Climate and Environmental Change degree

Climate science for climate solutions

Get ready to tackle the climate crisis. In this program, you’ll study the science behind the challenges facing our planet’s environment.

You'll address challenges such as flooding, permafrost thawing, drought and forest fires, peatland degradation, rising sea levels and coastal change, and changing economic opportunities in climate sensitive sectors by combining biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science with human geography.

You’ll master practical tools like computer modelling and hone the skills to build a low-carbon future. Enrich your classroom learning with hands-on experience in labs and fieldwork (and paid work experience through co-op).

What courses will you take?

First-year courses

September to December

GDS 181 – Designing Effective Maps
ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
ENVS 178 – Environmental Applications of Data Management and Statistics
EARTH 121 – Introductory Earth Sciences
One elective

January to April

GEOG 102 – Changing Physical Environments
ENVS 131 – Communications for Environmental Professionals
MATH 104 – Introductory Calculus for Arts and Social Science OR MATH 127 – Calculus 1 for the Sciences
CHEM 120 – General Chemistry 1 OR PHYS 111 – Physics 1
One elective

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

Most of the classes you’ll take will be Geography courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View the required courses you'll take in the program.

Sample upper-year courses

ENVS 200 – Field Ecology
GEOG 307 – Societal Adaptation to Climate Change
GEOG 407 – Environmental Hydrology of Terrestrial Ecosystems
GEOG 420 – Ice Sheets and Glaciers

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the specializations within the program.

You can also choose one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Faculty:
Faculty of Environment

Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Climate and Environmental Change

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
No

Study your interests. Build hands-on experience through field courses, and add an optional international experience for an unforgettable perspective on your studies.

Research-led teaching and learning. Attend research seminars or even apply for co-op work terms with professors who are part of Waterloo's Interdisciplinary Centre on Climate Change.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Explore careers that help solve the climate crisis by alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree. You'll gain experience, earn money, and discover which career areas interest you.

You might work as an environmental consultant assistant, water treatment project assistant, environmental services and approvals assistant, or an undergraduate research assistant.

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Co-op	Study
Third	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fourth	Study	Co-op	Co-op
Fifth	Study	Study	-

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Climate and Environmental Change?

Your career path will depend on your interests. You could go directly into a career with a wide variety of employers or continue your education in a variety of areas, including Waterloo’s Master of Climate Change degree.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Environmental consultant

Help organizations balance development with environmental responsibility, assessing how projects impact the natural world. Analyze data, write reports, and recommend solutions, allowing companies and governments to reduce harm while still meeting their goals. This path is ideal if you want to combine science, policy, and real-world problem-solving.

Climate policy analyst

Shape how societies respond to climate change by researching environmental issues and evaluating existing laws. Study topics like carbon emissions and renewable energy to help inform policies that guide sustainable decisions at a larger scale. This role is a great fit if you’re interested in influencing change through research and policy.

Environmental educator

Inspire others to care for the planet, turning complex environmental topics into engaging, relatable learning experiences. Design lessons and lead activities in schools, parks, or community programs to help people understand how their everyday choices impact the environment. This career is perfect if you enjoy teaching and making a positive difference through awareness.

Sustainability coordinator

Help organizations reduce their environmental footprint by improving energy use, waste management, and resource efficiency. You might track sustainability goals and lead initiatives like recycling programs or green building projects.

Conservation officer

Work outdoors protecting natural areas such as forests, lakes, and wildlife habitats. In this role, you could monitor ecosystems, enforce environmental laws, and educate the public about conservation.

Climate communication specialist

Translate complex climate science into clear, engaging messages for the public. Whether through social media, reports, or campaigns, you would help people understand climate issues and inspire action.

Water resource specialist

Manage and protect water supplies, ensuring communities have access to safe and sustainable water. Your work could include monitoring water quality, planning conservation strategies, and responding to droughts or flooding.

Corporate sustainability analyst

Work within companies to measure and improve their environmental impact. You would track emissions, assess supply chains, and recommend changes that make business operations more sustainable.

Wildlife conservation worker

Support efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. This might involve field surveys, habitat restoration, and working with communities to reduce threats to wildlife.

Environmental non-profit program coordinator

Help run programs that focus on issues like conservation, climate advocacy, or environmental justice. You would organize events, manage projects, and work with communities to create positive change.

If you enjoy learning about the environment, exploring solutions to climate challenges, and making a positive impact on the world around you - Climate and Environmental Change offers the knowledge and skills to create a more sustainable future.

Learn about the future of careers in environment, sustainability, and geography.

Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Any Grade 12 U Mathematics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Chemistry or Physics

Expected admission range: High 70s

Recommended courses

Biology, Earth and Space Science, or World Issues

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

Related programs

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Engineering

Geography and Enviromental Management

Success starts at Waterloo

As home to Canada's largest faculty of environment and the world's leading co-op program, Waterloo is the only place where you can test drive up to five careers before you graduate.