Geography and Environmental Management

 Join the movement, meet the moment.

Geography and Environmental Management allowed Cassandra to embark on an Arctic adventure. She participated in a comprehensive study of the north, exploring interconnections between the human and physical environment while analyzing the impacts of climate change. Photo credit: Jeff Topham, One Ocean Expeditions

Explore how people shape the planet we live on. Delve into the dynamics of the Earth’s physical systems. Help solve many of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, water scarcity, resource management, global population growth, natural resource sustainability, and more.

Waterloo's Geography and Environmental Management department is one of Canada's largest and is ranked 4th in Canada for research and reputation (QS Subject Rankings 2023). Choose from more than 70 geography courses, including lots of field studies, and maybe even take the opportunity to gain paid work experience through co-op.

Geography offers the flexibility to focus your degree with a variety of specializations and options or even add another major.

You’ll quickly connect with other students in the Faculty of Environment’s welcoming and close-knit community. And when you graduate, your degree can take you literally anywhere around the globe.

Program highlights

• Study in Asia or the Canadian Arctic. Gain experience with environmental issues around the world through field studies in the Arctic or in countries such as Nepal or Indonesia.
• 30+ possible minors. Include additional interests and skills by adding one of more than 30 minors to your degree. Or do a double major. Or add an option. So go ahead: customize your degree to your interests! 
• Hone your technical skills. Learn remote sensing techniques, produce professional-quality maps, and get your hands dirty during field trips.

• Available as a regular or co-op program
• Available as a major and a minor
• Graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies
• Offered by the Faculty of Environment

What will you learn? 

"I really like the small class sizes – and the flexibility to customize your degree with specializations, minors, or another major. Plus the field opportunities in Canada and internationally teach you many different things about geography in real life."Lawrence, fourth-year Geography and Environmental Management student

"I really like the degree of customization available. I was given foundational skills, but also freedom to follow my interests. Through courses, co-op, and clubs, I found connections between ideas that I wouldn't have seen otherwise."Devon, fourth-year Geography and Environmental Management co-op student

"Geography and Environmental Management is great for anyone passionate about earth sciences and world issues. By incorporating a variety of specializations, you can focus on a specific area of geography or combine interests to form a unique degree."Farah, second-year Geography and Environmental Management student

"My geography classes are about the same size as in high school, making them feel tight-knit and easing the transition into university. I made friends through my classes and found an instantaneous support network I've carried with me in my studies."Simon, third-year Geography and Environmental Management student

Related programs

• Geography and Aviation
• Geomatics
• Environment, Resources and Sustainability