Environment and Society
Creating Change for a Sustainable Future
Studying Environment and Society prepares you to become a leader in the quest for a sustainable future.
Climate change, species extinctions, and pollution are not scientific problems – they are symptoms of unsustainable economic and political systems and a wasteful consumer culture that is disconnected from the Earth.
Solutions to these problems require new economic, political, cultural, and ethical thinking that turns into action.
Focus on Sustainability Transitions
A sustainable society is one in which all people can flourish within the ecological limits of our common home, Planet Earth. How do we get there?
In studying sustainability transitions, we move beyond problem analysis towards reimagining social systems that are fair, equitable, and in balance with nature. Students explore how change happens and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make a tangible difference in the world.
Beyond the Classroom
Your learning will extend beyond the classroom as St. Thomas works to become a sustainable university. Professors, students, and staff collaborate to connect course work with real actions to ‘green’ the campus and promote a culture of sustainability.
Several courses qualify for STU’s Certificate in Experiential Learning and Community Engagement. Hands-on learning opportunities include:
- Planning and implementing campus projects
- Field trips to various sites around the city
- Connecting with community environmental groups
- Engaging with sustainability experts—locally and beyond
“Working with the Nature Trust enhanced so many of my skills. I improved my professional writing, content creation abilities, confidence with public speaking, time management, leadership, critical thinking, and so much more. Most importantly, the opportunity to work at Nature Trust made me realize how much I love my chosen degree. It has reignited my excitement for my career path.”
Kelly Green, BA ’22, Environment and Society and Communications and Public Policy
Gain Experience and Build Your Resume
Connect the study of Environment and Society with professional experience through the STU Internship Program. You may have opportunities to work on climate change education and action campaigns, food security, land conservation and river restoration. Participating groups include:
- Canada Parks and Wilderness Society of New Brunswick
- Conservation Council of New Brunswick
- Greener Village
- Nature Trust of New Brunswick
- The Gaia Project
- Hayes Urban Teaching Farm
- Nashwaak Watershed Association
Featured Courses
Understanding Environmental Problems
Understanding Sustainability
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Social Dimensions of Climate Change
Sustainability Auditing and Reporting
Health and Sustainability
Sustainable Community Transitions
Sustainability Communications
Global Environmental Politics
Canadian Environmental Law and Policy
Environmental Praxis
Where the Study of Environment and Society can Take You
Graduates can find meaningful careers in:
- Municipal , provincial and federal governments
- Law
- Teaching
- Business
- Social Enterprise
- Community and Environmental Action Groups
- Community Planning
- Public Policy
- Public Health
- Communications
- Journalism
- Politics
“Environment and Society will introduce you to your eco-community, help you critically analyze how we are relating to our fellow inhabitants, and encourage you to imagine and work towards new relationships that will sustain that community.”
Dr. Janice Harvey, Coordinator of Environment and Society at STU