ACADIA ALERT - Delayed Campus Opening (Weather)

Acadia University will delay opening campus on Monday, December 08, 2025 until 12:00 noon. All morning exams will be rescheduled to a later date and afternoon and evening exams will continue as scheduled. Conditions on campus will be assessed throughout the morning and if there is a need to remain closed a follow up message will be sent.

Employees and students are not expected to come to campus until it opens. Residences will be accessible, and Wheelock Dining Hall will be open.

Updates will be posted on www.acadiau.ca and pre-recorded on Acadia’s Information Line: 902-585-4636 (585-INFO). If you need emergency-related information, please contact the Department of Safety and Security by calling 902-585-1103.

(Monday December 8, 2025 @ 5:57 am)

Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ESST)

ESST is a dynamic, hands-on program. You will make a difference for the planet while you learn how to lead transformational change toward a more sustainable and just society.

Hands-on learning, real impact

A group of students with laptops smile and chat on a large couch in the KC Irving Centre.

Choosing Acadia’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ESST) program means joining a community passionate about making a positive impact on the planet. You’ll engage your mind and your hands as you tackle some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The program features a diverse faculty committed to solving sustainability issues through research, teaching, and community engagement. You’ll have opportunities to work closely with them on meaningful projects throughout your degree. Your experience will include hands-on learning and community involvement, starting with a foundational camp day in your first term and ending in a final-year capstone community sustainability project.

Within the program, you can choose between ESST with a Bachelor of Arts, ESST with a Bachelor of Community Development, ESST with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, or ESST with a Bachelor of Community Development with Honours. BA students may also pursue a second major (a minor is required), giving you flexibility to shape your degree.

All paths offer hands-on learning in the stunning Annapolis Valley: an ideal natural setting for exploring environmental sustainability.

Research and Employment

After your first year, you may work as a teaching assistant, peer tutor, or research assistant, gaining practical experience while helping fellow students.

You can conduct research throughout your degree alongside faculty, and in your final year, you may choose to prepare an honours thesis. Paid summer research positions are also available.

Sample Courses

Program courses give you a mix of theory and hands-on learning, exploring environmental philosophy, sustainability leadership, justice and equity, systems thinking, and culminating in a capstone class that applies your knowledge to real-world challenges.

ESST 1023
Perspectives on Environmental Philosophy, Thought & Practice

ESST 2003
Leadership in Sustainability

ESST 2013
Environmental Justice & Equity

ESST 1003
Sustainability Concepts and Systems

ESST 4003
Environmental & Sustainability Studies Capstone Course

Career Options After Graduation

An ESST degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to create real-world solutions, opening doors to a wide range of dynamic, impactful careers.

  • Climate adaptation specialist
  • Environmental policy analyst
  • Sustainability coordinator
  • Parks and natural area management
  • Corporate sustainability officer
  • Environmental educator
  • Renewable energy project manager
  • Researcher
 

Degree Timeline

First Year

  • Take required introductory courses
  • Participate in First Year Experience Camp
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Middle Years

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

Final Year

  • Choose to complete honours program  
  • Complete your capstone sustainability project
  • Receive your degree

Apply to
Acadia

If you’re looking for a high-quality, high-engagement university experience, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing out the best in you is what we do best.

Applying online takes about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!

Continue Exploring

Visit the Environmental and Sustainability Studies website

Related Programs

ESST includes elements from several other programs that you might be interested in, such as:

Campus Life & Residences

Most first-year students choose to live in residence to make friends and stay close to class, recreation facilities, and downtown Wolfville. Learn more about our residence experience and the student services here to support you.

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