In today’s world of worsening climate change and escalating environmental pollution, have you ever wondered how you can contribute to creating a more sustainable future? The Bachelor of Sustainability program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers an excellent learning platform for students passionate about tackling contemporary environmental challenges. It is currently the only undergraduate degree in Canada solely dedicated to sustainability, opening the door for you to engage in environmental protection and change the world.
Sustainability is an interdisciplinary field focused on meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. As a student in this major, you will learn to critically assess and propose solutions to current sustainability challenges, including climate change, pollution, and social and economic inequalities. The core of this major is interdisciplinarity because no single academic discipline can fully address complex issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Professionals in this field need diverse knowledge and skills, including environmental science, social science, policy analysis, and project management, to drive positive change locally and globally.
UBC’s Bachelor of Sustainability is renowned for its comprehensive and immersive learning experience. The program tightly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, allowing students to gain a solid disciplinary foundation and deepen their understanding through hands-on practice and community involvement. The curriculum balances breadth and depth by providing an interdisciplinary base while allowing students to specialize in specific areas. Students may choose one of four specializations as their focus: Environmental Analytics, Environmental Conservation and Management, Environmental Humanities, or Green Chemistry. Each specialization offers unique perspectives and tools for addressing sustainability challenges. Particularly valuable is UBC’s Okanagan campus location, which sits in a unique geographic environment where students can engage directly with urban, agricultural, and wilderness settings as real-world laboratories.
UBC is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities and consistently ranks highly in global university rankings. The Okanagan campus is located in Kelowna, British Columbia, a center for innovative research and learning. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley, boasts dense vineyards, networks of rivers and lakes, and some of Canada’s largest ski resorts, providing students with an exceptional environment for study and life. The Bachelor of Sustainability program is offered by the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, which features award-winning faculty and world-class research resources, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. Additionally, the tight-knit community at the Okanagan campus enables close collaboration with professors, participation in research projects, and gaining valuable academic and practical experience.
The Bachelor of Sustainability is a four-year direct-entry interdisciplinary program that integrates practice, theory, and research methods. Students must complete 39 credits of core integrative courses and at least 42 credits in their chosen specialization. Remaining credits are selected from relevant electives under the guidance of a program advisor to ensure students acquire the necessary breadth for sustainability issues ranging from local to global scales. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning by integrating knowledge and approaches from different fields to address complex environmental challenges. It also places special emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities for students to engage in research and community activities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Notably, the program includes a Co-op option, enabling students to gain paid work experience with top local and international organizations, seamlessly connecting study with practice.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Sustainability program receive a Bachelor of Sustainability (B.Sust.) degree formally awarded by UBC. This degree is globally recognized and provides a solid foundation for further study or employment in sustainability-related fields. Although the program does not have specific professional accreditation requirements, graduates may need additional certifications depending on their career paths. For example, those working in environmental assessment or management may require relevant professional certifications, while those entering research or policy roles might pursue further academic qualifications.
Regarding employment prospects, graduates with a Bachelor of Sustainability face broad career opportunities. As global attention to sustainability issues grows, society’s demand for professionals with diverse knowledge and skills continues to increase. Depending on their specialization, graduates can find jobs in various fields. Environmental Analytics graduates might work as climate action analysts, impact assessment analysts, sustainability consultants, or data analysts; those specializing in Environmental Conservation and Management could become environmental assessment experts, sustainability consultants, environmental coordinators, or Indigenous resource managers; graduates in Environmental Humanities may seek roles in environmental assessment and sustainability reporting consulting; and Green Chemistry graduates may hold positions as junior environmental analysts, environmental technicians, or environmental assessment specialists. Overall, graduates will be equipped to address sustainability challenges at local and global levels and contribute to creating a better future.
If you are passionate about environmental protection and wish to contribute your expertise and skills to address global challenges like climate change, UBC’s Bachelor of Sustainability program is an ideal choice. Through this unique program, you will not only acquire the knowledge and skills needed to solve contemporary sustainability issues but also gain valuable practical experience in real-world environments, laying a solid foundation for your future career development.
