes 18 credits for the core courses and 12 credits for the thesis. The degree consists of a year of courses plus 52 weeks of thesis research or more as needed.

Both options offer applied research experience and a custom path to specialization within the ecological restoration discipline, either through intensive research work in a thesis or through an applied ecological restoration project and the completion of specialized courses with a strong hands-on component.

The core program consists of six courses designed to lay a common foundation in theoretical and applied concepts of ecological restoration, research methods, project management skills, and social environmental skills. The courses were specifically planned to offer you a balance between theoretical concepts and applied hands-on training. Core courses will focus on preparing you to identify the ecological problem, critically assess the information available, and develop a scientifically defensible restoration plan, while engaging the communities involved and developing strong partnerships.

You will learn to be adaptable and resourceful and to communicate well, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and scientific rigour. These skills will be highly transferable to many disciplines, beyond the specific field of ecological restoration.