Program Overview:

About Climate and Environment

The best people to address environmental issues, from local waste management to global climate justice, are ones who have a solid grasp of societal dynamics as well as rigorous scientific analysis.   

The Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment is an interdisciplinary program that fosters critical thinking and problem solving. You’ll take courses in the arts and sciences, providing you with a wide-ranging perspective on the dynamics of climate and environmental issues. 

Exploring these complex questions alongside renowned faculty, you’ll build a strong foundation for understanding the major problems facing our planet and how we can bring about change. 

Why Study Climate and Environment at StFX? 

An Arts and Science Perspective 

The BASc in Climate and Environment is designed with the complexity of our world in mind. You will benefit from the contributions of diverse areas of knowledge, shaping your own education to focus on the areas you’re most passionate about.  

Experiential Learning and Work Opportunities

Climate and Environment students have many opportunities to learn by doing – including outdoor labs and courses. In your fourth year you’ll get to work with community groups, governments or businesses to help solve a real-world environmental problem. You can also gain relevant, paid work experience through our Co-op program.

Study with Cutting-Edge Researchers 

Our faculty – your teachers – are leaders in the field of climate and environment. You’ll get to work closely with us at this small, teaching-focused university. We’ve had great success securing prestigious research awards, creating many opportunities for StFX students. 

First Year at a Glance 

The first year is designed to provide you with the disciplinary foundations that will help you succeed in upper-year courses. After gaining an introduction to climate and environmental issues, you’ll take courses in biology, sociology, economics, and computer science or math. By developing your knowledge from both an arts and science perspective, you’ll be able to tackle complex issues facing our communities and the planet. 

Future Opportunities

Employment 

Job opportunities are growing in the field of Climate and Environment. Graduates of this program will be well equipped for many satisfying careers – from managing natural resources to developing agricultural strategies, renewable energy solutions, and innovative research. As climate and environment take center stage in our society, there is a growing need for economists, community and political leaders, public employees and educators who understand climate and environmental issues. 

Learn more about Rewarding Futures in Climate and Environment

Graduate and Further Study

BASc in Climate and Environment students will have the benefit of gaining research experience, preparing them exceptionally well for further study in graduate or professional programs. Graduate programs in climate and environment are varied and many have differing admissions criteria. If your plan is to complete a graduate or professional program after your undergraduate degree, it is strongly recommended that you consult faculty in the program or the career centre. 

“The interdisciplinary approach taken throughout the program allowed me to explore a variety of subjects and their relationship to the natural environment which surrounds us. The small classes led to strong relationships among my peers and professors, while also allowing for experiential learning, including field trips. The program prepared me well to pursue a post-graduate degree in Architecture at Dalhousie University.”  

- Mary Caplice, Class of 2022

  • Chief Sustainability Officer
  • Clean Energy Researcher
  • Climate Change Specialist
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Reclamation Specialist
Headshot of a student outside
The interdisciplinary approach taken throughout the program allowed me to explore a variety of subjects and their relationship to the natural environment which surrounds us. The small classes led to strong relationships among my peers and professors, while also allowing for experiential learning, including field trips. The program prepared me well to pursue a post-graduate degree in Architecture at Dalhousie University. My appreciation of society’s relationship with the environment provides me with a unique perspective on the design process, an environmentally sustainable approach to material use and an understanding of the effects of land use change.
Mary Caplice
Class of 2022
Student standing outside with his bike
The CLEN program has provided a space for me to discover and pursue a variety of interests through the interdisciplinary approach that the program puts a student through. The close-knit undergrad experience of STFX plus the exploration of many disciplines have led to a broad range of discovery. This led to the satisfaction of my curious mind which wanted to learn about a multitude of things from a sustainability perspective. I feel prepared to work in a variety of disciplines and to pursue further schooling from my time so far in the CLEN program. Excited to see what the future holds!
Ethan Copp
Student
Student outdoors in fishing attire
The STFX Climate and Environment program is chock full of amazing teachers, engaging classes, and opportunities to be apart of cutting-edge research. The interdisciplinary curriculum better prepared me for post-graduate research through teaching both the physical basis and social science implications of environmental issues. There are few programs that leave you equally prepared for post-graduate work in either an arts or stem discipline. I am grateful to have been part of the first CLEN cohort!
Hannah Macdonell
Class of 2021
Headshot of a woman outdoors
The Climate and Environment program provides an opportunity to explore various subjects, all of which offer different perspectives on climate change and environmental issues. Learning about social, economic, scientific, and political ways of thinking has given me a deeper understanding of these issues as opposed to focusing on one discipline. You end up with a well-rounded education while simultaneously being able to tailor the program to your interests. The interdisciplinary approach, along with the amazing faculty and small class sizes, has made my time in the program extremely enjoyable while also leaving me feeling prepared for both post-graduate studies and a career.
Emily MacLean
Class of 2023
Woman sitting outside on a bench
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at StFX in the Climate and Environment program in many ways. I am currently in my second year and have already had many exceptional experiences and am very excited for what is to come. Academically the program checks of all the boxes for an interesting and interdisciplinary degree. There are so many different ways you can take the degree and you get to try so many different disciplines. Because of the variety of courses to choose from I have chosen many different classes that I would never have expected to enjoy as much as I did. As well, the professors really make the program feel inviting. They truly know what they are teaching at are passionate too. They are also genuinely interested in helping with your pursuits at StFX. Thanks to the amazing professors and faculty in the program I get to go on an international exchange trip to Japan and still complete honors. Overall this program feels like home. I am so proud to be a member of this program and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in an interdisciplinary experience.
Violet Silva
Class of 2025

Check Your Costs and Requirements

Ready To Take The Next Step?
Get started on your application to become a Xaverian today!
Apply Now
Book a Campus TourLearn more about Climate & Environment

Check Out our Residences

View All

Everything You Need To Know About Life In Antigonish

We are a small town with big things to offer. Consider us your home away from home!
Learn More