DEPARTMENT of PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Environmental Sciences Major
The natural world is experiencing unprecedented change including the loss of biodiversity and natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and droughts. At the same time, the focus on renewable energy sources and sustainable growth initiatives is growing.
You understand the complexities of these situations and want to explore the problems and find solutions through interdisciplinary study.
What to expect
Through introductory biology, earth science and chemistry classes, you become familiar with the scientific building blocks that are the basis of the environmental sciences. As you advance through the program, you dig deeper into key areas of environmental science such as ecology, geographic information systems and soil science and build the skills needed for more specialized applications, research and methodologies. Introductory courses in economics, political science and Indigenous studies help you understand the broader social and community impacts of environmental issues.
In your third and fourth years, you work closely with your peers and faculty, deepening your understanding of environmental science’s core principles. With the program’s emphasis on experiential and applied learning, you have many opportunities to tackle environmental issues head on. Support faculty research on a specific issue, present solutions for real-world problems in your capstone project, work as an intern for an environmental consultant—through hands-on work, you learn to recognize the impact of human activity on the environment and to find ways to maintain ecological balance, reverse damage and prevent future impact.
Learn by doing
As an environmental sciences major, you have many opportunities to learn in the lab and in the field.
Your future
The environmental sciences major prepares you to work in fields such as environmental or ecological consulting, resource management, environmental conservation and remediation, industry (such as engineering or energy sector firms) and research for government or non-governmental organizations.
In this major, you learn to do the following:
- Apply environmental sciences concepts to real-world environmental issues.
- Collect and analyze data.
- Use appropriate tools and techniques including geographic information systems.
- Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including Indigenous communities, regulators and stakeholders.
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines including biology, chemistry and earth sciences.
- Use ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
- Collaborate effectively in teams and recognize each member’s diverse skills and knowledge.
The environmental sciences major prepares you to enter the workforce with plenty of hands-on experience. You can apply for jobs as a(n):
- pollution control specialist
- environmental assessment coordinator
- environmental scientist
- terrestrial ecologist
- conservation officer
- environmental consultant
- environmental educator
- scientific support technologist
We recommend these resources to learn more about working in the environmental sciences field:
- Careers and Experience: career counselling and support from MacEwan career development specialists
- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists: a self-regulated organization that ensures public safety by maintaining high standards for biologists' qualifications, skills and conduct
- Alberta Institute of Agrologists: a regulatory body established by the Agrology Profession Act to ensure public safety by setting and enforcing standards for education, practice and ethics in agrology
- Alberta’s Environmental Science Program: Alberta’s evidence-based approach that braids scientific, Indigenous and community-based knowledge to support environmental sustainability and conservation in Alberta
The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) has detailed occupational profiles, salary survey data, trend reports and assessment tools to help you choose and plan a career that matches your skills and interests.
Get your professional designation
As an environmental sciences major at MacEwan University, you can use your coursework to fulfill the requirements of the Professional Geoscientist (PGeo), the Professional Biologist (PBiol) and the Professional Agrologist (PAg) designations. For more information on fulfilling the requirements for each designation, contact an academic advisor in the Bachelor of Science program.
Professional Geoscientist (PGeo)
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) licenses individuals who want to practice geoscience in Alberta, ensuring applicants meet ethical, professional and technical competencies.
Professional Biologist (PBiol)
The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB) regulates biologists in the province. As a professional biologist, you hold yourself to a high standard and abide by a professional code of ethics.
Professional Agrologist (PAg)
The Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) ensures the competent and ethical practice of agrology in Alberta. If you’re planning to practice agrology in Alberta, register with the AIA so you can legally use professional titles.
Courses and requirements
This major is open to students in the Bachelor of Science. Courses for your major are only one component of the degree requirements to graduate. To see all courses required for the major, check the program of study in the academic calendar.
Requirements can change from year to year. You follow the program of study outlined in MacEwan University’s academic calendar for the year you declare your major/minor or the year you are accepted into an honours program.
Academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science have prepared resources to help you understand how your major/minor fits within overall degree coursework. Consult the academic planning information to choose and enrol in courses and complete the major/minor declaration process.