Master of Chemical Risk Assessment

Professional Program - Next Intake: September 2026

This program is a partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and Aarhus University in Denmark.  The next program offering will begin September, 2026.  

Program Overview

The Master of Chemical Risk Assessment (MRA) is a detailed and specialized professional-style program that focuses on how chemical risk assessments are performed, with a focus on both environmental and human health. This globally unique program is delivered 100% online and covers both prospective (e.g., for registration and use of pesticides) and retrospective (e.g., assessment of a contaminated site or a chemical already in use) risk assessment procedures. The program covers both theory and applied practices and exposes learners to the tools, models and approaches most commonly used to perform chemical risk assessments. Throughout the program, learners will be engaged in interactive global case studies and assignments across geographies. Graduates will be fully equipped to enter jobs in the risk assessment field in any sector upon completion.

The program is offered in partnership with Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Denmark.  https://envs.au.dk/en/

Career Prospects

Successful completion of the program will prepare graduates well for separate certification in environmental risk assessment managed by the International Board of Environmental Risk Assessors (IBERA).

Program Delivery

The MRA involves 12 (six week) courses offered online over 21 months.  All lectures will be delivered by well-recognized university professors and world-recognized experts in topics related to chemical risk assessment.  Courses have a global focus and are structured so that students from around the world will work together to address real-world issues related to chemicals management, chemicals and human health, and chemicals in the environment (global problems require global solutions).

Lectures will be delivered mostly asynchronously through recorded content.  There will be approximately 2 - 3 hours per week of synchronous sessions which will be scheduled in the mornings in North America and afternoons in Europe.  Exact times will be determined based on enrollment and instructor availability. 

Overall Curricular Objectives

Graduates of the MRA program will:

  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of chemical risk assessment from theoretical to practical.
  • Become efficient at obtaining data for chemical risk assessments and learn to use tools and models to perform chemical or site-specific risk assessments.
  • Learn how to use modern, science-based risk assessment approaches in support of decision making, both corporate and regulatory.
  • Develop an appreciation for the regulations and policies that often govern how risk assessments need to be done.
  • Learn how to work in groups representing diverse stakeholders to set risk assessment goals and come to mutually acceptable solutions.

Admissions Requirements

  • A four-year degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in a science-related discipline, OR a three-year first cycle undergraduate degree, in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study, from an institution that meets the criteria set forth in the Bolgna Declaration, will be acceptable as the equivalent of an undergraduate degree.
  • a minimum cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units or EU equivalent)
  • English will be the primary language of instruction. Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, or another approved test as outlined by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. [Note: These are minimum language proficiency requirements; however, stronger scores are generally expected for successful entry into the MRA ]
  • A completed online application, the associated application fee, and all supporting application documents including:
    • Statement of Intent: Applicants must provide a written Statement of Intent (1000-word maximum) describing why they want to join the program and how their expertise, work and/or volunteer experience make them an ideal candidate for the program. 
    • Letters of reference: Applicants will need to provide three letters of reference—either academic or professional letters. In their letters of reference, all referees should speak to the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program.
    • Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae: Applicants must include all post-secondary education, work experiences, and any publications, presentations, and awards.
    • Transcripts: Full transcripts and a copy of the previous degree diploma must be provided upon application.

Tuition

Students can expect to typically complete 18 credit units in each year. Information regarding tuition and other costs are found here:  Tuition and Student Fees.  Note that the rates quoted are for the current academic year, which ends in August 2024.  We anticipate that the rates will increase by 4% in the coming academic year.  Tuition for this program will be assessed on a per credit unit basis.  The anticipated tuition rates per credit unit will be between $400 and $430 CAD for domestic students and between $915 and $960 for international students.

Information Sessions

To find out more information you may take part in information sessions being offered by the School of Environment & Sustainability (SENS) at the following link https://sens.usask.ca/about/information-sessions-sens-graduate-programs.php

Applications will be accepted for Fall 2026 intake starting in September 2025.  To apply, please go to the following link:  https://grad.usask.ca/admissions/how-to-apply.php  The professional program is listed as "Chemical Risk Assessment - Master - Course - Based"

For more information contact:

Katherine Raes, Graduate Secretary
Tel:  306-966-2795
Email:  katherine.raes@usask.ca