Environmental Studies

The study of environmental issues is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary, taking into consideration socio-economic, cultural and political actions and consequences in addition to scientific analysis. Our Environmental Studies program will provide you with the background to understand and evaluate environmental issues and solutions from a multitude of perspectives. You will gain the business skills, scientific expertise and practical experience needed to solve modern environmental and sustainability challenges.

Our Environmental Studies programs contain a core of common courses, plus courses required for a major in one of three disciplines:

  • Biology
  • Earth Science
  • Geography 

Each program contains both Science and Social Sciences & Humanities components to ensure you receive a well-rounded background in modern environmental challenges. 

If you are interested in majoring in Geography, you have the opportunity to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies or an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Science, depending on whether you choose to emphasize Science or Social Sciences electives.

As a Geography or Biology major, you may choose to combine your Environmental Studies/Science degree with a Concurrent Education degree to teach at the Intermediate/Senior level.

Lakehead Advantage

Our location in the heart of Northwestern Ontario, surrounded by diverse forests, lakes and other unique geographical features, makes Lakehead University the ideal institution to learn about Environmental Studies. We maintain great relationships with regional organizations dedicated to ecological health and outdoor education, facilitating experiential learning and fieldwork opportunities in one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes Canada has to offer.

The multidisciplinary approach of our program is unique to Lakehead University. As a graduate, you will have an advanced conceptual and practical understanding of the scientific and the social, cultural and political factors that are affecting our environment. This is very attractive to employers as many jobs in the field require you to work with various organizations, agencies and people from different backgrounds.

As a Biology, Geography or Earth Science major, you will have the ability to take experiential learning courses that supplement in-class lectures with off-campus labs, field trips and weekend excursions to gain hands-on experience. The topics vary from year to year and will provide you with a professional advantage post-graduation, due to the focus on practical learning and technique development.

Transfer Options

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both. 

There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Geography
    Degree:
    Environmental Studies and Education (IS)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S,
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy these specific prerequisite requirements.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Geography
    Degree:
    Environmental Studies
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S,
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted. College transfer students entering via a transfer pathway are not required to satisfy these specific prerequisite requirements.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B


While the three Environmental Studies majors share core environmental courses, your remaining required courses will depend on your choice of major:

Biology

  • Environmental Studies 1170 – The Environment with Laboratory
  • Biology 1110 – Animal Biology
  • Biology 1130 – Plant Biology
  • Chemistry 1110 & 1130 – Introductory Chemistry I & II
  • Mathematics 1151 & 1152 – Calculus I & II for Social and Life Sciences OR Physics 1113 & 1133 – Physics Essentials I & II

The balance of your courses must be from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Earth Science

  • Environmental Studies 1150 – The Environment
  • Environmental Studies 1190 – Indigenous Knowledge, Science and the Environment
  • Chemistry 1110 & 1130 – Introductory Chemistry I & II
  • Geology 1111 & 1131 – Planet Earth & Crust of the Earth with Laboratory
  • Mathematics 1151 & 1152 – Calculus I & II for Social and Life Sciences OR Mathematics 1210 & 1230 – Calculus I & II for Engineers OR Mathematics 1171 & 1172 – Calculus I & II
  • English 1015 – Introduction to Academic Writing OR English 1016 – Introduction to Professional Writing

Geography (Environmental Science)

  • Environmental Studies 1170 – The Environment with Laboratory
  • Environmental Studies 1190 – Indigenous Knowledge, Science and the Environment
  • Mathematics 1151 & 1152 – Calculus I & II for Social and Life Sciences OR Physics 1113 & 1133 – Physics Essentials I & II

The balance of your courses will be from both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. 

Geography (Environmental Studies)

  • Environmental Studies 1170 – The Environment with Laboratory
  • Environmental Studies 1190 – Indigenous Knowledge, Science and the Environment 
  • English 1015 – Introduction to Academic Writing 
  • One credit from Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics
  • One credit from History, Indigenous Learning or Philosophy
  • One credit from Economics, Political Science or Sociology

We encourage you to get involved in our Science Outreach Programs - Science Olympics, Faculty of Science & Environmental Studies Speaker Series and Superior Science - held throughout the academic year and in the summer. Participating as a mentor in the Science Olympics and for Superior Science is a great way to gain experience in the field and add to your resume, especially if you are considering teaching in the future. Our Speaker Series is always diverse and informative and will undoubtedly open your eyes to new topics and ideas.

If you are interested in attending a professional workshop or giving a presentation based on your research, the Science & Environmental Studies (SES) Undergraduate Conference Travel Award can help you. Each year 10 awards are presented by the Dean of Science & Environmental Studies to help students expand their knowledge and represent Lakehead University. This is a great opportunity for those considering graduate studies.

We have many student-run societies and clubs that cater to virtually any interest. These organizations are integral to our sense of community on campus. They host events, fundraisers, workshops and competitions to bring people together and raise awareness of unique topics and issues. Visit our Student Clubs and Associations page for more information and a listing of Student Centres.


More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information



All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Environmental Studies - Geography
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$5,984.51
$1,399.44
$7,383.95
$3,691.98
$3,691.97
$1,196.90
$1,335.84
$598.45
$667.92
2
$5,955.86
$1,319.44
$7,275.30
$3,637.65
$3,637.65
$1,191.17
$1,330.11
$595.59
$665.06
3
$5,915.30
$1,319.44
$7,234.74
$3,617.37
$3,617.37
$1,183.06
$1,322.00
$591.53
$661.00
4
$5,398.29
$1,319.44
$6,717.73
$3,358.87
$3,358.86
$1,079.66
$1,218.60
$539.83
$609.30
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$28,500.00
$1,399.44
$29,899.44
$14,949.72
$14,949.72
$5,700.00
$5,838.94
$2,850.00
$2,919.47
2
$28,113.85
$1,319.44
$29,433.29
$14,716.65
$14,716.64
$5,622.77
$5,761.71
$2,811.39
$2,880.86
3
$28,113.85
$1,319.44
$29,433.29
$14,716.65
$14,716.64
$5,622.77
$5,761.71
$2,811.39
$2,880.86
4
$27,318.18
$1,319.44
$28,637.62
$14,318.81
$14,318.81
$5,463.64
$5,602.58
$2,731.82
$2,801.29
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building FundSABFF70.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF134.84
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF79.45
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 438.29
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF56.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *399.00
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **225.75
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF149.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS19.40
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 881.15
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)  1319.44

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.

**
The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year
- Undergraduate Full-Time  Students (Thunder Bay)
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee SORIE80.00
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): 1319.44
 TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay):
  1399.44
2023-24 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building FundSABFF14.007.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF26.9713.48
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF15.897.95
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 87.6643.83
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF11.205.60
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 29.8014.90
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS3.881.94
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 51.2825.64
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 138.9469.47
    
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: Amount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course)SORIE80.0080.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 138.9469.47
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 218.94149.47
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO79.45
Lakehead Services Subtotal 212.34
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO56.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO145.00
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO399.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO149.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO19.40
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal 775.40
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) 987.74

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 First Year Students

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIO80.00
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 987.74
Total 1067.74
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO21.5810.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO15.897.95
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 42.4721.23
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO11.205.60
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO29.8014.90
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO3.881.94
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 46.2823.14
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 88.7544.37
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO80.0080.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 88.7544.37
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 168.75124.37
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHG107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG79.45
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 212.34
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG399.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG149.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG56.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG19.40
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 630.40
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB187.58
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 1030.32

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.

 


 

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIB80.00
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal 1030.32
Total 1110.32

 

2023-24  Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs
 Code Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE)
Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Student Recreation and Wellness 
SATHG21.5810.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG15.897.95
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 42.4721.23
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG29.8014.90
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG11.205.60
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG3.881.94
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 46.2823.14
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs:
 88.7544.37