Learn how we can sustain and revitalize our natural environments through the conservation and restoration of our ecosystems. Explore the basic concepts of ecology, ecosystem management, policy and the social, economic, legal and political nature of environmental issues. Participate in hands-on, in class, and field studies to complete this dual credential program, achieving both a 4-year Bachelor’s with Honours degree from York University and a 3year Advanced Diploma with Fleming College in just 5 years.
Topics of study include:
- Restoration/conservation of ecosystems
- Habitat assessment
- Geographic Information Systems
- Ecological research
- Rural and urban planning
- Environmental protection
- Urban ecology
- Sustainable and just transitions
The Ecosystem Management program brings together the Sustainable Environmental Management (BES) program offered by the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change with the Ecosystem Management Technology program offered by Fleming College. In this unique dual credential program, you can choose to begin your studies at York U’s Keele Campus in Toronto, ON or at Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay,ON, offering you the opportunity to learn in both an urban and rural setting to gain a better understanding of the various ecosystems. Your studies will take you beyond the classroom to provide you hands-on training and skill development in diverse environments including urban parks and city spaces, as well as rivers, lakes, and other watersheds, forests and fields.

At a Glance
5 years of study
at York University and Fleming College
Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES) and Advanced Diploma
Offered full time and part time
Accepts applications from high school applicants (Fall only) and from college or university transfer and mature applicants (Fall and Winter)
Option to choose start location at York University’s Keele Campus or Fleming College’s Frost Campus
Application Process
Hands-on Learning and Field Studies
Learning in the field is a key component in our program. Your courses will take you on location with field trips to various places in Toronto, across Ontario and in the work place.

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 in the lab for real world applications.
Work Placement
Course for degree credit is an option for all Cities, Regions, Planning students with private or public organization, agency or ENGOs.

Career Possibilities
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 conscious, 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 Careers
- Environmental Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator
- Land Use Auditor
- Geographic Information Systems Technologist
- Habitat Assessor
- Green Entrepreneur
- Policy Analyst
- Project Coordinator
- Environmental Consultant
Overseas Placements
Going global is optional in this program. You can choose to Study Abroad on an international Exchange program or take courses on our Semester Abroad at the Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica.
We also offer you the opportunity to complete a Global internship with York International.

Program Curriculum
Attached has TWO pathways – starting at York or starting at Fleming
Start at York
Degree Requirements for York University Students going to Fleming College
Start at Fleming
Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Dual Credential with Fleming 2021-22 Degree Requirements for Students Enrolling at York after Completing their Advanced Diploma in Ecosystem Management Technology (EMX)
Learn all degree requirements for Ecosystem Management.
Key Contact Information
Name | Title | Extension | Office No. | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brittany Giglio | Recruitment & Admission Officer | 22671 | HNES 125 | eucapply@yorku.ca |
OSAS Team | Student Success Coordinator | 33510 | HNES 137B | EUAdvise@yorku.ca |