Environmental Geoscience Specialist (HBSc)
Admissions Category: Physical & Environmental Sciences
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Program Overview
Environmental Geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates the study of geology, environmental science, geography, biology, chemistry, geophysics, and physics, in order to better understand the connections between Earth processes, our environment and anthropogenic influences. Besides providing students with a thorough introduction to the geologic evolution of the planet Earth through time, the program also addresses many of the world’s complex environmental challenges including effects of human activities such as natural resource extraction and management, pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation, and human health. As all our Environmental Science programs, the Environmental Geoscience Specialist Program, will provide you with hands-on science education and training of a broad range of skills that will prepare you to solve environmental and geological problems in any sector of the man-made and natural world. Through a powerful combination of field and laboratory courses, our Environmental Science programs will thoroughly train you for careers in consulting, government, non-government, research, and teaching in the fields of Environmental and Geosciences.
Additionally, the Environmental Geoscience Specialist CO-OP option provides students with opportunities to gain real work experience and professional skills in industry, government or in an academic environment. For more information visit the CO-OP website.
The Specialist Program in Environmental Geoscience has been designed to meet the expectations of the association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO) - the licensing and regulatory body responsible for ensuring that geoscientists have the appropriate qualifications to practice. Students are encouraged to make careful choice of optional/elective courses to meet APGO requirements.
Please visit the PGO Student website for further information on requirements to become a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) in Ontario.
Complementary Programs:
Environmental Studies, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Health Science, Sociology.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Use scientific method to describe and identify samples and specimens to explore theoretical concepts and conduct research
- Interpret geologic and environmental data
- Analysis of soils, surface and groundwater for contaminants and pollutants
- Qualitative and quantitative approaches for environmental impact assessments and audits
- Statistical reasoning and methods
- Climate change modelling and impact assessment
- Design, implementation and reporting of research lab and field work
Careers for Graduates
- Environmental Geoscientist (PGeo)
- Environmental Consultant (PGeo)
- Environmental Planner
- Hydrologist (PGeo)
- Groundwater Geologist (PGeo)
- Environmental Consultant
- Conservation Officer/Park Warden
- Natural Resources Education Coordinator
- Environmental Management Services
- Field Technician for Resource Management and Conservation
- Environmental Sustainability Consultant
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Technician/Technologist
- Program Coordinator in Provincial/National Parks
Further Education
- Geology - Earth Science
- Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
- Environmental Sustainability
- Planning, Environmental Technology
- Environmental Regulations
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Law
- Climate Change and its Impact on Environment
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
- BIOA01H3, or BIOA02H3
- CHMA10H3, CHMA11H3
- EESA01H3, or EESA06H3
- MATA30H3
- MATA36H3 or MATA37H3
- PHYA10H3, PHYA21H3
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Attend Facilitated Study Groups.
- Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth library research assistance.
- Writing support is available at the Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the Environmental and Physical Sciences Students’ Association (EPSA) and get involved in their activities.
- Volunteer in the Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU's Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Check the Research Catalogue and jobs on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
- Enroll in PSCB90H3: Physical Sciences Research Experience.
- Drop by the Math & Statistics Learning Centre to have your course-related questions answered.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Check out Global Research Abroad opportunities through the International Student Centre (ISC) to gain valuable international and research experiences.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Look into Global Learning opportunities, such as the Summer Abroad, Explore, or Student Exchange programs.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you choose the right courses.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits in the following courses:
- EESB20H3
- EESC03H3
- EESC07H3
- EESC13H3
- EESC20H3
- EESC22H3 (formerly: EESB21H3)
- EESC36H3
and 0.5 credit from the following:
- BIOB50H3
- EESB22H3
- EESB26H3
- EESC18H3
- EESC19H3
- EESC31H3
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum. Enroll in EESC24: Directed Readings in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Consider running for an elected position in EPSA or another campus club.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September to explore your options.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Complete 4.0 credits from the following:
- EESC37H3
and 0.5 from the following:
- EESC26H3
- EESD02H3
- EESD06H3
- EESD09H3
- EESD10Y3
- EESD11H3
- EESD13H3
- EESD15H3
- EESD19H3
- EESD20H3
- EESD21H3
and 1.0 credit at the C- or D-level in EES courses or 0.5 credit at the C- or D-level in EES courses and PSCD11H3 Communicating Science: Film, Media, Journalism, and Society] Strongly recommended: EESC16H3 Field Camp I or EESD07H3 Field Camp II or EESD33H3 Field Techniques
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund through DSL to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the academic community internationally.
- Enroll in EESD09/EESD10: Research Project in Environmental Science.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning into the work field or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
- Discuss grad school plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors; get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.