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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

Program Curriculum

Our programs offer you a flexible and individualized approach to your studies. Customize your degree for your future - choose to complete a 3-year or 4-year degree, add optional pathways to your study plan, including double majors & minors, specialized certificates, add on a master’s degree to your time at York U, or choose from a variety of elective course options.

One year in the program equals 30 credits per year over the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To understand what year you are in, total up your successfully completed credits.

Humanities Requirement -  6.00 credits:

ENVS 1010 3.00 Introduction to Environmental Documentaries and ENVS 1100 3.00 The land we’re on: Treaties, art and environment or any other 1000-level humanities general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Social Science or the Natural Science requirement.

Social Sciences Requirement -  6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1000 6.00 The World Today: An Introduction to World Geography or any other 1000-level social sciences general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Natural Science requirement.

Natural Sciences requirement – 6.00:

GEOG 1401 3.00 Weather and Climate and GEOG 1402 3.00 The Dynamic Earth or any other 1000-level natural science general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Social Science requirement.

ENVS 1500 3.00 Environmental Science  

ENVS 1400 3.00 Foundations of Environmental Management: Policy, Resources and Conservation

Free Electives:  6.00 Credits

3.00 Credits chosen from:

18.00 Credits at the 3000-level courses (or 4000-level subject to space availability and approval) chosen from:

Free Electives:  9.00 Credits

One year in the program equals 30 credits per year over the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To understand what year you are in, total up your successfully completed credits.

Humanities Requirement -  6.00 credits:

ENVS 1010 3.00 Introduction to Environmental Documentaries and ENVS 1100 3.00 The land we’re on: Treaties, art and environment or any other 1000-level humanities general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Social Science or the Natural Science requirement.

Social Sciences Requirement -  6.00 Credits:

GEOG 1000 6.00 The World Today: An Introduction to World Geography or any other 1000-level social sciences general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Natural Science requirement.

Natural Sciences requirement – 6.00:

GEOG 1401 3.00 Weather and Climate and GEOG 1402 3.00 The Dynamic Earth or any other 1000-level natural science general education course (at least 6 credits) not listed as either satisfying the Humanities or the Social Science requirement.

ENVS 1500 3.00 Environmental Science  

ENVS 1400 3.00 Foundations of Environmental Management: Policy, Resources and Conservation

Free Electives:  6.00 Credits

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 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.

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

  • Environmental Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator
  • Energy Assessor
  • Geographic Information Systems Technologist
  • Environmental Educator
  • Green Entrepreneur
  • Policy Analyst
  • Project Coordinator
  • Environmental Site Assessor
  • Environmental Consultant

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 🎶

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!

Discover More

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