Joint program with the Faculty of Science
Environmental Science explores the impact of human activities on our planet through the study of biology, chemistry, physics and physical geography. You will gain a scientific foundation in the biological and physical sciences needed to address urgent environmental and urban challenges and generate and communicate solutions.
The Environmental Science program offers two streams of study, and you select your stream in Year 2 of the program:
- In the Environmental Dynamics stream, you will specialize in physical geography, studying the interactions between land, air, water, and biological organisms to understand how the natural environment responds to stressors.
- In the Biodiversity and Conservation stream, you will specialize in environmental biology to understand how organisms and ecological communities are impacted by environmental stressors and learn to apply this knowledge to protect species and biodiversity.
In your studies, you will get practical experience in data collection, research, and scientific analysis in the field and in the laboratory. You will learn to work collaboratively and develop effective communication, analytic and critical thinking skills while better understanding climate, ecological and biophysical systems. Our graduates are prepared to make transformative environmental change in careers within the private and public sector.
Students will explore these critical issues:
- Climate change impacts and adaptation
- Biodiversity and conservation of species and habitats
- Water security and water quality
- Pollution
- Erosion
Our environmental science students gain a scientific foundation in the biological and physical sciences needed to address urgent environmental and urban challenges – and generate and communicate solutions.
At a Glance
4 years of study
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Offered full time and some part time
Accepts applications for Fall (September), Winter (January), & Summer (May) Entry
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 the Ontario and in the work place.
York University Co-op Program provides students in environmental science with an opportunity to integrate their classroom learning with hands-on, paid, work experiences.
Students measure and analyze environmental samples in multiple field course options with the same equipment and techniques used in professional settings.
In field study courses, such as Hydrosphere in second year, students measure water and energy flows on York’s campus. Whereas in another course, Water Quality and Stream Ecosystems, students conduct sampling of Black Creek following the standardized protocols outlined in the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol and the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network.sional settings.
The Aquatic Biogeochemistry Lab provides hands-on training on lab analytical equipment under the supervision of a senior technician. Students routinely use the facility to conduct independent projects and for course work.
In our Flume lab students use a research-grade hydraulic flume to model river dynamics for course work and career-readiness training.
Career Possibilities
The environmental sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. With The environmental sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. With issues of climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, and equity at the forefront of the public conscious, more organizations and businesses are looking to hire environmental professionals. By developing technical, hands-on scientific experience in research and analysis along with transferrable skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership, our graduates are working in both the public and private sector in a variety of fields such as science, technology, education, government, business.
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
- Aquatic Scientist
- Conservationist
- Environmental Control Specialist
- Laboratory Technician
- Climate Change Scientist
- Hydrologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- 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.
First year Courses
Non-Major Science requirement: students will take at least 12 credits from two different non-science subject areas, and at least three credits from each subject area chosen from among:
- 3.00 Credits from Computer Science: LE/EECS 1520 3.00 or LE/EECS 1540 3.00
- 6.00 Credits from Foundational Science: (SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 and SC/CHEM 1001 3.00); or (SC/PHYS 1421 3.00 and SC/PHYS 1422 3.00); or (SC/PHYS 1011 3.00 and SC/PHYS 1012 3.00).
- 6.00 Credits from Mathematics: (SC/MATH 1506 3.00 and MATH 1507 3.00); or (SC/MATH 1013 3.00 and SC/MATH 1014 3.00); SC/BIOL 1000 3.00; SC/BIOL 1001 3.00; SC/GEOG 1401 3.00 (cross-listed to EU/GEOG 1401 3.00); SC/GEOG 1402 3.00 (cross-listed to EU/GEOG 1402 3.00)
- 3.00 credits in first year from the following list: EU/ENVS 1010 3.00 and EU/ENVS 1100 3.00
Please note: Both ENVS 1010 and ENVS 1100 are required to fulfill humanities requirement 6.00 credits.
