Bachelor Of Environmental Studies - Geography And Environmental Management at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Ranked among the best programs globally for geography and environmental management, the Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Environmental Management at Waterloo offers students a unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of the Earth’s physical systems. This program is designed to address some of the world's most pressing issues, including climate change, water scarcity, and resource management. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, students benefit from a co-op program that provides paid work opportunities, making it one of the most sought-after geography degrees in Canada.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Environmental Management is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a four-year period. The program includes:

Flexibility to focus on specializations and options, or even add another major.
Integration of geography and environmental studies courses in the first year.
Opportunities to customize the degree with over 30 possible minors.
Field studies in diverse locations, including the Arctic and countries like South Africa and Singapore.
Co-op program that alternates between study and work terms, starting in the second year.

Students can expect to engage in a mix of theoretical and practical learning, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

The Geography and Environmental Management program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Co-op program providing relevant paid work experience in various fields.
Field studies that allow students to engage with environmental issues globally.
Access to over 70 geography courses, many of which include field studies.
Opportunities to work with leading organizations through co-op placements.
Customization options to add minors or double majors, enriching the educational experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Environmental Management can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Conservation Technician — Work with organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect natural habitats.
Environmental Planner — Collaborate with government and private sectors to develop sustainable land use plans.
Geographic Information System Technician — Utilize GIS technology to analyze spatial data for various applications.
Aquatic Specialist — Focus on water resource management and conservation efforts.
Research Associate — Conduct research and analysis for environmental consulting firms or academic institutions.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, emphasizing the program's relevance in today's job market.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Environmental Studies - Geography and Environmental Management program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average required: 8.3.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!