Build a better world. We’ll give you the toolkit.
Carlee spent her eight-month placement as an intern in Nepal where she worked toward developing a women's economic empowerment action plan as well as leadership, gender equality, and social inclusion training programs for dairy producers throughout the district.
Learn to tackle issues of economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental change. Build capacity to solve problems at the local level. We’ll give you lots of tools to put in your toolkit, including business skills, problem solving, cultural understanding, economic development, social accounting, and more.
Meanwhile, adding some environmental studies, social sciences, and language courses will strengthen your adaptability and thinking skills. You’ll graduate knowing how to design development projects that are ethical, environmentally sustainable, culturally responsible, and scientifically accountable.
Program highlights
- Work overseas for eight months. Gain a deeper understanding of global issues and human rights during an eighth-month field placement in Africa, Latin America, or Asia, doing anything from creating an education program at a refugee camp to promoting sustainable buying habits in Vietnam.
- Create friendships for life. You’ll be part of a tight-knit community of people committed to creating a better world. You can even room and study with your classmates in the Environment Living Learning Community.
- Offered as a regular program only
- Available as a major and minor
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies
- Offered by the Faculty of Environment
What will you learn?
First-year courses
During your first year, you'll take a mix of courses in International Development, Economics, Geography and Environmental Management, and Planning.
Learn more about the courses you'll take for your International Development major.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
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Contact a student ambassador
Ask a Faculty of Environment student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (final grade of 70% is required)
Admission average: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Contact Jaime, our Faculty of Environment recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.