Geography and Aviation degree | Undergraduate Programs

Launch a high-flying career in the aviation industry

Do you dream of being a pilot? Take to the skies with the largest university-level aviation program in Canada.

You’ll earn a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from one of the country’s top-ranked geography departments — and graduate with your Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

There’s no better way to appreciate geography than from several thousand feet above the ground. And your knowledge of geography will be an asset when you’re navigating across continents.

Between the classroom and the cockpit, you’ll gain a deep understanding of landforms, weather patterns, and the computer technology behind tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

What courses will you take?

First year courses

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational aviation, geography, and environmental courses.

In your upper years, about half of the classes you'll take will be in aviation, and the other half will be related to geography.

September to December

AVIA 100 – Introduction to Aviation
ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
GDS 181 – Designing Effective Maps
CS 100 – Introduction to Computing Through Applications
ENVS 131 – Communications for Environmental Professionals

January to April

GEOG 102 – Global Environmental Systems: Process and Change
ENVS 178 – Environmental Applications of Data Management and Statistics
AVIA 1 21 – Professional Pilot Program Course 1*
AVIA 141 – Preparatory Ground Instruction 1*
One elective

This is a sample schedule. Courses may be subject to change depending on availability. *Some students will take Professional Pilot Program Course 1 (AVIA 121), Preparatory Ground Instruction 1 (AVIA 141), and Field Ecology (ENVS 200) during the spring term (May to August) following first year.

For more details about the program, visit our aviation website.

After first year

About half of the classes you’ll take will be Geography courses, while the other half will be Aviation courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

AVIA 270 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Knowledge Requirements
AVIA 210 – Human Factors in Aviation
AVIA 317 – Aviation Safety
AVIA 470 – Airline Planning and Management
GDS 271 – Earth from Space Using Remote Sensing

Customize your degree in Geography and Aviation

You can add additional areas of expertise by choosing one or more specializations within the program.

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

View "First time flying. An aviation student at the University of Waterloo re-caps she earned her wings." on YouTube

Faculty:
Faculty of Environment

Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Aviation and your integrated Airline Pilot Licence with a Commercial Pilot Licence

Available as a co-op program?
No

Available as a regular program?
Regular only

Available as a minor?
No

Log 200+ flight hours. Through a partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, you'll receive at least 200 hours of in-the-air experience at one of Canada's largest flight training centres.

Build crucial skills. As well as learning to fly, you’ll obtain your multi-engine and multi-instrument ratings, giving you the skills you need to handle twin-engine aircraft in all sorts of weather.

What can you do with a degree in aviation?

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!

Commercial airline pilot

Fly passengers or cargo across regional and international routes, being in control of complex, high-responsibility operations. You’ll use your understanding of geography, weather systems, and navigation to plan routes and make real-time decisions that ensure safe and efficient travel. This path is a great fit if you’re drawn to aviation and enjoy combining technical skill with global perspective.

Bush pilot

Reach remote and hard-to-access regions, flying where few others can, often delivering essential supplies or transporting people to isolated communities. You’ll rely on your ability to read landscapes, adapt to changing environmental conditions, and navigate challenging terrain. This role is ideal if you enjoy adventure, independence, and applying your skills in unique, real-world settings.

Aerial survey pilot

Capture data from above, flying into a powerful tool for understanding the world. Operate aircraft equipped with cameras or sensors to map land, monitor forests, or track environmental changes over time. This career combines aviation with exploration, offering a meaningful way to contribute to research and environmental insight.

Wildlife monitoring pilot

Support conservation efforts by flying over habitats to track animal populations or migration patterns. Your environmental studies background would help you understand ecosystems and contribute to protecting biodiversity.

Flight instructor

Teach new pilots how to safely operate aircraft and understand aviation systems. Along the way, you would share your knowledge of weather, navigation, and environmental factors that affect flying.

Environmental impact aviation specialist

Assess how aviation activities affect the environment, including noise and emissions. In this role, you might work with airports or airlines to develop more sustainable practices.

Air traffic control specialist

Help coordinate aircraft in the sky and on the ground to ensure safe and efficient travel. Your geography skills would support your ability to visualize airspace and understand spatial relationships.

Aviation operations coordinator

Manage flight schedules, logistics, and ground operations for airlines or airports. You would use your understanding of geography to plan efficient routes and respond to changing conditions.

Disaster response pilot

Assist during emergencies such as wildfires, floods, or hurricanes by transporting supplies or personnel. Your knowledge of environmental systems would help you understand how disasters develop and where support is needed most.

Forestry or fire patrol pilot

Monitor forests from the air, looking for signs of wildfires or environmental damage. This role allows you to apply both aviation skills and environmental awareness in protecting natural resources.

Geospatial data collection pilot

Operate aircraft or drones to gather geographic data used in mapping and research. You would play a key role in creating accurate maps and supporting environmental planning projects.

Airport sustainability coordinator

Work with airports to reduce their environmental footprint by improving energy use, waste management, and emissions. Your combined expertise would help balance aviation needs with sustainability goals.

Charter pilot

Provide on-demand flights for individuals, businesses, or organizations. This flexible career lets you experience diverse locations while applying your navigation and environmental knowledge.

Remote sensing specialist

Help design and operate airborne systems that collect environmental data using advanced sensors. Your work would support research in areas like climate change, land use, and resource management.

Government aviation officer

Work for agencies involved in border patrol, environmental monitoring, or transportation safety. In this role, you would combine flying with public service, often contributing to national and environmental priorities.

If you enjoy flying, geography, and exploring how people and environments are connected, Geography & Aviation offers both exciting career opportunities and the flexibility to pursue many different paths.

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)
One Grade 12 U Mathematics course (minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Admission average: Mid-80s

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements.

Screening process

Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a screening process by the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre that includes

a program briefing session,
Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certification, and
an Aviation Language Proficiency Test (for Permanent Residents and visa students only.)

The medical certification must be completed prior to the ALPT.

Admitted students

If you receive an offer of admission, you should book a Category 1 Medical appointment with an approved Civil Aviation Medical Examiner as soon as possible. You should not accept your Offer of Admission until you have the results of your medical exam since the results could disqualify you from flight training.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

Related programs

Science and Aviation

Geography and Environmental Management

Success starts at Waterloo

As home to Canada's largest faculty of environment, Waterloo provides countless opportunities to develop the hands-on skills needed for a successful career.

*University of Waterloo Key Performance Indicators 2024

**for social science programs, which include programs within the Faculty of Environment

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Contact us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Megan Muir, our Faculty of Environment recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.

From the Missing Manual

Imagine flying a plane. Now imagine what it feels like the first time you take off, on your own, with nobody else onboard. Read more about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.