Environmental Geoscience at the University of Toronto Scarborough

Environmental geoscientists are in high demand in our rapidly changing world, and our program offers the opportunity to tailor your studies to meet the requirements needed to become a licensed geoscientist in Ontario. Our co-op option also gives you 12 months of paid, real-world work experience and professional skills, and you can choose the length of your terms to make sure your experiential learning suits your goals.  

Hit the ground running in the workforce, with a strong background and sharp skillset in this interdisciplinary field that incorporates the study of geology, environmental science, geography, biology, chemistry, geophysics, and physics. You'll better understand the connections between Earth processes and our environment and anthropogenic influences, while also developing industry-ready practical skills. Through a powerful combination of field and laboratory courses, you will be thoroughly prepared for careers in consulting, government, non-government, research, and teaching in the fields of Environmental and Geosciences (for example,  environmental impact assessments and audits and remediate polluted sites). We also focus on honing your communication skills, both written and oral, and you’ll be prepared to create effective reports and convey advanced concepts in the principles and practices of geoscience. 

You’ll apply techniques in geographic information systems to solve scientific problems, and develop the skills to design and conduct team-based research in laboratories and the field. From data collection to interpretation, develop strong skills in research, analysis and problem solving. You’ll explore the mechanisms through which environmental change impacts living creatures, including humans, and learn about both the physical forces that help form and change physical landscapes and how human activity has transformed natural spaces. Graduate ready to apply environmental policies and principles when making environmental decisions, and make a meaningful impact on the planet.

Our program has been designed to meet the requirements of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) - the licensing and regulatory body responsible for ensuring that geoscientists have the appropriate qualifications to practice. If your goal is to become a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.), you'll receive guidance on selecting elective courses to meet PGO requirements.

This program has also received accreditation by the Chemical Institute of Canada, in recognition of the extensive number of lab courses and numerous experiential learning opportunities available to our students.

Department
Physical & Environmental Sciences
Degree offered
Honours Bachelor of Science or Honours Bachelor of Science + Health Sciences Certificate
Program options
Specialist
Sample courses
  • Earth History
  • Mineralogy
  • Principles of Climatology
  • Principles of Hydrology
  • Environmental Geophysics
Admissions
Physical & Environmental Sciences
Department
Physical & Environmental Sciences
,
Admissions
Physical & Environmental Sciences (Health Sciences Stream)
Department
Physical & Environmental Sciences
Degree offered
Honours Bachelor of Science or Honours Bachelor of Science + Health Sciences Certificate
Program Options
Specialist
Sample courses
  • Earth History
  • Mineralogy
  • Principles of Climatology
  • Principles of Hydrology
  • Environmental Geophysics