Human Environment (BA)

Explore how geography influences human behavior and examine the impact of human activity on the environment. As a geographer, your knowledge of this complex relationship will lead you towards creative solutions for some of the most important issues we face today: climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource management and sustainability.

Through labs, lectures and projects, you will:

• Study the relationships between people and places: what places mean, how places shape our lives
• Examine the causes and consequences of environmental change
• Consider the role and significance of social and environmental justice issues
• Identify approaches to support the efficient, equitable and sustainable use of resources
  
• Learn to gather, analyze and interpret statistical data
• Acquire technical skills  in computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

After graduation, your knowledge and technical skills will prepare you for careers in areas such as climate change adaptation policy, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity conservation and protected areas planning, and urban and regional planning.

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

Program options

• Honours in Human Environment (60 credits)*
• Specialization in Human Environment (60 credits)
• Major in Human Environment (42 credits)
• Minor in Human Environment (30 credits)

*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. If you are interested in Honours, speak with your program advisor in your first year of study at Concordia. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: 21
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
• Baccalauréat français: 11
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD 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
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University Transfers (internal/external): C

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.

Human Environment alumni have established careers in a range fields including environmental impact assessment, resource conservation, urban and regional planning, housing and community development, and teaching. Recent graduates have become researchers with the NAFTA Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biodiversity.