Environment, Resources and Sustainability | Undergraduate Programs

The living world needs champions. Ready to solve complex problems?

Use insights from the natural and social sciences to help solve some of the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges — from water and climate, to food security and the loss of biodiversity.

Connect practical skills in ecosystem monitoring and restoration with environmental policy analysis, impact assessment and collaborative decision making. Belong to a community of professors, co-op employers, and classmates committed to making positive change.

When you graduate, you can apply your knowledge in a growing number of fields, from green technology, ecological consulting, and environmental law to being a terrestrial and wetland ecologist, sustainability policy analyst, parks and protected area manager, or an environmental educator.

What courses will you take?

First year courses

September to December

ERS 101 – Approaches: Environment, Resources and Sustainability
ENVS 178 – Environmental Applications of Data Management and Statistics
ENVS 195 – Introduction to Environmental Studies
Two electives

January to April

ERS 102 – At Home in the Universe
ENVS 131 – Communications for Environmental Professions
ENVS 200 – Field Ecology
Two electives

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

After first year

About half of the classes you’ll take will be Environment, Resources and Sustainability courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

ERS 202 – Natural Resources Ecology
ERS 215 – Environmental and Sustainability Assessment 1
ERS 300 – Social Ecological Systems Analysis
ERS 400 – Social-Ecological Approaches to Sustainability

Customize your degree in ERS

Popular minors for Environment, Resources and Sustainability students include:

You can add additional expertise to your degree by choosing one of the minors available to all Waterloo students, or you can also pursue a double major to really focus on two subjects and enrich your educational experiences!

Your advisor can help you plan and personalize your degree once you arrive on campus.

View "Fighting climate change through positive action" on YouTube

Faculty:
Faculty of Environment

Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Balance flexibility and focus. Add skills-based minors and diplomas in parks, ecological restoration, or environmental impact assessment – or even do a double major. Choose course pathways that link science with solutions and customize your degree to your interests!

Get career-relevant skills. Whether you choose the regular or co-op system of study, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience through case studies, field trips, and community projects. In fourth year, you can work with a professor on a project of personal interest!

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

Shorebird and waterbird field technician
Ecological assistant
Food loss waste data analyst
Species at risk research assistant

Landfill operations
Sport fish technician
Junior policy analyst
Program coordinator

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 Environment, Resources and Sustainability?

Graduates commonly pursue careers in education, environment, and research. They often work in government ministries, environmental consulting firms, and more.

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!

Sustainability analyst

Evaluate how organizations use resources and identify ways to improve efficiency. You would collect data on energy, water, and waste, then recommend strategies to reduce environmental impact. This role is perfect if you enjoy working with data and turning insights into action.

Natural resource planner

Help manage resources like forests, water, and land to ensure they last for future generations. You would balance environmental protection with economic needs by creating long-term management plans. It’s ideal if you like thinking about sustainability on a big scale.

Environmental consultant

Advise businesses and governments on how to minimize their environmental impact. You would conduct assessments, write reports, and suggest practical solutions for more sustainable operations. This path combines science, communication, and real-world problem-solving.

Conservation specialist

Work hands-on to protect ecosystems and wildlife, allowing you to make a real impact on the natural world. You might restore habitats, support biodiversity, and collaborate with communities to bring conservation efforts to life. This path is a great fit if you want to see the results of your work in the environment around you.

Waste management coordinator

Transform how waste is handled, helping organizations move toward more sustainable, real-world solutions. You’ll lead recycling programs, reduce landfill use, and improve how materials are reused across systems. This role is ideal if you enjoy turning big sustainability ideas into practical actions you can see every day.

Water resource manager

Manage water systems, monitor supply, protect water quality, and help guide how communities use water sustainably over time. This path is a strong fit if you want your work to have long-term impact on both people and the environment.

Environmental policy analyst

Research environmental issues and help shape policies and decision making about biodiversity, climate or environmental issues. You would evaluate the impacts of laws and propose improvements. This career works well if you enjoy connecting environmental science with government and regulation.

Climate resilience planner

Help communities prepare for climate-related challenges like flooding or heat waves. You would assess risks and design strategies to adapt to changing conditions. This role is both forward-thinking and highly impactful in a changing world.

Sustainable agriculture advisor

Work with farmers and organizations to promote environmentally friendly farming practices. You would suggest ways to improve soil health, reduce water use, and increase long-term productivity. It’s a great option if you’re interested in food systems and sustainability.

Environmental impact assessment specialist

Study how proposed projects affect the environment before they move forward. You would collect field data, analyze risks, and write detailed reports. This role helps ensure that development happens responsibly.

Renewable energy project coordinator

Assist with projects like solar, wind, or hydro energy systems. You would help manage timelines, budgets, and environmental considerations. This career lets you contribute to the transition toward cleaner energy sources.

Biodiversity monitor

Track changes in plant and animal populations to understand ecosystem health. You would conduct fieldwork, collect data, and report findings to support conservation efforts. It’s a hands-on role if you enjoy science and being outdoors.

Sustainability program manager

Oversee sustainability initiatives within organizations or communities. You would coordinate projects, measure progress, and engage stakeholders. This role is a good match if you enjoy leadership and making long-term impacts.

Environmental outreach coordinator

Connect with communities to raise awareness about sustainability and resource management. You would organize events, create educational materials, and support behavior change. It’s a strong choice if you like communication and public engagement.

Further education

While the full range of further education depends on your individual interests, our graduates often pursue Master’s degrees in political science and public policy, attend law school, or apply to a faculty of education to become a teacher.

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

How do I choose between Environmental Sciences and Environment, Resources and Sustainability?

	Environmental Sciences	Environment, Resources and Sustainability
Focus of program	Provides a background in science and mathematics, while offering the opportunity to take courses in areas such as chemistry, ecology, microbiology, geography, and hydrogeology.	A flexible program where you can focus on topics such as natural resource management, ecology, environmental health, development and environment, waste and water management, environmental philosophy, and environmental assessment.
Offered by	Faculty of Science	Faculty of Environment
Degree granted	Bachelor of Science (BSc)	Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES)
Co-op available?	Yes	Yes
Number of required courses	Geoscience specialization: 24 (of approximately 42 courses in total) Ecology specialization: 26 (of approximately 42 courses in total)	18 (out of 40 courses in total)
Customize your degree	At the end of the first year, you'll move into either the Ecology, Geoscience, or Water Science specialization. Courses qualify you to register with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO) and become a professional geoscientist (PGeo) in Ontario.	Take advantage of the program's flexibility to choose career-oriented course pathways related to biodiversity conservation, water, food systems, or climate and energy. In the Faculty of Environment, there are many ways for you to customize your degree through options, diplomas, specializations and minors.
Find out more	Learn about careers, first-year courses, admission requirements in Environmental Sciences.	Learn about careers, first-year courses, admission requirements in Environment, Resources and Sustainability.

"ERS has always kept me really engaged as I learn something different and unique each day. Professors are always happy to help so make sure to reach out when you need a hand!" Nickie, second-year student

Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

any Grade 12 U English (a final grade of 70% is required)

Admission average: High 70s

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

Related programs

Environment and Business

Environmental Sciences

Geography and Environmental 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.