Program description
The environmental sciences focus on understanding the Earth’s natural systems and how we, as humans, interact with them.
Environmental scientists study the impact of these interactions on the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere using an interdisciplinary and integrative approach. They provide us with the information we need to address some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
The major in environmental science will provide you with an appropriate background in the natural and physical sciences that is needed to understand how natural and man-made systems function. It will provide you with a broad perspective that is required to appreciate the role of humanity in global
environmental change.
As an environmental science major, you will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including those present in the Alberta Water and Environmental Sciences Building. These facilities house the infrastructure used in groundbreaking research by our award-winning faculty ensuring that you are exposed to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary environmental research throughout your degree.
You will also be provided the flexibility and versatility to obtain the key skills that are required to answer pressing research questions in sub-disciplines such as ecology (aquatic, riparian and grassland), remote sensing, geographical information science (GIS), biodiversity assessments, conservation, ecophysiology and environmental toxicology.
Once you have completed your degree, you may apply for membership in professional societies such as the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) and Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB). Contact us early in your degree for further information.
Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA). Once you have completed your degree, you may apply to the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) to be registered as a Professional Agrologist within Alberta. Contact us early in your degree for further information.
Concentrations (Optional) | Students in the BSc in environmental science degree program may declare a concentration in geographical information science.
Honours thesis | If independent research is your passion, you should consider registering for an honours thesis course or one of our other undergraduate thesis courses. The focus of an honours thesis is the completion of an independent research project under the supervision of one of our award-winning faculty.
Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.
Possible careers
Environmental Impact Analyst
Ecologist
Air & Water Quality Specialist
GIS Specialist/Technician
Hydrologist
Natural Resource Specialist
Environmental Protection Officer
Graduate Research
Interpretive Naturalist
Renewable Resource Manager
Environmental Auditor
Environmental Education Coordinator
Cartographer
Fisheries Biologist
Conservation Biologist
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive,
LETHBRIDGE,
Alberta (AB),
T1K 3M4, Canada
Applicants who complete the equivalent of Grade 12 in high school (secondary school) will be considered for admission. Applicants who have completed secondary qualifications in other countries will be considered for admission under the High School Admission Route. Applicants to undergraduate programs who have completed post-secondary study will be considered for admission under the Post-Secondary Admission Route.
English language Requirements:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL (iBT)) with a minimum total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT), with minimum scores of 16 in each of Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and a minimum score of 18 in Writing.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score with a minimum overall score of 54.
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with a minimum overall score of 60, with a minimum 50 in each of Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and 60 in Writing.
Academic International English Languages Testing System (IELTS) test with a minimum overall score of 6.0, and a minimum 6.0 in each band.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
The University of Lethbridge is a leading public Canadian research university where students work directly with experts to tackle global issues.