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

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As an interdisciplinary program, Environmental & Sustainability Studies will challenge you to combine skills and knowledge from many different fields. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of natural and human environments and their sustainability. You will understand the challenges and see solutions.

The ESST program is grounded in theory and oriented toward action. We blend more traditional learning approaches with hands-on learning. In this way, we support our students to become critical and insightful thinkers as well as creative problem solvers.  

You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of sustainability. You’ll learn how to bring about change toward a better, more resilient and sustainable world. Beyond the classroom, you can work with professors on research projects and engage with your peers and the community on a wide variety of sustainability projects on topics such as the following:

  • sustainable food and diet
  • energy systems
  • environmental justice
  • Indigenous rights

Service to the community and society is a cornerstone of your Acadia experience. In the ESST program, you will strengthen your sense of citizenship. You will become a better environmental steward and sustainability advocate.

First Year at a Glance

First semester

  • ESST 1003 and ESST 1000L
    Sustainability Concepts
  • CODE 1023
    Environment & Sustainable Society
  • ENVS 1013
    Environmental Science
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!

Second semester

  • ESST 1023
    Environmental Perspectives
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!
  • ELECTIVE xxx3
    Course of your choice!

In the ESST program, you'll choose a number of Arts courses based on criteria, ex. a certain number of English courses.

Future Careers

  • Alternative energy policy analysis and implementation
  • Community sustainability planning
  • Ecotourism
  • Environmental education
  • Environmental research
  • Government environmental and sustainability positions
  • Green business and purchasing
  • Law
  • Environmental non-governmental organizations
  • Parks and open spaces management
  • Policy analysis
  • Sustainable food systems
 

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Visit the Environmental and Sustainability Studies website

Related Programs

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

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