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.
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 |
- |
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 an Ontario high school student? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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.
*University of Waterloo Key Performance Indicators 2024
**for social science programs, which include programs within the Faculty of Environment
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
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
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
Field Notes: What it's like to be an ERS student
In this edition of Field Notes, we sat down with Zoë to learn more about her experience in the program, her thoughts on Waterloo, and what she loves most about the Faculty of Environment.
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