Environment, Sustainability, and Society (BA)(BSc)
Promote sustainability and social responsibility.
Why choose this program?
Complex issues like water and energy security, climate change and environmental degradation touch virtually every person, in every profession, in every part of the world. Studying Environment, Sustainability, and Society (ESS) at ±«Óãtv will allow you to explore the links between complex environmental issues and poverty, globalization, consumption and urbanization. You’ll gain skills that will make you a leader and change-maker in your chosen career path.ÌýÌý
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many ±«Óãtv programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 75%
Academic English 12
Pre-calculus Math 12
Three additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
The double major degree program allows students to combine a study of Environment, Sustainability, and Society (ESS) with any Major from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science. This degree may also be combined with minors and certificates.
Gain relevant work experience with three Sustainability Co-op work terms alternating with academic study terms. Apply the knowledge and skills you learn in-class to the workplace, test and explore careers, develop professional skills, and establish a network you can tap into after graduation. Plus, earn an income while earning your degree and graduate with experience. Ìý
The following Environment, Sustainability, and Society program options are offered by ±«Óãtv University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Management, and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Environment, Sustainability, and Society with double major
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science combined honours degree in Environment, Sustainability, and Society
Minor in Environment, Sustainability, and SocietyÌý
Certificate in Environment, Sustainability, and Society (with any ±«Óãtv undergraduate degree, excluding ESS Major/Honours/Minor)
Certificate in Communicating Sustainability (with any ±«Óãtv undergraduate degree)
What you will learn
±«Óãtv’s ESS program has an interdisciplinary approach, allowing you to explore how ESS topics relate to other industries you may be interested in. The core ESS courses will help you analyze and understand a wide range of concepts relating to energy, water, climate change, population and more. Ìý
Sample courses may include:
What is Sustainability?
A Sustainable Future
Exploring Sustainability
Local Governance, Citizen Engagement and Sustainability
Global Environmental Governance
Introductory Conflict Management for Sustainability
Climate Change and SustainabilityÌý
Indigenous Perspectives on Resource and Environmental Management
Environmental Decision Making
Food Systems and Sustainability: Feeding the 10 Billion
Coastal Change & AdaptationÌý
Environment, Sustainability, and Society Capstone I
Pathways to Sustainable Energy
Biodiversity Conservation System Design
Conflict Negotiation & SustainabilityÌý
This new method of education will change the way you think when you’re in the workplace. You’ll identify, research, and address real-world problems—making you better prepared to meet the challenges of virtually any job in our complex society.
Careers
The unique interdisciplinary approach of the ESS program prepares you for jobs in virtually any area across society: public service, industry, not-for-profit, and the private sector.
Due to the flexibility of combining majors in the ESS program, you’ll have a variety of options for future study. This may include pursuing an masters in topics such as environmental law, management, or sustainable materials architecture. You may also choose to go on to complete a PhD.
