College of Arts, Faculty of Science
College of Arts, Faculty of Science
As the global need for clean solutions increases, so does the demand for professionals able to shape business, industry and government practices, using economically and environmentally-sound principles.
If you are passionate about creating sustainable communities and systems, UFV’s Bachelor of Environmental Studies is the perfect stepping stone to prepare you for work in the private sector or with local and regional non-governmental organizations.
The four-year, full-time, 120-credit Bachelor of Environmental Studies is designed to address needs within the Fraser Valley, including initiatives related to agriculture and food security, climate change, land use planning, environmental communications, bioregional identities, and ethnoecology.
Through lectures, seminars, field-based, and technology-supported classrooms experiences, you gain knowledge of environmental issues, recognize how the environment impacts human health and safety, and learn how to apply this knowledge at both the global and local level. As part of the program, you complete a practicum (in Canada or abroad) or a cooperative work placement.
When you graduate, you are equipped with the tools and approaches to contribute to the change called for in the B.C. Climate Leadership Plan, which includes strategies to reduce the carbon footprints of buildings and private vehicle use, and the development of communications and tools used to encourage natural resources conservation.
As a graduate of the UFV Bachelor of Environmental Studies, you are able to take on a variety of careers in environmentally-focused fields, as well as in non-environmental fields. You may find work in environmental business, technology, and product development, natural resources management, environmental health and safety, water quality management, policy development and planning, sustainable urban planning, power generations systems management, climate change.
According to WorkBC, occupations in the environmental field are expected to provide 13,550 job openings by 2025 and have an average hourly median wage of $32 per hour.
Demand is especially high for inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety, and post-secondary teaching and research assistants.