COURSE CURRICULUM

The Environmental Studies program at Wilfrid Laurier University provides students with a strong foundation in understanding human-environment interactions through a combination of natural and social science courses. In the first year, students complete core courses such as Environment, Sustainability and Society, Introduction to Human Geography, and Introduction to Physical Geography, alongside 3.5 elective credits, establishing a broad knowledge base in environmental science, sustainability, and spatial analysis. First-year electives, including The Anatomy of Earth, Our Digital Earth, and The Surface of Earth, offer students opportunities to explore topics in geology, geospatial technology, and environmental systems, further enhancing their analytical and technical skills. As students progress into upper-year courses, they engage with specialized topics that address contemporary environmental challenges, including Introduction to Sustainability, Climate Change and Collective Action, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Migration, Global Food Systems, Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, Parks and Protected Areas, and Wildlife and Resource Management. These courses integrate theoretical knowledge with applied skills, preparing students to assess complex environmental problems, design sustainable solutions, and communicate their findings effectively. Graduates of the program gain interdisciplinary expertise and practical skills in environmental research, policy analysis, resource management, and sustainability initiatives, equipping them for careers in government, consulting, conservation, urban planning, and research, or for further studies in environmental science and policy, contributing to a sustainable and resilient future.