The B.Sc.(Env.) program offers the following majors:

• Earth Observation Geographic Information Science (new starting fall 2025)
• Ecology
• Environment and Resource Management
• Environmental Economics and Policy
• Environmental Sciences

The Schedule of Studies for each major is located in the Undergraduate Calendar [1]. 

Choosing your Major

To help you decide which major works best for you, you can talk to the major's Faculty Advisors and your Academic Advisor. [2]

News and updates about choosing your major and meeting the Faculty Advisors will be emailed to the enviro listserv for first year students. It is your responsibility to talk to the appropriate Faculty Advisors to collect information on the majors in which you are interested. 

Declaring or Changing Majors within the B.Sc.(Env.)

All B.Sc.(Env.) first year students and transfer students are admitted as "undeclared".  Declare your major by the end of winter semester in first year (Semester 2). Co-op students must declare a major to access co-op job postings. There are additional steps for co-op students that declare a B.Sc.(Env.) major and then change their mind and wish to change majors, so it's best to be sure before submitting the form!

You must submit an online Undergraduate Schedule of Studies Change Request Form [3] in order to declare or change your major. The form is under the "Forms for Undergraduate Students Only" section. Once submitted, the form goes to your Academic Advisor for approval and your major will be updated on WebAdvisor. Check My Progress on the Student Planning system through WebAdvisor to ensure it is correct. Processing of your form may take several business days. 

It is recommended that you consult with your Faculty Advisor [4] for a better understanding of program and course information as well as when choosing restricted electives. The Undergraduate Calendar provides details regarding specific degree requirements.

Students who would like to transfer into a major that is not in the B.Sc.(Env.) program must apply for internal transfer through the Admissions Office in the Office of Registrarial Services. Transfer information can be found on the Admissions webpage. [5] It is recommended you speak with an Academic Advisor [6] for the program you wish to transfer into for academic advice.

Students who would like to transfer into the B.Sc.(Env.) program from another University of Guelph degree program must apply for admission through the internal transfer process [5]. Book an appointment wth the B.Sc.(Env.) Academic Advisor [2] if you have questions.

Other Changes Requiring Academic Advisor Approval

If you are interested in the curriculum offered in a more recent calendar year than your admission to the B.Sc.(Env.) program, please consult your Academic Advisor with reasons for the request. You can submit an Undergraduate Schedule of Studies Change Request Form to change Calendar Years.

Minors

B.Sc.(Env.) students have the option of declaring a minor. Minors are not mandatory so the required credits are separate from the requirements and restricted electives for the B.Sc.(Env.) majors. Degree completion with a minor may require more than four years (five years for those in co-op).

Note that a maximum of 50% of the credits needed for the minor may also be used as major requirements and restricted electives (this is referred to as the double count rule). For example, if you need GEOG*1300 for your minor, it will be double-counted with your major (i.e. it will count as a requirement for your major, as well as your minor).

To declare a minor, follow the same process as listed above, indicating ‘Minor' rather than ‘Major' under "Specialization Type" on the Undergraduate Schedule of Studies Change Request Form [3]. Consult with your Academic Advisor for more information about the double count rule for minors and certificates. Understanding the double count rule is of critical importance. Refer to this List of Minors and Certificates [7] for the current calendar year. 

Certificates

Students can also consider certificates as an additional qualification. They require 2.50 - 3.00 credits (depending on the certificate). Certificates are not connected to degree programs, so they will not appear on your parchment when you graduate. You can apply for a separate certificate of completion for the certificate. Note the double count limit rule for courses which are required for both your major and the certificate. 

Certificates are run through the School of Continuing Studies [8]. Information about certificates is available in the Undergraduate Calendar under Areas of Study [7].