Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Natural Sciences)

Quick Facts

Apply online

Credential:
Bachelor's degree

Duration:
4 years

Format:
Full time, Part time

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • Field trips enhance classroom learning
  • Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • Upper-level science courses prepare you to seek a professional designation

Program description

UFV’s four-year Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) (Natural Sciences) program prepares you to work in the dynamic field of environmental science and to help organizations and communities reach their sustainability goals.

Your core courses will help you explore the relationship between humans and the environment. You will learn about resource management, sustainability research, and innovative problem-solving. You will also learn how to communicate your research and ideas effectively.

The BES (Natural Sciences) is designed to be interdisciplinary. It will help you create connections between several career-building subjects: geography, biology, philosophy, agriculture, economics, communications, and more. You will specialize in the natural sciences by completing upper-level science courses that include lab and fieldwork across the Fraser Valley region, enabling you to pursue professional accreditation after graduation.

Courses are delivered in both online and face-to-face formats, using lecture, seminar, field-based, and technology-supported classroom experiences.

Your program also includes a practical work experience component. You can meet this requirement through a practicum or by joining the cooperative education program. Gaining such real-world experience will enhance your technical skill sets and help build your job-ready qualifications.

After you graduate, you will be equipped to work in the field of environmental science or as an environmental professional in Canada or abroad. You may also choose to pursue graduate studies.

If you are interested in a program that offers more elective credits, UFV also offers the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES). 

View program outline

Career expectations

BES (Natural Sciences) graduates will have the skills and knowledge to pursue environmental careers in a variety of settings, including agriculture and food secruity, climate change, land use planning/GIS, conservation, environmental management, and environmental communications.

You may find employment as:  

  • Environmental scientist
  • Environmental technician
  • Field biologist
  • Natural resource manager
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) technician
  • Planning technician
  • Environmental monitor
  • Environmental impact analyst
  • Environmental education consultant
  • Environmental program coordinator

Entrance requirements

Go to  entrance requirements for the BES (Natural Sciences) program in the UFV Academic Calendar

International student admissions

This program is open for international students.

Upgrading options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

Our Future Students team is here to help you understand your options and get ready to submit an application.

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