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
Program Curriculum
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.
This list of General Education Courses contains some of the options that can be used to meet your general education requirements. The courses in green are offered within the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. The remaining courses are offered within a different faculty at York and may require students to gain permission from that faculty or department. Please note that not all of the courses will be available every year and in every term, make sure to consult the York U Course Website to learn more.
As part of your degree, you may want to add one of 2 certificates that are offered within EUC. Adding a certificate will provide you with additional knowledge and skills-sets to help level up and accelerate your career. Learn more about adding either the Certificate in Climate Solutions and Sustainable Energy or the Certificate in Geomatics: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing or set up an appointment with your Academic Advisor to learn more.
Want to complete an undergrad AND a masters in 5 years? Check out our 3+2 program to learn more and set up an appointment with your Academic Advisor to see if you meet the requirements.
Do you want to become a teacher? Check out the Direct Entry Bed program and complete two university degrees at the same time to become a qualified teacher in Ontario.
Lastly, you may want to add a Double Major or Minor to your program to increase your learning while completing your degree. Check out the Academic Calendar to see what’s on offer and consult with your Academic Advisor to learn more about the requirements and next steps.
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.
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.
Sample Career
- Aquatic Scientist
- Conservationist
- Environmental Control Specialist
- Laboratory Technician
- Climate Change Scientist
- Hydrologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
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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I chose to study Environmental Arts and Justice because this program combines my interests of sustainability and environmental issues with the arts and human rights. I wanted to learn how to incorporate my creative skills as an artist and a musician into my passion for the environment, all while advocating for social and environmental change.


I picked EAJ because I knew it would give me the foundations in how to apply a more creative aspect in my teaching style when I would become a teacher. Also because I was curious in how art can help drive environmental, social and political change (climate justice) during our climate crisis.

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.

EUC’s reputation in universities in Canada and the opportunities that this faculty has for the students in my major, for experiential learning as well as research opportunities, were amazing and that’s what made me choose to study here.

I’ve had many opportunities for growth and community building at EUC, especially volunteering with the Maloca Community Garden which helped me develop an interest and possible career path in bee and pollinator conservation!

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!



Discover More
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 | |