We know you are looking to make positive change and seeking a University major that will provide you with the knowledge, training and experience that will empower you to do just that! We also know choosing a major can be difficult and that you may need a little more time and some experience in University to make this “major” decision.
The Undeclared major option offers you an open first year experience that will provide you with the opportunity to take foundation courses in four majors offered by the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) at York University.
In EUC, we offer programs that will empower our students as changemakers through interdisciplinary thinking, experiential learning and global perspectives. In your first year as an EUC Undeclared major, you will become part of a learning and teaching community that is devoted to making the world a better place for all and will be able to tap into our student support services that will help you succeed and plan for your future.
What will my first year look like?
In your first year, you will enroll in courses that satisfy degree requirements in Cities, Regions, Planning (BES), Environmental Arts and Justice (BES), Global Geography (BA), or Sustainable Environmental Management (BES). By taking our foundational, first year courses you will get a better sense of what your major is all about, experience the hands on learning we offer in all our majors and explore potential future career pathways.
Since these courses will count towards any of majors offered in EUC, you can narrow down your academic interests and career options before having to choose a major, all without losing time on completing your degree at York.
Please note: This major option is available for first time university students only and does not include the option to transfer to Environmental Science (BSc) major in EUC.
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.
If you have started your university journey in EUC’s Undeclared program, you are able to select first year courses (1000-level courses) within the faculty or in a different faculty offering an open first year experience. If you are unsure of which courses take, please set up an Academic Advising Appointment for support.
During this first year, students are encouraged to complete General Education Courses along with these courses, you can select explore courses that are offered by the four majors within the EUC. Once you have successfully completed 18-24 credits, you can officially declare your major. This can be a difficult decision, and we are here to help. Contact your Academic Advisor who can provide more information about the programs and next steps. You can also reach out to our Peer Mentors who are upper year students in our 5 programs: Cities, Regions, Planning, Sustainable Environmental Management, Global Geography, Environmental Arts and Justice, and/or Environmental Science.
Ready to declare your major? Make sure that you have the required credits and are within the specified times listed on the Registrar’s Office Program Change page and follow the instructions that are listed.
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.
Student 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.
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. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca |
| OSAS Team | OSAS Team | 33510 | HNES 137B | EUAdvise@yorku.ca |