Explore some of the most critical issues facing the earth today: the climate crisis, the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, waste management, energy consumption and sustainable solutions.
In the Sustainable Environmental Management program, you will investigate how the environment and natural resources are managed, and how we can transition toward more just and sustainable systems. You will learn key problem-solving, innovation and holistic strategies, combined with an understanding of policy, social dynamics with applied aspects of environmental science and technology.
As you learn first-hand about energy, water, biodiversity, food and waste, you will develop the technical skills to analyze, synthesize and evaluate political, economic and social dimensions of environmental problems and develop pathways to sustainability transitions and innovation.
Program Overview
As a Sustainable environmental management student, you will benefit from practical experience through hands-on classroom activities, field- and lab-based courses, guest lectures, case studies, and community engagement. The program offers educational work placements and opportunities to participate in the Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica.
You will develop transferrable skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and project management to effectively engage in environmental issues in government, the private sector, and not-for-profit sectors in Canada and abroad, and make positive contributions toward a sustainable 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 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.
Students will explore these critical global issues:
- Low-carbon energy transition
- Environmental policy and governance
- Ecological economics
- Climate change science and mitigation
- Urban ecology
- Sustainable and just transitions
- Community energy and planning
- Wildlife conservation
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.
- Weather and Climate
- The Dynamic Earth
- The World Today
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Management
- Energy and the Environment
- Economics for the Anthropocene
- Ecology and Conservation
- Climate Change Mitigation
- Business and Sustainability
- Urban Habitats and Restoration
Ecosystem Services
In addition to the first year core courses which focuses on building knowledge in the field and your academic skills, you will complete additional courses that include hands-on and field studies such as
- Introduction to Environmental Science. This course will take you into York University woodlots to collect ecological data to develop keys skills for presenting scientific data
- Solutions: Sustainability, Justice, Transitions. This course will use real world case studies to learn about the successes or failures of transitions to new systems.
- Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course will train you to use GIS software for real world applications
- Additional opportunities:
- Work Placement with private or public organization, agency or ENGO.
- 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 sustainability, climate crisis, and equity at the forefront of the public concern about the environment, more organizations and businesses are looking to hire environmental professionals. By developing technical, hands-on abilities coupled with transferrable skills such as project management, critical thinking, and communication, our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields including business, science and technology, education, government, and more.
Sample Career
- Environmental Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator
- Energy Assessor
- Geographic Information Systems Technologist
- Environmental Educator
- Green Entrepreneur
- Policy Analyst
- Project Coordinator
- Environmental Site Assessor
- 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 Sustainable Environmental Management Playlist
Have you ever wondered... which songs represent #YorkUEUC programs the best? Listen to The Official Sustainable Environmental Management 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. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Thiemann | Associate Professor; Sustainable Environmental Management Coordinator | 22621 | HNES 271 | eucsem@yorku.ca |
| Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca |
| OSAS Team | OSAS Team | 33510 | HNES 137B | EUAdvise@yorku.ca |