Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies at the University of Regina offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education focusing on environmental issues, sustainability, and human-environment interactions. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand complex environmental challenges and to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Enrolled students will explore various topics such as ecology, environmental policy, conservation, resource management, and environmental ethics through a combination of classroom instruction, fieldwork, and experiential learning opportunities. The program aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and political dimensions of environmental issues. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and collaborations with local communities and organizations, providing practical experience in environmental assessment, planning, and advocacy. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies toward specific interests such as climate change, renewable energy, water resources, or environmental law. Graduates of the Environmental Studies program will be well-prepared for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profit organizations, research, or further academic pursuits. The program emphasizes sustainability principles and responsible stewardship of natural resources, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development locally and globally. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and applied skills, the University of Regina's Environmental Studies program seeks to develop environmentally conscious professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the planet.

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at the University of Regina offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between humans and the natural environment. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to address pressing environmental challenges both locally and globally. Coursework covers a broad range of topics including ecology, sustainability, environmental policy, natural resource management, and social sciences. Students will engage with contemporary issues such as climate change, conservation, environmental justice, and sustainable development, preparing them for a variety of careers in environmental advocacy, public policy, research, and education. The program emphasizes experiential learning through fieldwork, community projects, and internships, providing practical experience alongside theoretical understanding. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty members engaged in innovative research, participate in seminars, and attend conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on environmental solutions. Additionally, the program encourages critical analysis of the social, economic, and political dimensions of environmental issues, promoting a holistic perspective. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies will be well-prepared for graduate studies or professional roles in environmental organizations, government agencies, non-profit sectors, and private industries committed to sustainable practices. The university’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures students are connected to real-world applications and decision-making processes that influence environmental policies and practices. The program integrates coursework from various disciplines such as geography, biology, sociology, and political science, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at the University of Regina is dedicated to fostering environmentally conscious citizens who can contribute to a sustainable future through innovative solutions and informed action.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Regina:

The Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) program at the University of Regina is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, integrating principles from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. To complete the degree, students must fulfill a combination of general education requirements, core courses in environmental studies, and electives tailored to their interests and career goals. Typically, students are required to complete approximately 120 credit hours over the course of their studies.

Students begin with foundational courses in environmental science, which include topics such as ecology, environmental chemistry, and geology. These courses establish a scientific understanding of environmental systems and processes. Concurrently, students take courses in social sciences and humanities that explore environmental policy, ethics, and sustainability concepts. Critical thinking and research skills are also emphasized through writing and analytical courses.

As students progress, they choose from a variety of specialized courses, including environmental management, conservation biology, environmental law, and urban sustainability. The program encourages practical experience through fieldwork, internships, or community projects, which are often a mandatory component of upper-year courses. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop professional skills.

In addition to coursework, students may be required or encouraged to complete a capstone project or thesis in their final year. This project involves identifying an environmental issue, conducting research, and presenting findings and solutions. To graduate, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) as specified by the university, typically around 60-65%.

Furthermore, students are expected to meet any language proficiency requirements and adhere to academic integrity policies. The program promotes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Overall, the BES program aims to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consulting, policy development, research, and community engagement, as well as for further studies in graduate programs.

The University of Regina offers a range of financial assistance options to support students enrolled in the Environmental Studies program. Students can utilize various forms of funding, including government-sponsored scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans. The Saskatchewan Student Loan Program provides financial support for eligible residents of Saskatchewan, helping to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and educational supplies. Additionally, the university offers entrance scholarships based on academic achievement, which do not need to be repaid and can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education.

In terms of internal funding, the University of Regina provides numerous bursaries and awards specifically for students pursuing environmental or sustainability-related fields. These are often competitive and require applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, community engagement, or financial need. For international students, there are also specific scholarship opportunities, though the availability may be limited and contingent on donor support.

Students are encouraged to explore employment opportunities such as work-study programs, internships, or on-campus jobs, which can provide supplementary income while gaining relevant experience. The university’s Financial Aid and Awards Office offers personalized guidance to help students identify suitable funding options and complete necessary applications. Furthermore, students are advised to consider external funding sources, including provincial, federal, and private grants or scholarships for environmental and sustainability studies, which can enhance their financial options.

Loan repayment programs are also available post-graduation to assist students in managing educational debt effectively. The university emphasizes financial planning and literacy, offering workshops and resources to help students budget, save, and plan for the future. Overall, the University of Regina strives to make Environmental Studies accessible through a comprehensive suite of financial support mechanisms, aiming to ease financial concerns and enable students to focus on their academic and career goals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at the University of Regina offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between humans and the environment. This program aims to equip students with a comprehensive knowledge of environmental issues, including ecological, social, political, and economic dimensions. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for addressing environmental challenges at local, regional, and global levels.

Students can expect to engage in core courses that cover fundamental topics such as ecology, sustainability, environmental policy, and resource management. In addition, the program offers specialized electives in areas like environmental ethics, climate change, conservation, and environmental planning. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme encourages students to draw insights from various fields including biology, geography, politics, and economics, facilitating a well-rounded understanding of environmental issues.

The program often includes practical components such as fieldwork, research projects, and community engagement initiatives. These experiences are designed to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consulting, policy development, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector sustainability initiatives.

The university emphasizes experiential learning, offering opportunities for students to participate in internships, cooperative education placements, and collaborative projects with local communities and organizations. These experiences not only provide hands-on skills but also strengthen students' professional networks.

Graduates of the Environmental Studies program are expected to have a solid foundation to pursue advanced studies or to enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. The program is suitable for students passionate about protecting the environment, interested in policy and advocacy work, or aiming to contribute to sustainable development initiatives.

Overall, the University of Regina's Environmental Studies program combines academic rigor with practical application, preparing students to become informed and engaged citizens and professionals committed to environmental stewardship.