Graduate Studies

The Department of Human Ecology’s mission is to create healthy human environments that enhance the quality of daily life. Our graduate students are integral members of our academic and professional communities, conducting research in collaboration with academic staff members who are themselves outstanding scholars. 

Degree Programs: 

Course-based and Thesis Masters programs

An Unparalleled Graduate Experience

"If you are looking for personal growth and development with a steep learning curve, superior guidance and supervision, opportunities to participate in major research activities, share ideas and work with committed students, and want to enjoy a warm and friendly environment, then this is your program, this is your home." (PhD candidate in Aging)

"The experiences and opportunities afforded me through graduate studies in the Department of Human Ecology were invaluable. The programming, passionate faculty, and resources (such as the Clothing and Textiles collection) make this department an ideal setting in which to study Material Culture and Dress History. Because of my time there I discovered what I want to do with my life and acquired the learning, tools, and direction to pursue it!" (Master’s student in Material Culture)

Superior Research Facilities

The Human Ecology Building boasts superior research facilities for staff and graduate students, including:

  • A social science research suite for conducting and teaching focus group, in-depth interview, observational and survey research.
  • Textile science research laboratories, well equipped with up-to-date, well-maintained instruments.
  • An outstanding 28,000-artifact collection of historic and cross-cultural clothing and textiles as well as storage and exhibit facilities for the collection.
  • A dedicated textile and apparel research laboratory with an adjacent temperature and humidity controlled environmental chamber.

Students and staff also have access to research facilities elsewhere on campus through collaboration with other Faculties and institutions on and off-campus. These include the Departments of Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering, the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM), the Centre for Health Promotion Studies, the Alberta Centre on Aging, the Population Research Laboratory, the Research Data Centre, the Data Library, and Statistics Canada. 

For More Information and Assistance

Linda Mirans
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Department of Human Ecology
302A Human Ecology Building
University of Alberta 
Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
T6G 2N1 
Phone: +1 780 492 5230
Fax: +1 780 492 4821
Email: hec.grad@ualberta.ca