Environmental Science

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All programs Faculty of Arts & Science Department website

Credentials available

Bachelor of Science

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Admission requirements

Program description

The environmental sciences focus on understanding the Earth’s natural systems and how we, as humans, interact with them.

Environmental scientists study the impact of these interactions on the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere using an interdisciplinary and integrative approach. They provide us with the information we need to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today — such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity.

The major in environmental science will provide you with an appropriate background in the natural and physical sciences that is needed to understand how natural and man-made systems function. It will provide you with a broad perspective that is required to appreciate the role of humanity in global
environmental change.

As an environmental science major, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including those present in the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building. These facilities house the infrastructure used in groundbreaking research by our award-winning faculty — ensuring that you are exposed to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary environmental research throughout your degree.

You will also be provided the flexibility and versatility to obtain the key skills that are required to answer pressing research questions in sub-disciplines such as ecology (aquatic, riparian and grassland), remote sensing, geographical information science (GIS), biodiversity assessments, conservation, ecophysiology and environmental toxicology.

Once you have completed your degree, you may apply for membership in professional societies such as the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) and Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). Contact us early in your degree for further information.

Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA). Once you have completed your degree, you may apply to the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) to be registered as a Professional Agrologist within Alberta. Contact us early in your degree for further information.

Concentrations (Optional) | Students in the BSc in environmental science degree program may declare a concentration in geographical information science.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If independent research is your passion, you should consider registering for an honours thesis course or one of our other undergraduate thesis courses. The focus of an honours thesis is the completion of an independent research project under the supervision of one of our award-winning faculty.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing a keen understanding of environmental systems and problems, you will develop scientific field and laboratory research techniques and methodologies. You will also develop highly valued technical skills in information management, spatial analysis, remote sensing, statistics and risk assessment. You will leave the program with strong analytical problem solving skills and the ability to effectively summarize and communicate your research findings to others.

Possible careers

Environmental Impact Analyst
Ecologist
Air & Water Quality Specialist
GIS Specialist/Technician
Hydrologist
Natural Resource Specialist
Environmental Protection Officer
Graduate Research
Interpretive Naturalist
Renewable Resource Manager
Environmental Auditor
Environmental Education Coordinator
Cartographer
Fisheries Biologist
Conservation Biologist

Professional disciplines & graduate studies. Your undergraduate degree in environmental science provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, management and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers programs at the master's and doctoral levels in more than 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements for Environmental Science

Choose a Province/Territory:

For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course is required:

English Language Arts 30-1

Three of these courses are required:

Aboriginal Studies 30
Art 30 or Art 31
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
Dance 35
Drama 30
Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
Mathematics 31
Physics 30
Science 30
Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2
Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
One or more distinct languages at the 30 level

One additional requirement from this list:

That has not already been used
May be from the list above
Must be at the 30 level
Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
Cannot be a Special Project

This program also requires

Three of the courses you include must be:

Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Mathematics 30-1

Not a Canadian high school student? Find your admission requirements here

First year cost estimator
for Environmental Science

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

The environment plays an important role in our daily lives, and the interdisciplinary nature of this subject made me pursue higher education in this field. With my training as an environmental scientist from the University of Lethbridge, I hope to be a part of the solution to combat the environmental crisis facing our planet.
- Humaira, (BSc '20) Environmental Science

Sample classes

Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:

Principles of Ecology
Weather & Climate
Principles of Genetics
Population Biology
Field Biology
Introduction to Geographical Information Science
Geomorphology

Quick links

Transfer Credit Equivalencies Database

View uLethbridge Program Planning Guides