Environmental Science Degree Planner

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Environmental Science

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University offers Majors in both Environmental Science and Earth Science. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.

Gain skills and hands on experience

Co-operative education program Experiential learning opportunities Environmental science internships International field experiences Visit the department's website

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Customize your degree with a certificate

Aquaculture and the Environment Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Geographic Information Science (GIS) Science Communication and Leadership Explore all certificates

Faculty, staff and students participate in the Bio Blitz at Dalhousie University

Your Major Map: Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.

Before you arrive

Visit the course registration website and watch the registration video series
Visit Register on Track for guidance on course registration and connect with advisors in the Bissett Student Success Center
Attend events for future students, including Open House and Preview Day. See event listings here
Learn about the Dal Science community by listening to the Sciographies podcast

Learn more about first year science

A scientist uses their laptop in the greenhouse

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Complete required introductory courses in environmental science: ENVS 1100/1200 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

You will start taking more core courses* in ENVS and relevant disciplines, gaining knowledge and lab experience: ENVS 2000, ENVS 2100, ENVS 2500, PHIL 2480, PHYC 2310, BIOL 2060, STAT 2080, ECON 1101/1102
Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
Consider taking summer field courses through the SEASIDE program or courses abroad, or applying for an internship

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

There are 7 core ENVS courses* that can be taken over your third and final year. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are many experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Make sure you have completed all core ENVS courses and complete any remaining requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.

Take courses that fire your curiosity

Sample Course Offerings:

ENVS 2500: Field Methods in Environmental Science
ENVS 3200: Intro to Environmental Law
ENVS 3601: Global Biogeochemical Cycles
ENVS 4003: Coral Reefs and Environmental Change
ENVS 4004: Pathways to Sustainable Energy

ENVS Course List

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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Oceans, Climate Change, Earth and Environment, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op
Consider applying for the Sustainability Leadership Internship in the Bahamas, scholarships available on a competitive basis

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like SuperNova or Let's Talk Science
Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
Consider joining EPSS – Environmental Programs Student Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!
Stay involved with your faculty and department and connect with our incredible network of alumni

Student Society: Environmental Programs Student Society (EPSS)

Meet like-minded people by joining EPSS or DG Explore other societies

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Familiarize yourself with Dalhousie's many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
Plan out your credits hours by navigating degree requirements

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

See which scholarships & prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!

Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Environmental Science provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:

Conservation, sustainable development, research, government and regulatory affairs, business, economics, engineering, environmental law, environmental consulting, education, science communication, business, non-profit organizations, and journalism, among many more.

Graduate Studies

The department also offers MSc and PhD programs for students interested in pursuing further studies in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Browse graduate programs

A student looks at a plant located in the Ecolab at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

Core competencies gained

Discipline-level skills:

An understanding of earth processes, and the relationships between water, air soil, and ecosystems
Knowledge of the impact of climate change, agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas exploration on the environment
Use of water, soil, climate monitoring equipment and geographic information systems to study environments
Applying an interdisciplinary approach to study and provide solutions to some of the major environmental issues facing human societies

Transferable skills:

Academic writing and presentation skills
Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
Communication skills
Numeracy skills
Time/project management
Leadership and teamwork
Statistical analyses
Research/fieldwork skills

Possible careers and employment

Environmental science Alumni can be employed within a variety of sectors and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

Agricultural Scientist*
Conservation Biologist*
Environmental Consultant
Eco-tourism Specialist
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Manager*
Environmental Scientist*
Environmental Health Officer
Environmental Engineer*
Environmental Technician

Environmental Lawyer*
Journalist
Laboratory Technician
Nature Conservation Officer
Natural Resource Manager
Nature Educator
Policy Analyst
Restoration Ecologist*
Recycling Officer
Teacher/Professor*
Zoologist*

Environmental Science Degree Planner