Why Environment at Waterloo?

Waterloo Environment students are unlike any other. From exploring the impact of climate change in the arctic to working on greener policies to creating better housing solutions, you'll join a community of students who are already leaving their mark on the world.

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Study a range of environmental and sustainability issues in a community that cares and supports each other through the thick and thin of university life.

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Prepare for an exciting career. Your degree won’t be all lectures and labs, you’ll also gain hands-on experience in co-op, on field trips, and as a member of one of our many student societies.

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Be part of our vision for a more sustainable future. Our interdisciplinary research and applied, experiential learning are focused on making our planet a better place for current and future generations.

 

Environment programs

What environmental or sustainability problems are you passionate about?

Whether it's the climate crisis, food security, corporate sustainability, fast fashion, developing greener neighbourhoods, or something else, we have a program for you. Apply to one of our 10 direct-entry programs on your application.

 

Discover how to choose a program in the Faculty of Environment →


Co-op

At Waterloo, you have two great ways to study: co-op or regular. Whether you opt for co-op, where you'll alternate between study and work terms, or choose a traditional four-year program, studying from September to May with summers off, you'll leave with a world-class education from Canada's most innovative university.

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Graduate with up to 20 months of work experience

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Earn $8,400 to $15,700+ per work term in Canada

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Grow your network while exploring different jobs and industries

 

Which Environment programs offer co-op?

  • Climate and Environmental Change – regular and co-op
  • Environment and Business – co-op only
  • Environment, Resources, and Sustainability – regular and co-op
  • Geography and Environmental Management – regular and co-op
  • Geomatics – regular and co-op
  • Planning – co-op only
  • Sustainability and Financial Management – co-op only

What kind of companies will you work for?

The types of jobs you can apply for may vary by program. Here's a sample of previous co-op employers of Environment students.

  • Environment Canada
  • Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
  • Canadian Tire Corporation
  • Labatt Breweries
  • Microsoft Canada
  • Earth Day Canada
  • Vancouver International Airport
  • The United Nations
  • World Wildlife Fund Canada
  • The Government of Madagascar
  • Ontario Ministry of Transportation
  • Statistics Canada
  • City of Toronto
  • Sun Life Financial
  • Stantec
 

Learn more about co-op at Waterloo →


Field notes from the Missing Manual

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Finding your place 

“Being an Environment student is inspiring because I'm surrounded by individuals who constantly blow me away with their ambition, tenacity, and creativity. It's impossible to walk around campus and not bump into someone doing something really cool.”

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An arctic adventure

“Nowhere else compared to what I could do at Waterloo,” says Cassandra. The only problem? “I’m a big city girl from Toronto and I didn’t think I would enjoy living here. I was so wrong.”

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A map to your future

“Geomatics has a lot to offer. You can shape your future however you want. You like coding? You can get a job as software developer. Like field work? Get a job as field technician. Like working with data? Get a job as technologist or data analyst. The possibilities are endless.”

 

Discover student life in the Faculty of Environment

From student societies and social clubs to alumni meet-and-greets and trivia nights with your professors, there's no shortage of fun to be had in Environment. 

 

Tour the Faculty of Environment

Get a lay of the land by joining our recruitment coordinator on a walk through Environment's buildings. Check out the labs, study spaces, lecture halls, and lounges that will soon be your new stomping grounds.

Register for a tour →

 

Ready to learn more?

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Request a brochure

Want to learn more about our programs – including available specializations, the student experience, co-op, and careers? 

Request a brochure →

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Learn how to apply

Not sure about next steps? We'll walk you through the process of applying.

How to apply →

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Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers? Contact Jaime, our Faculty of Environment recruitment coordinator, who would be happy to help.

Connect with Jaime →

 

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