Environmental Science explores the impact of human activities on our planet through the study of biology, chemistry, physics, and physical geography. You will gain comprehensive training in the sciences needed to address urgent environmental and urban challenges, and practical experience generating and communicating solutions.
The Environmental Science program offers two streams of study, and you select your stream in Year 2 of the program:
- In the Environmental Dynamics stream, you will explore the interactions between land, air, water, and biological organisms to understand how the natural environment responds to stressors.
- In the Biodiversity and Conservation stream, you will learn how organisms and ecological communities are impacted by environmental stressors and become familiar with applying this knowledge to protect species and biodiversity.
Program Overview
In your Environmental Science program, you will get first-hand experience in data collection, research, and scientific analysis in the field and in the laboratory. You will learn to work collaboratively and develop effective communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills while better understanding climate, ecological, and biophysical systems. Our graduates are prepared to make transformative environmental change in careers within the private and public sector.
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 Science (BSc) which typically takes three years to finish, or a 120-credit degree (Honours BSc) which typically takes four years to complete. You have several choices on how to complete the Honours BSc program; for instance, you can double major or major/minor in two different programs.
Topic of study includes:
- Climate change impacts and adaptation
- Biodiversity loss and conservation of species and habitats
- Water security/availability and water quality
- Pollution
- Erosion
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.
- Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
- Physical Geography: The Dynamic Earth
- Cells, Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Evolution, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation Biology
- Chemistry or Physics
- Math
- Computer Science
- Hydrosphere
- Vegetation and Soils
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Geomorphology
- Environmental Assessment
- Disasters! The Earth’s Extreme Natural Events
- Conservation Biology
In addition to the first year core courses which focuses on building knowledge in the field and your academic skills, you will complete additional hands-on, in the field and laboratory studies such as:
- York University Co-op Program provides students in environmental science with an opportunity to integrate their classroom learning with hands-on, paid, work experiences.
- Students measure and analyze environmental samples in multiple field course options with the same equipment and techniques used in professional settings. In field study courses, such as Hydrosphere in second year, students measure energy flows, precipitation patterns, soil moisture, snow cover and streamflow on York’s campus. Whereas in another course, Water Quality and Stream Ecosystems, students conduct physical, chemical, and biological sampling of Black Creek.
- The Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab provides hands-on training on lab analytical equipment under the supervision of a senior technician. Students routinely use the facility to conduct independent projects on soil and water for course work.
- In our Flume lab students use a research-grade hydraulic flume to model river dynamics for course work and career-readiness training.
- Semester Abroad at the Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica
Career Path
The environmental sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. With issues of climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, and equity at the forefront of the public conscious, more organizations and businesses are looking to hire environmental professionals. By developing technical, hands-on scientific experience in research and analysis along with transferrable skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership, our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields such as science, technology, education, government, and business.
Sample Career
- Aquatic Scientist
- Conservationist
- Environmental Control Specialist
- Laboratory Technician
- Climate Change Scientist
- Hydrologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
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 Science Playlist
Have you ever wondered... which songs represent #YorkUEUC programs the best? Listen to The Official Environmental Science Playlist 🎶
Testimonials
Ready to turn your passion into a profession? At EUC, our students and alumni are channeling their passion for the environment and social justice into meaningful careers that drive positive change. From hands-on learning experiences to real-world research projects, discover how EUC is empowering the next generation of changemakers. Hear their stories and get a glimpse of the exciting path that could await you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
My EUCURA research investigated the ways in which Indigenous people do not have the same ability to forget, and it found that polishing the chain could be used pedagogically to expose non-Indigenous Canadians to their luxury of forgetting and it may create daily “radical reminders” of the ongoing colonization of this land.
The SHSM program has provided me valuable experience, training and certifications, which has strengthened my resume and developed skills related to my field of study. Through SHSM, I was able to feel more aligned
with my ambitions and commitment to succeed. Furthermore, the program’s benefits have made me a stronger candidate for financing opportunities by showcasing my dedication and preparation for university-level work.
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Katherine Tse is a recipient of EUC's Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) in Summer 2024. She was part of the study on Lake Scugog where York University undergraduate students in the Environmental Science program partnered with the Scugog Lake Stewards to investigate lake ice decline.
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.
Claire O'Hagan is one of the recipients of the inaugural EUC Undergraduate Research Awards (EUCURA) in 2022. As part of the award, she worked with Professor Joshua Thienpont on a project titled Assessing a potential tool for rapid assessment of shoreline permafrost thaw impacts to lake sediments.
With geography, we learn of the absence of neutrality in space, as there is always more to it than meets the eye. Every corner of the world bears historical struggles and inspirations for future possibilities. As a future geography and history teacher, my goal is to educate people on the importance of making and understanding connections between the two disciplines.
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.
My favourite part of the program is its diverse curriculum. Economic, Environmental, and Global Political Problems and their possible solutions and many more interesting concepts are part of this curriculum.
Jesse Hughes is a recipient of the EUC Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) and worked with Gail Fraser on the project ‘Quantifying predator type and abundance of nesting common terns at Tommy Thompson Park.
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.
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.
Las Nubes was a life changing academic experience. It gives you such a personal, unique, intimate travel experience that regular travel doesn’t provide, and I would recommend it for any student who is eligible.
My favourite part of the program is its diverse curriculum. Economic, Environmental, and Global Political Problems and their possible solutions and many more interesting concepts are part of this curriculum.
Katherine Tse is a recipient of EUC's Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) in Summer 2024. She was part of the study on Lake Scugog where York University undergraduate students in the Environmental Science program partnered with the Scugog Lake Stewards to investigate lake ice decline.
Jasper Wong is a recipient of the EUC Undergraduate Research Award (EUCURA) and worked on the project on Land use/Land cover dynamics and land surface temperature within the Humber River Catchment using Remote Sensing and GIS with Professor Adeyemi Olusola.
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.
The field of planning resonates with me on a personal level, and the prospect of creating meaningful connections within a community and environment has always fascinated me.
My experience at EUC has been truly transformative—far exceeding my expectations as an international student. The supportive community, close-knit connections, and the confidence I’ve gained have made EUC an unforgettable part of my journey.
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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.
[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.
As a student, I recommend you explore opportunities beyond what academia can offer. Take advantages of opportunities outside of the classroom. If your program offers you an opportunity to take courses abroad or if there is a learning opportunity outside of classes – go for it!
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Key Contact Information
| Name | Title | Extension | Office No. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Thienpont | Assistant Professor | 22002 | HNES 241 | eucenvsci@yorku.ca | |
| Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca | |
| Sharrieffa Sattaur |
|
30397 | HNES 130 | EUAdvise@yorku.ca | |