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Sustainable Environmental Management

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. 

Two people are sitting in Maloca Garden and planting a tree

3 or 4 years of study

Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES)

Offered full time and part time

Accepts applications for Fall (September), Winter (January), & Summer (May) Entry

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.

Learn More

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

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

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

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

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Key Contact Information

Name Title Extension Office No. Email
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