University of Guelph Environmental Science

Make an impact. There is an essential connection between humans and the world that sustains us. While we depend on the earth for survival, we also have an impact on it by the nature of our existence. As our population grows, that impact intensifies.

Make a Difference

Gain the interdisciplinary expertise needed to deal with the environmental problems facing our world now and in the future. As a student in Environmental Sciences, you will balance scientifically grounded solutions with an understanding of the social and economic consequences of environmental change.

Experience Environmental Sciences

Go global! Working with local and world issues requires a global perspective; you can study for a semester at one of several universities around the world. This is a great way to continue your academic learning and see the world. You can choose to stay closer to home, combining work experience with classroom learning through an internship or the Co-op option in one of several majors.

You will learn to use management and decision-making skills and to apply scientific knowledge to environmental problems through group projects, labs and lectures.

Environmental Sciences Symposium

Every year, the Environmental Sciences Symposium is hosted by students on the Environmental Sciences Student Executive (ESSE). The day brings you together with other students, experts, and community members to learn about an environmental theme through workshops and discussions that incorporate science and social science perspectives. The 2015 theme was Human Health and the Environment.

Past speakers have included environmental author Thomas Homer-Dixon; "Ecoholic" columnist Adria Vasil; and Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Apply Your Knowledge

In fourth year, you will have the opportunity to top off your degree with a research or consulting project. Acting as an environmental researcher or consultant, you will be integrating the skills and knowledge that you gained in earlier courses and apply them to a current environmental problem.

Also in fourth year, you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member on a research project. Students find they can make significant contributions to our scientific understanding, and their work often contributes to scientific publications. Students will tell you that this experience is the most rewarding one of their undergraduate education. In many cases, it transforms their career aspirations, and it's great training for graduate programs. You too can work in research, and perhaps graduate with a degree and a publication credit!