Overview
Environmental Studies helps you develop an understanding of the complex environmental challenges facing the world.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study environmental studies at Mount Allison?
At Mount Allison, the Environmental Studies program is designed for students interested in the human dimensions of environmental change, sustainability, and problem-solving, including environmental behaviour, economics, management, planning, and politics.
The aim of the program is to equip students with the kind of integrative and analytical thinking that will help you effectively contribute to environmental leadership and decision-making.
Environmental Studies is available as:
- BA major (66 credits)
- BA honours (78 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Experiential learning
Students in Mount Allison's Geography and Environment department have the opportunity to carry out their own research as summer projects or as part of directed studies courses.
Environmental Studies students have chosen research in diverse topics, including:
- outdoor environmental education implementation
- resource development and climate change — and the impact of both on Aboriginal communities
- freshwater conservation and preservation
- the human dimensions of aquaculture management
- consumers' perceptions of packaging of environmental-friendly products
Studies in this program include such topics as:
- environmental policy
- natural resources management
- environmental ethics
In upper years, students choose from four focal streams, depending on your interests and career goals:
- environmental social justice
- environmental policy and economics
- environmental history and philosophy
- ecology and environment
You will also have the opportunity to carry out your own research as summer projects or as part of directed studies courses.
GENV 1201 — The Human Environment
This course introduces the study of the human population and the spatial dimensions of environmental change. It examines how people interact with the environment and the core forces which shape these interactions, including population, culture, technology, and geography.
GENV 2001 — Contemporary Environmental Studies
This course reviews how different disciplines are brought to bear on the study of environmental issues. Some of the topics considered in this survey include the role of environmental philosophy and activism, interactions between science and environmental politics, environmental or ecological economics, and sustainable development.
GENS 2881 — Traditional Ecological Knowledge
This course investigates the ways in which Indigenous scientific knowledge and ways of knowing and Western scientific knowledge and ways of knowing complement one another. It discusses Indigenous research methodologies and considerations. Students also learn from Mi'kmaq and/or Wolastoqiyik Elder(s).
RELG 3981 — Religious Ethics and the Environment
This course investigates the role that various religions play in human interaction with the environment and explores how religions are responding or not responding to environmental problems. It examines various religious perspectives on nature and examines critically scholarship which applies religious perspectives to issues in environmental ethics. It also considers the religious basis of contemporary environmental thinkers and movements and examines the worldview assumptions and values that underlie so-called secular approaches to environmental issues.
GENV 3511 — Rural and Small Town Canada
This course examines land use patterns as well as the environmental, social, economic and political structures of Canadian rural areas and small towns. It uses an integrated approach to resolving rural and small town development issues.
ECON 3801 — Environmental Economics
This course presents the application of economic analysis in the study of environmental problems. It examines when and why markets often fail to allocate sufficient resources to environmental conservation, and critically assess different policy instruments available to correct for the fundamental "market failure". Using the analytical methods, it examines the following types of policies: measures to control air and water pollution, the disposal of hazardous wastes, the protection of endangered species, and the control of cross border pollution, including the Canadian "Green Plan".
GENV 4111 — International Environmental Affairs
This course explores international environmental problems and their solutions. It examines climate change, biodiversity, conservation, international marine pollution, and the relationship between trade and environment, among other topics, giving particular consideration to the roles of science, civil society, and international governance.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Brad Walters
Professor, Geography and Environment
» 5Q with geography and environment professor Dr. Brad Walters
What can I do with an environmental studies degree?
Through experiential learning, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students gain practical skills and critical thinking abilities to address today’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
Recognized by ²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s as Canada’s top undergraduate university, Mount Allison’s strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to graduate studies in environmental management, geography, ecology, and planning, while others move directly into careers in conservation, environmental consulting, policy analysis, and other environment-related fields.
Popular career paths for Environmental Studies graduates include:
- urban planner
- environmental journalist
- outdoor recreation manager
- ecotourism developer/planner
- conservation education co-ordinator
- recycling/waste management specialist
- wetlands conservation manager
- environmental activist/educator
- community developer
- environmental lawyer
- environmental policy analyst
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
Both the geography and environment program, and the community engaged learning program, have allowed me to gain real-world experience in working with a number of different communities and locations, in addition to helping me create a network of connections.
Environmental Studies provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between humans, nature, and society. The interdisciplinary approach not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with versatile skills highly sought after in today's job market. I recommend this program to any student passionate about making a meaningful impact on our planet!
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to environmental studies?
Environmental Science
Environmental Science provides a strong but diverse scientific foundation required to understand environmental issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
Geography
Geography is the study of places, exploring both the physical features of the earth and the relationship between people and their environments.
Geocomputing
Geocomputing is an applied program that combines theory and practice of computer science and geography.