Environmental Science (BSc) | EUC

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

Our programs are open for students direct from high school, with previous post-secondary studies, international students, exchange students and mature applicants.

Learn more about our admission requirements

Tuition and Fees will be paid to York University. Please see the Undergraduate Tuition and Fees information on the Future Students Website.

Entrance Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are available each year to support your education.

We recommend reviewing funding available exclusively for our students and the funding available for all York University students.

Complete an Online Application Form.
- Ontario high school applicants must apply online, completing the OUAC 101 application.
- All other applicants must apply online using either the OUAC 105 application or the York University application.
- No documents will be reviewed prior to the submission of an online application.
Pay the application fee.
Submit supporting documents through the York University online portal, MyFile.
- Within four business days of application, you will receive a confirmation email with your nine-digit student reference number, which will allow you to access your MyFile account and upload your documents.
- It is important to check your MyFile regularly for any documents you are required to submit and updates to the status of your application.
- More information about supporting documents, document processing times and decision processing times is available on the I’ve Applied page.

Important Note: Deadlines for each entry period (Fall, Winter & Summer) can be found on the York University Future Students Website.

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.