Create solutions for a just and equitable world. Address our global environmental challenges through various ways of knowing, thinking and creating, by exploring policy and legal possibilities and by hands-on and professional artistic practice. Explore indigenous and environmental thought, political, cultural and educational practice.
Through creativity, collaboration, critical analysis, and hands-on community engagement, learn how we can envision and realize a just and sustainable future.
Program Overview
The EAJ program embraces an expansive view of environmental justice along with the arts and art-making. This highly interdisciplinary program merges courses in literature, policy, social science, environmental science, media production, performance, and art with hands-on learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
You will develop leadership, analytical, creative, collaborative and presentation skills – key to envisioning and realizing a better environmental future.
You have a variety of options on the types of degrees you wish to pursue. For example, you may wish to complete a 90-credit Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) which typically takes three years to finish, or a 120-credit degree (Honours BES or Specialized Honours BES) which typically takes four years to complete. You have several choices on how to complete the Honours BES program; for instance, you can double major or major/minor in two different programs.
Topic of study includes:
- Climate crisis
- Indigenous sovereignty and decolonization
- Environmental racism
- Loss of biodiversity
- Resource extraction
- Food justice
- Space/place and land ethics
- Human-animal-plant relations
- Gender identities and relationships
The program (your major) is structured around a sequence of required core courses starting in your first year of study, as well as elective courses that you can choose. These core courses will provide the foundation to your scholarly and professional development in the program.
- Introduction to Environmental Documentaries
- The World Today
- The Dynamic Earth
- Artists and Writers who have changed the world: Introduction to Environmental Arts
- Environmental Politics and Justice
An elective course of your choice. This course can be used to start a double major or minor with your Environmental Arts and Justice degree.
In addition to the first year core courses which focuses on building knowledge in the field and your academic skills, you will complete additional core courses such as:
In ENVS 2122 Community Arts for Social Change, students visit local communities and galleries to learn how they are mobilizing cultural productions to speak back to violence and injustice. Students then experiment with various media to create their own projects.
In ENVS 3010 Qualitative Methods in Environmental Studies, students will practice their interviewing skills, learn how to analyze data and pool their resources to conduct an-in depth study examining Environmental Activism among York undergraduate students.
In ENVS 4001 Field Placement, students (who meet the requirements) have an opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a work placement with government, NGOs, community groups and/or businesses for credit. You will gain confidence and valuable work experience that will serve you well when launching your career post-graduation.
Other hands on courses:
- Urban Gardening, Justice and Sustainability
- Environmental Arts Workshop
- Food, Land and Culture
- Work Placement with a community organization
- Semester Abroad at the Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica
- Global Environmental Politics
- Social Movements, Activism and Social Change
Career Path
The environmental sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. With issues of equity, climate crisis and sustainability, at the forefront of the public conscious, more organizations and businesses are looking to hire environmental professionals. By developing artistic, hands-on experiences coupled with transferrable skills such as communication, critical thinking, project coordination, and leadership our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields including education, government, business, non-profit, arts and more.
Sample Career
- Environmental Lawyer
- Policy Developer
- Diversity and Equity Professional
- Outreach Educator
- Artist and Designer
- Environmental Organizer
To help you succeed, our Experiential Education Coordinator provides a variety of career support services to our students including resume help, interview prep, and career planning workshops, and maintains an exclusive job board just for our students.
The Official Environmental Arts & Justice Playlist
Have you ever wondered... which songs represent #YorkUEUC programs the best? Listen to The Official Environmental Arts & Justice Playlist 🎶
Student Testimonials
Kira Jordun
3rd year Global Geography (BA)
Emily Carr Secondary School
The experiential learning opportunities offered within EUC have enabled me to build valuable connections with esteemed faculty and likeminded peers. These immersive experiences have not only equipped me with strong research skills but also instilled in me a passion for environmental stewardship, preparing me to make a tangible impact in the field.
Julian De Lisio
3rd year Cities, Regions, Planning (BES)
Father Bressani Catholic High School
Through the Cities, Regions, Planning and Schulich PMMP (4+1 Pathway) program, I aim to integrate urban planning principles with sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems andvibrant communities.
Luisa Regina Anota Guzman
Sustainable Environmental Management (BES ‘24)
Masters in Environmental Studies Candidate
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
My time at the EUC has been transformative, making me feel like a true changemaker. As an international student, the welcoming community, experiential education courses, and networking opportunities have made me feel valued and helped bring my ideas, goals, and career plans to life.
Alumni Testimonials
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2009
My journey has been driven by a passion for addressing climate change impacts, advocating for vulnerable communities and shaping international climate policy. From coordinating national climate strategies to negotiating on behalf of small island states, I’ve dedicated myself to environmental justice and sustainable development. I’m proud to have played a role in influencing global climate targets and continuing to champion critical issues in international discussions.
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2019
[Getting involved within faculty-student programs] can be incredibly beneficial. These programs offer opportunities to build meaningful relationships beyond just academic acquaintanceships. Especially during stressful times, like navigating university life, having a supportive community can make all the difference. It's reassuring to know that others are facing similar challenges and that genuine connections can be formed.
Bachelor in Geography 2017
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2018
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2018
"The path to life is like entropy, order and disorder. The order is the instinctive pathway in life you choose, and the disorder is the variety of directions you take to achieve your goal."
Master of Science in Geography 2004
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2020
“Take advantage of Student Counselling, Health & Well-being services. There are many resources available to students, ask questions and advocate for yourself, because there are staff and faculty who will help you along the way.”
Master in Environmental Studies 2022
I look at how film production integrates into community, movements, and society to create change
Bachelor in Geography 2014
My advice to students is to explore the variety of career paths that are available with a geography degree
PhD in Environmental Studies 2022
Bachelor in Environmental Studies 2012
"As you start and continue your journey at EUC, learn with a purpose because what you learn can be useful beyond your grades. Find ways to prove what you have learned in your classes and build on your learning with volunteer placements and internships. Finally, network and don’t forget to be a good friend to your peers along the way because these friendships may last you a lifetime."
Discover More
Key Contact Information
| Name | Title | Extension | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa Myers | Associate Professor | 77446 | HNES 284 | euceaj@yorku.ca |
| Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca |
| OSAS Team | OSAS Team | 33510 | HNES 137B | EUAdvise@yorku.ca |