Bachelor Of Environmental Studies - Planning (Honours) (Co-op) 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

Earn your degree in urban planning from one of Canada's top planning programs. This multidisciplinary program goes beyond traditional urban planning, addressing the environmental and social challenges facing urban, rural, and natural areas. Students will learn to manage city growth, design efficient transportation systems, and protect natural areas. Graduates will be equipped to work in various sectors, including government and private industry, to create a sustainable future through smart planning. The program emphasizes real-world experience, allowing students to build a professional network and gain valuable skills.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning (Honours) is a co-op program designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in urban planning. The program is structured as follows:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Includes up to 20 months of paid co-op work experience.
Students alternate between study and work terms, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience.
Offers opportunities to specialize in areas such as environmental planning, land use, transportation, and urban design.

Students will take foundational courses in their first year, followed by a majority of Planning courses in upper years. The program does not offer a minor option, ensuring a focused educational experience.

Featured Experiences

Co-op program with up to 20 months of paid work experience.
Students can explore various fields within planning through five co-op work terms.
Hands-on experience in real-world settings, enhancing learning and career readiness.
Networking opportunities through extensive alumni connections and industry contacts.
Accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, meeting requirements for becoming a Registered Professional Planner.

Career Options

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

Development Planner: Works with municipalities to plan and manage land use and development projects.
Land Use Planner: Focuses on zoning, land use regulations, and sustainable development practices.
Senior Urban Designer: Designs urban spaces, ensuring they are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Transportation Planner: Develops transportation systems and policies to improve mobility and accessibility.
Community Planner: Engages with communities to develop plans that address local needs and enhance quality of life.

Other potential roles include project manager, policy advisor, and landscape designer, providing a wide range of opportunities in both public and private sectors.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Environmental Studies - Planning (Co-Op) 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 regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

At the University of Waterloo, English is the primary language of instruction, and a high level of English language proficiency is essential for success in our programs. If you are applying for undergraduate admissions, you will 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 AND
Your first language is NOT English.

However, you may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if you meet one or more of the following exceptions:

You have studied in Canada and your first language is English.
You are a bilingual Francophone Canadian.
You have studied in an English-language school.

Here are the accepted English language tests and their required scores:

Test	Minimum Score
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 in each component
Duolingo English test	120 overall, with specific minimums depending on the test date
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing

It is important to note that all test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Unofficial results will not be accepted.

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!