FAQs for Prospective Students

Why Pursue Environmental Studies?

Students often have questions when considering to study environmental science. Here are  answers to some frequently asked questions as adpated from a handout prepared by the Canadian Council of University Environmental Science Program Heads (CCUESPH).

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?

  • a study of the environment that involves many disciplines (areas of inquiry/ knowledge)
  • examines the relationship between human activities and the natural world
  • covers many "traditional" science subjects in the investigation of terrestrial (earth), aquatic (water) and atmospheric (air) systems and their interactions

HOW DOES THIS FEILD OF STUDY BENEFIT A STUDENT?

  • students acquire an intricate knowledge of environmental systems and how they work
  • students develop a wide range of expertise needed to address present and future environmental problems
  • graduates will be environmental problem-solvers

WHY SHOULD I STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY?

  • the world desperately needs environmental problem-solvers
  • a degree will allow you to increase your knowledge of the relevant sciences
  • a degree program will teach you to place this knowledge within a socio-economic context (translation:  it will make your science knowledge relevant for today's world)
  • this unique perspective is developed through courses in environmental management, ethics, law, policy & compliance and economics
  • unique to King's are also courses in philosophy and theology of the environment

WHAT CAREERS WILL A DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OPEN TO ME?

  • the environmental field is broad but quite well-defined
  • it is a field that is growing and has a need for students with a broad knowledge base 
  • In Canada, there are three major sectors for employment
    • Environmental Protection
    • Conservation and Protection of Natural Resources
    • Environmental Sustainability
  • the environmental sector is one of the fastest growing areas for employment in Canada

For further career information visit the Environmental Careers section of our webpage.

WHAT IF I WANT TO PURSUE GRADUATE WORK?

  • over 50% of environmental students in Canada pursue graduate programs and research
  • the broad base of the undergraduate program provides a great range of options for graduate work
  • some options include further work in environmental studies or management, international development, or traditional programs such as biology, geology, chemistry,etc
  • combining environmental expertise with graduate programs in law school, engineering, MBA programs or medical school opens countless career opportunities

For further graduate studies information visit the Environmental Careers section of our webpage.

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS DO I NEED?

  • generally the same credits as those students going into traditional science areas
  • English 30, Math 30 (pure), Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 

WHAT MAKES THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM AT KING'S UNIQUE?

  • we provide a liberal arts education which is perfectly suited to the broad knowledge base needed in today's environmental workforce
  • we offer two routes of study:  B.A. (Social Sciences or Humanities) or B. Sc. (Natural Sciences), students are able to chose a major in Environmental Studies and a second area of concentration in another area of interest, some options include:
    • Biology or Chemistry
    • Business Administration
    • English, Philosophy, Sociology, Theology
    • Social Sciences
  • through a wide range of courses students develop problem-solving skills that employers need and want, as well as critical thinking, and oral & visual communication skills
  • students graduate with transferable skills as well as skills specific to the environment field including:
    • mapping and aerial photo interpretation
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
    • Statistics and other computer applications
    • lab and field experience
  • we provide hands-on work experience through a 13-week internship program

Download a copy of our prospective student handout.

WHAT DOES AN ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP AT KING'S INVOLVE?

  • Check out the handout on Internships here.
  • after year 3, students pursue a 13 week summer internship
  • with support from the Internship Coordinator, students are placed in government, industry or a variety of Non-Governmental Organizations, applying their skills and gaining valuable work experience
  • previous interns have worked for 
    • municipial, provincial and federal governments,
    • conservation organizations and other not-for-profit groups
    • international relief organizations
    • small and large scale industry in Alberta and across Canada

Related Links

Environmental Studies Major Program | Environmental Career Opportunities