Undergraduate studies
Focused on understanding the complex relationships that exist between the Earth, its people, places and environments, our interdisciplinary programs help prepare students for successful careers in various scientific disciplines and pursuits.
Overview
The Department of Geography, Planning and Environment offers a curriculum that leverages an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to learning, which includes experts in such fields as geography, urban planning, environmental sciences, engineering and geospatial technology. With an emphasis on field work, project planning and the development of critical thinking skills, among many others, our variety of programs help prepare graduates for successful careers in a broad range of scientific fields and endeavours.
Human Environment (BA)
This program provides students with a unique way of looking at and thinking about the earth from a broader perspective than many other disciplines, by examining interrelationships and interconnections, the importance of social and environmental justice, and the equitable and sustainable use of resources.
Note: The Human Environment (BA) is offered as a Major, Minor, Honours or Specialization.
Urban Studies (BA)
This multidisciplinary program explores the opportunities and challenges of urbanization through diverse perspectives. Examine how society, culture, politics and economics shape cities, while developing technical, research and project-planning skills to understand urban environments. Through courses, labs and projects, you will study urban development, learn to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, and acquire knowledge of computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Note: The Urban Studies (BA) is offered as a Major. Students in any degree program other than Urban Studies or Urban Planning can take a Minor in Urban Studies.
Urban Planning (BA)
This multidisciplinary program explores how cities are shaped by geography, history, people and planning decisions. You will examine how residential and commercial areas, community spaces, public services and transportation work together, while developing the technical, research and project-planning skills to plan for future change. Through courses, labs and projects, you will study urban development, explore planning regulations in Canada and Québec, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze real-world problems and develop solutions.
Note: The Urban Planning (BA) is offered as an Honours or Specialization.
Environmental and Sustainability Science (BSc)
This program focuses on the study of the natural environment, how human activity impacts our planet, and seeks solutions for a more sustainable future. Among the most pressing issues explored in-depth by students are climate change, loss of biodiversity, severe weather events, pollution and the uncontrolled depletion of the Earth’s resources.
Note: The Environmental and Sustainability Science (BSc) is offered as an Honours or Specialization.
Environmental Geography (BSc)
Built upon a wide array of teaching and learning methods, ranging from lectures and tutorials to practical experience in remote sensing techniques and statistics, this program delves into how humans interact with the natural world and features unique courses that deal with environmental issues, resources and management.
Note: The Environmental Geography (BSc) is offered as a Major or Minor.
Geospatial Technologies (Minor, Certificate)
The program is structured to provide solid training with the latest technologies designed to collect, represent and analyze spatial data. In addition, it also encourages students to think critically about how these applications, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), shape our knowledge of the world.
Note: The Geospatial Technologies program is offered as a Minor or Certificate.
Honours program
Are you ready to elevate your education – and prospective opportunities — to the next level? If so, graduating with a BA or BSc Honours signals to potential employers or graduate admissions committees your:
- Willingness to work closely with supervisors and subject matter experts
- Ability to solve problems, find solutions and conduct research to the highest standards
- Aptitude for organizing and presenting data logically, efficiently and critically
- Proficiency for expressing yourself accurately, succinctly and persuasively
Honours program essay
Honours degree students must take the Honours Essay and Research Seminar course, wherein they propose and conduct an original research project or research creation project and write an essay under the supervision of a faculty advisor. After the essay is accepted, it gets archived with the student's consent.
Course registration and waiver requests
To request permission to either:
- Register for a course offered by the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment (GPE) in which you are unable to enroll despite seats that appear to be available in a course or because you lack a pre-requisite
- Waive a prerequisite course
You must submit a GPE Course Permission and Prerequisite Waiver Requests form.
Speak to an undergraduate program advisor
If you're unsure which program best aligns with your interests, or if you have further questions and want to speak to one of our undergraduate program advisors, you may contact them directly or book a student advising appointment with them.
For general questions
Contact Marilyn Malofy
Book a student advising appointment
Undergraduate Program Assistant
For questions about the Environmental Geography, Environmental Science and Human Environment programs:
Contact Nalini Mohabir
Book a student advising appointment
Undergraduate Advisor and Program Director
For questions about the Urban Planning and Urban Studies programs:
Contact Alexandra Lesnikowski
Book a student advising appointment
Undergraduate Advisor and Program Director
Resources
If you plan to apply for an undergraduate program within the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, here are some useful links to help with the process.