DEPARTMENT of PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Environmental Sciences Minor
The natural world is in the midst of unprecedented change, including natural disasters such as wildfires, drought and the loss of biodiversity. At the same time, there is an increasing focus on renewable energy sources and sustainable growth initiatives.
You understand the complexities of these situations and want to explore the problems and find solutions through interdisciplinary study.
Why take this minor?
In this minor, you develop practical skills for careers in the environmental sciences. Using appropriate tools and techniques, including geographic information systems (GIS), you gather and analyze environmental data in the field and the laboratory. You uncover ways for returning ecosystems to a place of balance, reversing the damage that humans have done to the natural world and preventing future destruction.
This minor is a strong complement to anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry and physical sciences majors.
What to expect
Using an analytical approach, you learn about environmental systems and the impact that humans have on the natural world. You also learn to critically evaluate environmental science publications and data.
You begin with foundational courses that teach you about geographic information systems, the foundations of environmental science and principles of ecology. Then you choose from a selection of environmental science courses that cover topics such as aquatic ecosystems, ecology, environmental chemistry and geosciences.
Gain experience in the field and the lab
Many of the courses in this minor provide experiential learning opportunities, including the possibility of receiving university credit for work you do in an environmental science position.
Your future
Combined with your major, the environmental sciences minor prepares you to go directly into the workforce 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 minor, you learn to:
- Think analytically
- Collect and analyze data
- Use appropriate tools and techniques, including geographic information systems
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, including biology, chemistry and Earth sciences
- Effectively communicate environmental science concepts
- Use ethical and environmentally responsible practices
The environmental sciences minor 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: The gateway to becoming a professional biologist (P.Biol.), including potential careers in environmental assessments, conservation, wildlife and fisheries management, air and water resource management, etc.
- Alberta Institute of Agrologists: The gateway to becoming a professional agrologist (P.Ag.), including potential careers in resource management, remediation, restoration and reclamation, air, soil, and water quality management, etc.
- Alberta’s Environmental Science Program: Alberta’s multiple 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) hosts 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.
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.