Understand the causes of environmental issues, learn about the solutions, and study in a field that will transform the world.

This program will guide you in the study of current environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. Your professors, who share your passion for these topics, will help you explore the history and multidimensional solutions to these issues as they relate to health, the economy, politics, and natural, social, and cultural ecosystems. This multidisciplinary program features courses from three different uOttawa faculties.

The uOttawa Advantage

At the University of Ottawa, our state-of-the-art laboratories provide the opportunity to build knowledge through hands on learning in computer-based courses that employ GIS and AI:

  • Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science (LAGGISS)
  • CryoLab for Arctic, Antarctic and Planetary Studies (CLAAPS)
  • Environment, Community and Health Laboratory (ECoHLab)
  • Laboratory for Cryospheric Research (LCR)
  • Environment, Society and Policy Group (ESPG)
  • Laboratory for Climate Change research (LCC)
  • Laboratory for paleoclimatology and climatology (LPC)
  • Shallow-Water Earth Observation Laboratory (SWEOL)

Additionally, our students engage in experiential learning in local field excursions, national and international field courses, and co-op.

The University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s top 10 research universities, with research spending totalling close to $350 million annually.

We rank seventh among Canadian universities in graduate employability, which is bolstered by Canada’s fifth largest co-op program, featuring a 95% job placement rate.

You can choose to study in English, French or both at the world’s largest bilingual English-French university.

Environmental Studies allows you to:

  • Acquire knowledge about biophysical processes and environmental changes, and to understand their social, economic, and political repercussions.
  • Understand the influence of natural and social sciences on culture, human values, and environmental ethics.
  • Analyse environmental problems and propose local, national, and international solutions.
  • Prepare and interpret detailed technical reports for various audiences.

Choose your program

4 years120 units
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Honours BA in Environmental Studies

Most extensive and focused study in Environmental Studies.

Can be combined with a minor in another area.

Program Structure (English Program)

Program Structure (Bilingual Program)

Course Sequence

42 units
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Major in Environmental Studies

Gain a solid foundation in both natural and social sciences that allows you to understand the challenges and strategies involved in managing environmental problems at various levels.

Can be combined with a second Major or a Minor

Program Structure (English Program)

Program Structure (Bilingual Program)

Course Sequence

30 units
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Minor in Environmental Studies

Develop a holistic awareness of environmental issues, a general knowledge of scientific processes, and a solid understanding of social and political implications.

Program Structure (English Program)

Program Structure (Bilingual Program)

Course sequence

More information

Scholarships and Bursaries

Our scholarship program is one of the most generous in the country. It rewards not only your pre-university academic achievements, but also your achievements every term of full-time study at University. A scholarship is awarded for academic achievements while a bursary is awarded based on financial need.
Discover our Schorlarships and Bursaries and learn how to apply.
GeoHumaine

The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics

Gain a deeper understanding of our world! Our programs provide you with a holistic and multi-faceted understanding of our world, and the issues our environment, people and planet face today.
Learn more about the department.
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