Environmental degree programs

group of people in lifejackets on sand

Become a leader in the global movement advocating for a greener, more sustainable world.

With one of Canada's first faculties dedicated specifically to the environment, Waterloo has been a leader in sustainability for decades. More than a dozen programs and an equal number of student groups provide a great education and the opportunity to make a hands-on difference.

Earn your degree from one of Canada's leading universities

Programs

With more than a dozen programs at Waterloo relating to the environment, how do you decide? The first step is to think what you're passionate about.

Are you interested in math and science? Perhaps an engineering or Bachelor of Science program is for you. Looking for flexibility and programs that allow you to branch off into several areas of study? Our Bachelor of Environmental Studies degrees may be perfect for you.

Waterloo chemical engineering student wearing goggles works in a lab

Chemical Engineering

Enhance your knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and math to transform raw materials into useful products.

Learn about Chemical Engineering →

Two Climate and Environmental Change students have a conversation.

Climate and Environmental Change

Gain deep knowledge of the climate system, the water cycle, ecosystems, and learn what we as individuals can do to respond to the climate crisis.

Learn about Climate and Environmental Change →

A student in the Earth Sciences degree program hugs a big rock while wearing an orange coat.

Earth Sciences

Learn about the fascinating world under your feet. Explore geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and hydrogeology through courses, field trips, and labs.

Learn about Earth Sciences →

A student in the Environment and Business program gives a presentation.

Environment and Business

Combine the foundations of a business degree with courses in economics, finance, and marketing with an environmental education including field ecology and geography.

Learn about Environment and Business →

A student in the Environment, Resources and Sustainability program.

Environment, Resources and Sustainability

Use natural and social sciences to address challenges from food security to ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Learn about Environment, Resources and Sustainability →

A student in the Environmental Engineering program at the University of Waterloo.

Environmental Engineering

Gain the skills needed to design smarter water treatment and distribution, clean contaminated soil, or even prevent E. coli outbreaks.

Learn about Environmental Engineering →

An Environmental Sciences student inspects bird specimens in a lab.

Environmental Sciences

Get a solid grounding in chemistry and biology and explore environment-related courses in ecology, aquatic ecosystems, geology, hydrology, and more.

Learn about Environmental Sciences →

A Geography and Aviation student at an airport.

Geography and Aviation

Earn your degree while completing the flight training needed to acquire your commercial pilot licence, including multi-engine and instrument ratings.

Learn about Geography and Aviation →

A Geography and Environmental Management student works together with a professor.

Geography and Environmental Management

Learn the advanced technical skills required to help solve today's most pressing issues, such as the impact of environment on health, water and land resource management, and urban development.

Learn about Geography and Environmental Management →

A Geological Engineering student on a field trip

Geological Engineering

Merge geoscience with innovative design to engineer smart and sustainable solutions for natural hazards, infrastructure design, and natural resource development.

Learn about Geological Engineering →

Students in the Geomatics program work on a project.

Geomatics

Combine computer science with geographic data analysis to devise data-driven solutions to complex problems, like mapping the response time of fire services and fire stations.

Learn about Geomatics →

Students in the Planning program work on a project together

Planning

Tackle social, environmental, and economic challenges facing cities and rural areas. Manage the sustainable growth of communities, guide residential development, and design efficient transit networks.

Learn about Planning →

Sustainability and Financial Management student standing in front of the Environment 3 building on Waterloo campus

Sustainability and Financial Management

Learn to incorporate people, profits, and the planet into the bottom line. Use environmental, social, and corporate governance to lead organizations toward a greener world.

Learn about SFM →

Beyond the classroom

Meet others who share your passion

Become part of a community that's engaged in creating a more sustainable environment. More than a dozen student-run clubs include

  • Alternative Fuels Team,
  • Campus Compost, and
  • Society for Ecological Restoration

Experience before you graduate

Gain paid co-op work experience in the environmental field as part of your degree. Co-op students have worked in positions such as

  • Aquatic research technician
  • Industrial wastewater engineer
  • Species-at-risk research student assistant

Research

Attend events, learn from leading researchers, or even pursue further education with one of our research centres.

Sustainability at Waterloo

The Sustainability Office works to minimize our environmental footprint, focusing on education, innovative research, community engagement, and a sustainability strategy that aims to embed sustainable practices into campus culture.

Did you know?

Quick facts about Waterloo's environmental initiatives.

  • Home to Canada’s largest Faculty of Environment.
  • Committed to becoming a zero-waste campus by 2035 and carbon neutral by 2050.
  • Designated as a Fair Trade Campus.
  • Waterloo declared a climate emergency in June 2021, recognizing that the impact of climate change pose acute and lasting risks for communities, business, and natural ecosystems.
  • Hosts an annual Eco Summit for the campus community to reflect on sustainability opportunities.
  • Waterloo is the founding institution for Sustainable Development Solutions Canada, part of a global network of universities, colleges, and research centres that promote practical solutions for sustainable development.
  • Nearly 500 professors conduct research that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • 85% of all janitorial cleaning supplies are eco-friendly.
  • In June 2021, Waterloo committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our pension and endowment investment portfolios by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2040.