Environmental Studies Programs

Degree Programs

The School of Environmental Studies offers an interdisciplinary program, with courses that examine systemic aspects of environmental issues and explore solutions that cut across the boundaries of traditional disciplines. There is also the recognition that many aspects of local, national and international environmental problems are inextricably connected to our dominant cultural values, and attendant political, social, economic and educational institutions.

The intellectual strength of the School is supported by three distinctive, interdisciplinary research specialties: ethnoecology, ecological restoration and political ecology. Each professor in the School typically has a primary and at least one secondary specialty, which creates an even richer interdisciplinary setting. These specialties infuse the undergraduate curriculum, provide the primary subject areas for graduate studies and define the research activities of the School’s academic staff. Each of these three specialties corresponds to a theme, and together these form the motto of the School: Respect, Restore, Sustain (matching ethnoecology, restoration and political ecology, respectively).

Students are required to combine studies in a traditional discipline with their Environmental Studies program in order to obtain a degree notation that includes Environmental Studies. Students undertake the Major in Environmental Studies together with a Major in another department (a Double Major, see Major Program) or a Major with an Honours Program (Honours/Major, see Honours Program) or a Major in another Faculty (see Interfaculty Joint Honours and Major). These programs lead to either a BA or a BSc degree. A General Program leading to a BA is also offered. By completing the requirements for the General Program together with a Major or Honours Program in another department or faculty, students may obtain a Minor in Environmental Studies (see Minor Program).

Students considering a Major, Minor or General Program in Environmental Studies must take the introductory course, ES 200 (Introduction to Environmental Studies), unless they have already completed ES 300A. It is suggested that students declare their intention to enrol in Environmental Studies by the end of their second year of study.

Many eligible courses in Environmental Studies are 300 and 400 level with prerequisites; students should therefore plan early to incorporate these prerequisites into their schedule and should be aware of the minimum grade requirement for the programs: a B- in ES 200.

When choosing electives, students are also encouraged to include courses in languages and in areas other than those in which the student is majoring; e.g., a student majoring in Sciences, should choose electives from the Social Sciences or Humanities.

Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems

A Diploma in the Restoration of Natural Systems is also offered in co-operation with the Division of Continuing Studies. Students are admitted to the Diploma Program on the recommendation of the Faculty Coordinator and/or Chair of the Program Steering Committee. Contact Continuing Studies for details. For a description of the Diploma program, see this page.

Limitation of enrolment

Students are advised that because of restricted facilities and staff, it may be necessary to limit enrolment in certain Environmental Studies courses. Access will be determined in the first instance by strict adherence to prerequisites. Preference is given to students completing Major and Minor degree programs in Environmental Studies. Academic standing may be taken into account in determining enrolment in third- and fourth-year courses.