Environmental Geography (BSc)

Explore the relationships between people and the landscape, whether it’s your own backyard or a vast region on the other side of the planet.  As an Environmental Geography major, you’ll take courses in geography, geology and biology, and enjoy the flexibility to complement your studies in another field of interest.

Through labs, lectures and projects, you’ll acquire the analytical skills to assess the impact of human activity on natural landforms and cycles. During the program you’ll also:

• Study the causes and consequences of environmental change
• Learn to gather and interpret statistical data
• Acquire technical knowledge of computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Learn to develop effective and efficient policies for environmental management

After graduation, your knowledge and technical skills will prepare you for a career in environmental planning, design and restoration, environmental assessment or resource management.

A Bachelor of Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.

Program options

• Major in Environmental Geography (45 credits)
• Minor in Environmental Geography (24 credits)

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: 23
  • Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 – Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism and Wave, Optics and Modern Physics – General Chemistry and Chemistry of Solutions – General Biology OR Natural Science DEC OR DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts.
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: B- overall, B- in math / sciences
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
    • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
    • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 math, 4 science
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the science or math courses must be competed at the HL level
• Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 in math / science
  
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques AND Spécialité physique-chimie
    Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques  (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie AND Mathématiques Complémentaires)
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, D in science or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University Transfers (internal/external): C+ overall, C+ in math / sciences
  
  • Completed courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

There is a growing demand for geographers and environmental scientists. Many employers require researchers to conduct environmental assessments for major projects. Employers also seek technical specialists in computer-assisted cartography and GIS. Environmental Geography alumni have established careers in a range of fields including:

• Environmental impact assessment
• Resource conservation
• Environmental consulting
• Geographic Information Systems analysis
• Water science

Recent graduates have become researchers with the NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biodiversity.