Career Options after Environmental Studies

What is Environmental Studies?

Environmental Studies is a physical science that bridges the sciences and humanities. It focuses on the social, economic, policy and scientific context of complex environmental issues. Drawing from a diversity of knowledge from experts and practitioners, it studies the causes and effects of environmental problems from across disciplines to generate multi-faceted solutions.

What makes Environmental Studies at UTSC unique?

Environmental problem-solving not only requires sound knowledge from the natural sciences, but from the social sciences and humanities as well. It is critical to understand how environmental change will impact humans, how impacts are received and weighed and what actions can be taken to address those impacts in an effective and inclusive manner. To understand these connections you will work on real world environmental problems with partners from government, industry, the ENGO and research communities.

Skills of Environmental Studies Grads

Environmental Studies Grads from U of T develop an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues, gaining comprehensive skills and insights that contribute to transformative leadership in sustainability careers.

U of T Environmental Studies graduates have developed transferrable skills highly sought by the private, public and not-for profits sectors.

  • Critically assess, integrate and mobilise information from an interdisciplinary perspective
  • Utilize relevant project management, monitoring and evaluation techniques
  • Consider environmental policies and principles when engaging in environmental decision making
  • Communicate, orally and in writing, broad understanding of local, national and international environmental issues
  • Engage in team-based research, analysis and problem-solving
  • Apply statistical and data representation techniques to solve problems
  • Utilize assessment tools to evaluate proposed environmental plans, policies or projects

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Project Leader in Environmental Non-Profits
  • Stewardship Coordinator in Conservation Authorities
  • Educational Program Officer for urban, rural and international development organizations
  • Environmental Specialist/Coordinator in Private Corporations
  • Environmental policy analyst in government agencies
  • Environmental sustainability monitoring
  • Environmental facilitators/conflict resolution

The Career Directory

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • Environmental Studies - Master
  • Environmental Science – Master and PhD
  • Sustainability Management – Master
  • Environmental Management – Post-Graduate Diploma
  • Geography and Planning – Master and PhD
  • Forestry – Master

Canadian Environmental Trends Supplemental Report 2010

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Environmental Studies Grads

  • Environmental Consulting
  • Private/Public Research and Development
  • Government (Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal)
  • Sustainability Management (e.g. Recycling)
  • Transportation infrastructure and planning
  • Food and Agriculture

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3. Build Your Network

Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences website.