Environmental Studies University of Prince Edward Island

Overview

The Environmental Studies programme at the University of Prince Edward Island offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and resolving complex ecological challenges. Students develop the analytical skills required to bridge the gap between scientific theory and social responsibility in a professional context.

This degree encourages learners to make meaningful connections across diverse academic fields while finding innovative solutions for local and global sustainability. By integrating knowledge from the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Business, the curriculum ensures a well-rounded perspective on modern environmental issues.

Why Environmental Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island?

The university is ranked as the seventh undergraduate institution in Canada for sponsored research funding, providing a high-quality environment for academic inquiry. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and a learning model that combines classroom instruction with practical field and community engagement.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the mandatory 30-hour internship with a community partner, allowing students to gain professional experience before graduation. Additionally, a Co-operative Education option is available, enabling full-time students to alternate academic terms with paid work placements.

The programme offers three tailored specialisations to suit specific career goals: Environmental Thought and Practice, Island Environments and Sustainability, and Environmental Innovation and Change Management. These pathways allow for deep focus on areas such as resource economics, climate change, or environmental governance.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 16670 per year
• National fee: CAD 7630 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including core requirements and specialised electives. Modules may include:

Core Requirements

• Environmental Studies
• Societies and Sustainability: Past and Present
• Methods of Environmental Inquiry
• Environmental Studies Internship
• Public Scholars on Environmental Issues
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Philosophy
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Introductory Statistics

Specialisation Electives

• Environmental Innovation and Change Management Skills
• Resource Economics
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
• Tourism Management
• Ethics of Climate Change
• Community-based Ethical Inquiry
• Island Studies
• Political Geography
• Environmental Stresses on Island Communities
• Earth's Physical Environment
• Climate Change
• Natural Hazards
• Ecology
• Coastal Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Biogeography and Macroecology
• Watershed Ecology

Careers with Environmental Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the public and private sectors, focusing on sustainability and environmental management. Alumni have secured positions such as Senior Environmental Technicians and Project Coordinators within government departments, such as the PEI Department of Environment.

The interdisciplinary nature of the degree opens doors to industries including environmental consultancy, renewable energy, and community planning. Students gain the necessary expertise to lead positive change within organisations, businesses, and non-profit entities dedicated to ecological preservation.