Want a career that makes an impact? We’ve got the plan.
Go beyond urban planning and learn to tackle the environmental and social challenges facing the world's urban, rural, and natural areas. Learn how to manage the growth of cities, design efficient transportation systems, protect parks and other natural areas, preserve heritage, and more.
This multidisciplinary program covers everything from economic and legal issues to design skills, land development, and GIS technology. Whether you choose to put your degree to work for government, academia, or the private sector, you'll be ready to create a sustainable future through smart planning.
Because this is a co-op program, you’ll graduate with up to 20 months of paid real-world experience. Use your five co-op work terms to explore the many areas within planning so that when you graduate, you have a network of potential employers and you know which career areas you'd like to pursue.
Jacklyn loves Planning at Waterloo. She feels like she’s at home because she’s surrounded by people who share her interests in sustainability and the environment.
Faculty:
Faculty of Environment
Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Jump start your career. As one of only two undergraduate programs accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, Planning meets many of the requirements you need to become a Registered Professional Planner after graduation.
Build industry connections. Expand your network through up to 20 months of paid co-op work experience or take advantage of Planning’s extensive alumni network that spans the globe.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up 20 months of valuable experience — and make money!
Read about how Jacklyn used her co-op term to create safer and inclusive communities.
Sample co-op job titles
- Planning policy assistant
- Student planner
- Planning assistant
- Junior project manager
- Coordinator land development
- Safety research assistant
- Rail operations co-op student
- Innovation operations and outreach assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
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.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Work |
| Third | Study | Work | Study |
| Fourth | Work | Study | Work |
| Fifth | Work | Study | - |
Your first work term will be at the end of your second year (May to August 2027).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Contact a student ambassador
Ask a Faculty of Environment student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, 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
While volunteering her time with local groups as a high-school student in Guelph, Jacklyn became aware of the challenges facing low-income families and those suffering from violence and abuse. Read our article on...