Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Environmental Science

When you study Environmental Science at Acadia, you will explore the complex relationships between humans and our environment. You will study some of the biggest challenges facing our planet.

Find the connections

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The environmental sector is one of the fastest-growing areas of employment in Canada, and Acadia’s Environmental Science program prepares you to be part of that future. You’ll explore how organisms, environments, and human activity intersect, and learn how to tackle the problems created by those interactions. By drawing on biology, earth science, chemistry, and policy, you’ll gain the skills to apply science to real environmental challenges.

At Acadia, you don’t just study the environment, you experience it. From small classes and state-of-the-art labs to outdoor field schools and community projects, you’ll learn by doing. Faculty are deeply engaged in environmental research, and their support extends far beyond the classroom, giving you a strong professional and personal network that lasts long after graduation.

You can shape your studies around your passions, whether that’s environmental geoscience, water quality, conservation biology, policy, risk assessment, or sustainable development. Acadia offers BSc and BSc (Honours) programs in Environmental Science accredited by ECO Canada, as well as a two-year research-based MSc program in Environmental Science.

Sample Courses

Your studies will blend science, policy, and hands-on learning to tackle today’s most urgent environmental challenges. Courses range from fieldwork and lab studies to legal and policy analysis.

  • ENVS 1013/1023
    Introduction to Environmental Science 1 and 2
  • ENVS 2523
    Field Course: Environmental Science
  • ENVS 3113
    Legal Issues in Environmental Science
  • ENVS 3423
    Environmental Impact Assessment
  • ENVS 3505
    Borders, Scale and the Environment
  • ENVS 3513
    Climate Change for Environmental Practitioners
  • ENVS 4013
    Environmental Science Project
  • ENVS 4423
    Communications and Critical Analysis in Environmental Science

Career Options After Graduation

With an Environmental Science degree from Acadia, you’ll be prepared to lead in a wide range of natural science careers and specifically careers that protect ecosystems, manage natural resources, and guide environmental policy.

  • Environmental ecologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental impact assessment specialist
  • Ecotoxicologist
  • Environmental program manager
  • Environmental policy advisor
  • Environmental scientist/researcher
 

Degree Timeline

First Year

  • Take required introductory courses
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Middle Years

  • Opportunity to become a teaching assistant
  • Connect with faculty about summer research
  • Option to enrol in the co-op program

Final Year

  • Choose to complete honours program
  • Complete intensive field course
  • Earn your degree
  • Apply for professional registration with EcoCanada

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