Environmental Studies

 T

he public and private environmental sectors are some of the fastest-growing in the world. Organizations large and small are desperate to add environmental professionals to their teams to make their businesses more sustainable and efficient. The Environmental Careers Organization of Canada predicts growth of almost 10 per cent in the job market by 2033, with more than 480,000 job openings for environmental workers. Enter a cohort of keen, environmentally minded students who are choosing the exciting and evolving world of environmental studies.

Programs and definitions vary across Canadian universities but, in general, B.A.s in environmental studies are holistic and interdisciplinary, based in the social sciences and humanities. Their counterpart, environmental science, is a bachelor of science that includes courses like biology, chemistry and math. While environmental studies includes some science, its focus is on how humans interact with the environment in various contexts, including business, law and policy. Students gain management and problem-solving skills to address environmental issues. 

Environmental studies is a relatively young field that emerged in the mid-20th century in response to issues like population growth, overconsumption, urbanization and industrialization. The curriculum changes rapidly to stay current; a couple of generations ago, the environmental conversation was focused on litter, acid rain and the hole in the ozone. Even a few years ago, terms like “greenwashing,” “eco-anxiety,” “net zero” and “carbon offsets” were far less common.

These days, environmental studies syllabi focus on real-world problems that need solutions, such as climate change, natural resource depletion, pollution and biodiversity loss. Students learn how to measure environmental impact, implement sustainable alternatives, promote resource management and explore green energy sources. First-year courses tend to be general introductions to topics such as sustainability, toxicology and ecological economics, while middle- and upper-year courses allow for more specialization: environmental policy, sustainable foods systems, wildlife issues and environmental justice. Final-year studies often incorporate independent research projects or field placements at laboratories, municipalities and conservation centres.

Grads find positions and careers where they can make fast and tangible environmental change. Many will land governmental roles in water, forestry, energy and natural resources. Others may find work in education, community service and public awareness, teaching in places like schools, zoos, parks, science centres and museums. Those who choose the private sector can become environmental specialists and conflict resolution facilitators. Ample opportunities also exist in the non-profit world, where organizations seek project leaders, fundraisers and consultants. 

Environmental studies is a good foundation for many careers, making it a popular choice for students who plan to go on to grad school, teacher’s college or law school. These higher credentials open the door to careers in meteorology, environmental law and wildlife biology. In addition, combining an environmental science minor with engineering, economics, geography, communications or public health makes for a unique blend of knowledge that falls within the broad—and still broadening—environmental studies umbrella.

Standout Environmental Studies Programs

Our standout programs are based on research by our team of journalists who speak to industry experts, educational consultants and others to develop a selection of programs worth considering. This is not a ranked list.

University of British Columbia

Degree: Bachelor of arts in environment and sustainability
Co-op: Yes

UBC’s environment and sustainability program focuses on the interaction between society and the environment, and offers courses that challenge students to look at the environment and sustainability from local and global perspectives. Students are pushed to consider how colonialism and inequities are tied to the environment. They will develop skills suited for work in government, policy and non-
government organizations.

Memorial University

Degree: Bachelor of environment and sustainability
Co-op: No

Students at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus can choose between one of two streams. If they prefer the social sciences, they can take courses like economics and geography. Alternatively, they can opt for a scientific focus, which involves courses like quantitative methods or population and resource dynamics.

University of Saskatchewan

Degree: Bachelor of arts and science
Co-op: No

The University of Saskatchewan’s environment and society program dives into modern society’s interplay with major environmental issues. Through a social science and humanities perspective, students study topics like climatology, public policy, statistics, population growth and more. Degrees are offered in specializations like climate change, environmental management and environmental challenges, and students can get real-world experience through up to five four-month paid co-op placements.

University of Waterloo

Degree: Bachelor of environmental studies
Co-op: Yes

Waterloo’s faculty of environment offers a number of options. The environment, resources and sustainability program focuses on addressing broad challenges like food security and ecosystem conservation. In the geography and environmental management program, students learn technical skills, like sensing techniques and map production, to help tackle climate change, water scarcity and population growth. For students wanting to merge their passion for sustainability with commerce, the environment and business program blends business concepts with courses in field ecology, human geography and more. 

Dalhousie University

Degree: Bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of management, bachelor of community design, bachelor of journalism
Co-op: Yes

Dalhousie offers its environment, sustainability and society program in combination with any undergraduate degree. Students learn the link between environmental complexities—such as water scarcity, energy security and environmental degradation—and major societal issues like urbanization, consumption and poverty. Students in arts, science or community design can take part in a work placement in third year. 

Trent University

Degree: Bachelor of environmental science/studies
Co-op: No

Trent’s program marries the sciences with the arts, providing a well-rounded education that integrates many different disciplines. The program uses the school’s abundant access to nature to bolster its coursework. The campus, located in Peterborough, Ontario, is home to 11 nature areas, a research farm and state-of-the-art labs where students can get their hands dirty.

University of Manitoba

Degree: Bachelor of environmental studies
Co-op: Yes

This interdisciplinary environmental studies program encourages students to focus on the institutional, political and legal aspects surrounding environmental issues. The program offers a number of field courses, which take place outside of the classroom and provide hands-on learning, as well as a co-op program. The environmental studies program is housed within the faculty of environment, earth and resources, which also hosts the school’s environmental sciences program—students in the two programs share courses and field experiences.