Environmental Science student working in the field

Environmental Science

Acquire the necessary expertise to address the complexity of current environmental and ecological problems and future unanticipated ones.

Our Environmental Science degree prepares you for a career in natural resource management and environmental health and safety while meeting the educational components of the National Occupational Standards for Environmental Employment.

Degree
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Campus
Prince George
Credits
126 credits,  4 Years,
Part-time available
Experiential Learning
Co-op,  Faculty Supervised Research,  Study Abroad,  Undergraduate Research Experience
Honours Option
Yes
Intakes
Jan,  May,  Sep

Program Details

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree teaching you the core aspects of environmental studies. You will be introduced to the human dimensions underlying environmental issues such as production, consumption, and ultimately disposal of natural resources. 

Learn about air pollution, climate change and global warming, waste management, meteorology, energy systems and sustainability among other issues. 

Apply your knowledge in practical settings such as the Quesnel River Research Centre, where students participate in groundbreaking research projects, or choose from many field schools.

Program Website Academic Calendar

Career Paths

  • Natural resource management
  • Environmental health and safety
  • Waste management
A degree in Environmental Science at UNBC addresses the educational components of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Environmental Employment set out by the Environmental Careers Organization Canada. NOS forms the basis of the Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner accreditation process of the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board.

Pursue graduate studies at UNBC including the Master of Science in Natural Resource and Environmental Studies, Master of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and the PhD program in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Why at UNBC

  • Discover why environmental and ecological problems are of concern to northern B.C. in resource-based economies
  • Learn how the environment functions, and how to mitigate the effects on the environment when functions and processes are disrupted
  • Develop your knowledge of the fundamental biological, chemical, physical and applied aspects integral to the field of environmental science
UNBC motto

'En Cha Huná

UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.

Admission Requirements

High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)

Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:

  • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
  • Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 67%)
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)

Other requirements: Life Sciences 11 or Anatomy & Physiology 12**; Physics 11

**Anatomy & Physiology 12 can be counted as one of the Approved Academic Grade 12 courses.

View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses

More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)

Transfer Requirements

  • Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
  • Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
  • Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
  • For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested

Detailed transfer requirements

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs per Academic Year

(30 credit hours, 10 courses)

  Domestic International
Tuition* $5,870 $24,770
Student Fees* $1,185 $1,185
Books* $1,700 $1,700

* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

  • 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
  • $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Awards and Financial Aid Information for Indigenous Students