The Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program is the first and only program of its kind in Canada, bringing together one of Canada’s top law schools with one of the most innovative environmental studies faculties. Through cutting edge, interdisciplinary teaching and research in Law and Environmental Studies, the program provides insight into the ways in which humans define, manage and transform their environments, and equips students with the knowledge and tools to participate in that process.
The JD/MES program offers the opportunity to:
- Earn a JD degree at Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master in Environmental Studies (MES) at York’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change in four years
- Integrate these two critical fields to prepare for a range of careers in environmental affairs, law and planning, including positions in private law firms, government, business corporations, international organizations, the non-profit sector and academia.
The Program
Students in the JD/MES Program spend their first year full-time in either faculty, and their second year full-time in the first year program of the other faculty. The first-year MES Program is made up of three consecutive terms, while the first-year JD Program is made up of two terms with the summer term off. In the third and fourth years, students enrol full-time in the JD Program for the fall and winter terms, and spend the summer after third year full-time in the MES Program working on the MES major research paper/project or gaining field experience.
Admission
Applicants to the joint program must apply and be accepted into both programs separately. Students may apply to both programs simultaneously, or during their first year in either program. For detailed information regarding application deadlines and admissions requirements, see the Osgoode and Faculty of Environmental Studies & Urban Change admissions pages.