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
Kelsey Leonard contributes to new book on the Two Row Wampum
How can we cultivate relationships that are founded on peace, respect and friendship today? Deyohahá:ge: Sharing the River of Life is a new book featuring contributions from Dr. Kelsey Leonard that offers insights from the Covenant Chain-Two Row Wampum, detailing how Indigenous Peoples and newcomers build peace by respecting each other’s cultures, beliefs and laws.
Kelsey Leonard's Christmas Tree Lab works with farms to advance sustainability initiatives
Professor Kelsey Leonard leads the University of Waterloo Christmas Tree Lab which formalized a partnership with the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) in 2024. Their goal is to commit to joint research projects and outreach efforts aimed at developing sustainable initiatives to advance the resilience and growth of the Christmas tree industry.
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.