Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of Alberta offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on understanding the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to address pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and sustainable resource management. Through a diverse curriculum that integrates natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, students gain a holistic understanding of environmental issues and develop competencies in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. The program encourages experiential learning through fieldwork, research projects, and internships, providing practical experience and fostering a strong connection to real-world environmental issues. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as environmental policy, conservation, environmental economics, or sustainable development, tailoring their education to align with their career goals. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible stewardship, preparing graduates to become leaders and innovators in environmental management and advocacy. Interdisciplinary coursework, combined with dedicated research opportunities and partnerships with industry and government agencies, ensures students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions. Graduates of the BSc in Environmental Studies are equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, policy analysis, resource management, education, and non-governmental organizations, or may choose to continue their education at the graduate level. With a strong foundation in environmental science and a broad understanding of societal impacts, students leave the program capable of making informed decisions that promote sustainability and protect the environment for future generations.

In the *120 required to complete the degree, the following must be included:

1. *60 must be successfully completed at the U of A;
2. A minimum of *30 must be taken while registered in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

The following courses, comprising *57, are common to all routes within the program:

Program Requirements (*120)

• AREC 173 - The Plate, the Planet and Society
•  
• AREC 200 - Current Economic Issues for Agriculture and Food OR
• AREC 365 - Natural Resource Economics
•  
• BIOL 108 - Introduction to Biological Diversity
• BIOL 208 - Principles of Ecology
•  
• EAS 205 - Environment Earth OR
• EAS 204 - Environment Alberta
•  
• EAS 221 - Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing OR
• REN R 201 - Introduction to Geomatic Techniques in Natural Resource Management
•  
• ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
• ENCS 352 - Natural Resource and Environmental Law
• *6 Junior ENGL
• HIST 359 - Canadian Environmental History
• *3 Humanities (See Arts Chart 1, Group 2)
• NS 200 - Aboriginal Canada: Looking Forward/Looking Back
• PHIL 355 - Environmental Ethics
• POL S 101 - Introduction to Politics
•  
• REN R 205 - Wildlife Biodiversity and Ecology OR
• REN R 210 - Introduction to Soil Science and Soil Resources
•  
• SOC 291 - Introduction to Environmental Sociology
• *3 400-level capstone course

*3 from

• ANTHR 230 - Anthropology of Science, Technology, and Environment
• STS 200 - Introduction to Studies in Science, Technology and Society
• HIST 294 - An Introduction to the History of Sciences, Technology, and Medicine

Additional

In addition to the courses listed above, students must complete a minimum of *30 in additional course credits from one of the following concentrations: Environment and Peoples of Canada; Politics, Society & the Global Environment; or Food & Society. Courses taken to satisfy core requirements may not be counted towards the *30 required for any concentration. There are *33 credits in free electives.

* - credits

English proficiency

All undergraduate applicants to English-speaking and bilingual programs need an adequate level of English Language Proficiency prior to admission, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin.

The University of Alberta reserves the right to use discretion in determining language proficiency. In some cases, additional English language testing, conducted by the Faculty of Extension, may be required. Fulfillment of one of the listed requirements does not guarantee admission.

UAlberta will accept one of the following:

• TOEFL: At least 86 with a minimum score of 21 points in each section in iBT; or 580 in Paper based 
• IELTS: At least 6.5 with no band less than 5.0
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language assessment exam): At least 70
• CAE (Certificate in Advanced English, also known as Cambridge English: Advanced): At least B
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English, also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency): At least C
• MELAB (Michigan English Assessment Battery): At least 85
• PTE (Academic) (Pearson Test of English Academic): At least 59

Standardized test results must be issued directly from the testing office. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Test scores must be valid and verifiable. Scores more than two years old will not be accepted.

Diploma/Certificate

Graduation from a secondary/high school program that would make you admissible to university in your home country (generally 12 years of education).

Competitive average/Grades on five subjects

Your competitive average is calculated using the marks/grades you achieved in five high school subjects, based on the program to which you’re applying.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

University Scholarships

To attract top students, the University of Alberta offers more than CAD$22 million in undergraduate scholarships each year.

These award competitions require students to complete a separate scholarship application:

University of Alberta Centenary Scholarship

Value: Variable from $20,000 - Payable over four years

Quantity available: Up to 5

Awarded to students on a Study Permit with superior academic achievement entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Alberta. Selection based on academic standing, demonstrated leadership qualities based on involvement in extracurricular and community activities, and a counselor's letter of recommendation.

International Entrance Leadership Scholarship

Value: $5,000

Quantity available: Up to 15

Awarded to student(s) with superior academic achievement entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program and who are studying on a Study Permit. Selection based on leadership qualities as demonstrated by involvement in extracurricular and community activities and academic standing.

Other Scholarships

Scholarships students will be considered for these scholarships after they have received admission to UAlberta:

• University of Alberta International Country Scholarship
• University of Alberta Transfer Award
• University of Alberta International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship
• International Advanced Placement Scholarship
• International A-Level Scholarship 
• International Student Scholarship 
• University of Alberta Academic Excellence Scholarship Competition 
• Campus Saint-Jean International Scholarship

Program related scholarships

Agriculture Class of 1961 Bar None Scholarship

Value: 1,250.00

Number: 1

Conditions: Awarded to a student with superior academic achievement entering or transferring into an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Selection based on academic achievement and involvement in extra-curricular and community activities.

Alexa W Church Bar None Award

Value: Variable, max allocation $500

Number: Variable

Conditions: Awarded to students with satisfactory academic standing enrolled in any year of an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Selection based on academic standing. Preference given to students from rural Alberta.

Hole's Greenhouses and Gardens Care and Nurture Leadership Scholarship

Value: $3,000 (payable over two years: $1,500 year 1 and $1,500 year 2)

Number: 1

Conditions: Awarded annually to a student with superior academic achievement entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of leadership qualities as demonstrated by involvement in extracurricular activities and community service and academic standing. Preference is given to students with a demonstrated financial need. Receipt of the funding for the second year is contingent upon the achieving a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a full normal course load in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

Exchange incoming

If you are interested in coming to the University of Alberta on an exchange program, your first step will be to contact your home institution’s International or Study Abroad Office; who will be able to inform you whether your home institution has a formal exchange agreement with UAlberta.

If such an agreement exists, you must be officially nominated by your home institution, in order to participate in an exchange program at UAlberta.

Admission requirements and application procedures vary according to the particular exchange agreement. Exchange students normally pay tuition fees at their home institution, even while studying at UAlberta.

The following supporting documents must be included in your application:

• Official transcripts (in English);
• Proof of English Language Proficiency;
• Copy of passport particulars page.

Tuition fees

Every course at the University of Alberta has a fee index. This is represented by the (fi X ) beside each course listed in the University of Alberta Calendar. Most undergraduate courses have a fee index of 6 for a three-credit course or 12 for a six-credit course. The cost of a course is therefore determined by multiplying the fee index of each course by the fee index value that is determined by the Board of Governors.