Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity.
In the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS), we understand the seriousness of these challenges. But we are equally focused on solutions, and on offering the degree programs, skills and knowledge needed to protect, restore, reform and transform the social and ecological systems that we all depend on.
What will an ERS degree mean for you? It means the opportunity to get your boots dirty and participate in hands-on learning in classes, co-op jobs, field work opportunities, and research projects.
It means integrating ecology and social sciences, and connecting practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration, with environmental policy analysis, impact assessment and collaborative decision making.
And it means working with faculty that are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in biodiversity conservation and restoration, food systems sustainability, water governance, climate change and energy transitions, and in understanding the politics of social change.
In SERS, we believe it’s possible to navigate to a more sustainable future. Our mission is to help chart that course, and our programs will prepare you for environmental careers with purpose and impact.
Reach out to find out more about our academic programs, the exciting careers available to our graduates (check out our careers page!), and our award-winning research. We hope you’ll join us!
News
Eloise Fan awarded Linda Carson Interdisciplinary Award for BES thesis
Eloise Fan was awarded the Linda Carson Memorial Interdisciplinary Award for her BES thesis entitled "Performing arts and climate change: Addressing climate anxiety with forum theatre."
PhD student's research highlights role of community members in understanding our environment
Transforming everyday citizens into environmental agents, SERS PhD student Jess Kidd identifies community members as the secret to increased understanding of our environment.
Students empowered by Algonquin experience
This spring term, five Environment students were awarded spots to attend a five-day overnight field experience in Algonquin Park hosted by FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified). Two students share insights from the experience.
Blog
Beyond Borders' Ghana field school
Interested in seeing the world, while also building career and research skills?
Third year ERS student Jordan Wilton spent two months of the spring 2025 term studying environmental issues through the Beyond Borders: Field School in Ghana. Check out the blog and video diary Jordan created during the course.
Thinking critically about urban sustainability in Singapore: A field course
Dr. Leah Jones-Crank reflects on the spring 2025 field trip course which explored the complexity of urban sustainability through a case study of Singapore. As the 10-day field course progressed, the 20 students and two instructors engaged their critical thinking skills to reflect on the environmental, social, and economic connections within Singapore.
We need to halt and reverse biodiversity decline globally and in Canada
In an article published in The Conservation, Trevor Swerdfager and Derek Armitage argue that Canada urgently needs ambitious new biodiversity law if we are to make meaningful progress in addressing the biodiversity crisis facing Canada today.