First Year

One of the unique features of our program is that you actually get to study the environment right from the start. Beginning with the first day of classes in September, you will take multiple courses directly related to the environment. We offer a common first year, so all of our new students take the same core courses during their first year together. This means that you will recognize almost everyone in your Environmental Studies courses – making it even easier to make friends, work on group projects and have fun while completing your degree. Visit the Our Courses section to see some of the first year courses.

Areas of Concentration

Develop a broad understanding of various environments in your first-year courses. In your second year, with the help of your academic adviser, you will begin to identify your Area of Concentration – one of four established fields in environmental studies:

Environmental Politics: Development, Globalization and Justice
Urban & Regional Environments: Analysis, Planning and Design
Environment & Culture: Philosophy, Arts, Technology and Education
Environmental Management: Policy, Resources and Conservation

Customize your degree

Certificate programs
Earn a customized certificate while completing your studies. Enhance your education and career without lengthening the time needed to complete your degree.

Certificate in Community Arts Practice
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing
Certificate in Urban Ecologies
Certificate in Refugee & Migration Studies

Joint programs with Ontario colleges
Combine your university education with specialized, college-based training. Receive both university and college credentials in a shorter period of time than completing the programs separately. Each program includes a field placement or internship.

Ecosystem Management with Fleming College
International Development Management Studies with Humber College
Urban Sustainability with Seneca

Combine with other York programs

• Choose a minor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth and atmospheric science)
• Choose a second major or a minor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (more than 50 choices)
• Choose a minor in the Faculty of Fine Arts (dance, film & video, music, visual arts, theatre or cultural studies)
• Choose courses from most areas of the University
• Co-register in the Faculty of Education