BA in Environmental Studies [ALES]

General Information

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Arts have worked together to develop this degree which will educate students in the scientific, cultural, economic, moral, political and social dimensions of environmental issues. As the subject matter transcends the boundaries of any single discipline or faculty, this degree is offered through a collaborative program that draws on the Faculties of Native Studies and Science.

This degree will provide graduates with interdisciplinary expertise to identify, frame, and contribute to the solution of environmental problems. Graduates will have a broad educational foundation in environmental studies, social studies and the humanities, for careers in law, business, economics, resource management, journalism as well as graduate education in either the professions or in research.

This program is not available as an After Degree.

Program Requirements (★120)

Residency Requirements:

In the ★120 required to complete the degree, the following must be included:

★60 must be successfully completed at the U of A
A minimum of ★30 must be taken while registered in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.

The following courses, comprising ★57, are common to all routes within the program:

Program Requirements (★120)

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Additional Requirements

In addition to the courses listed above, students must complete a minimum of ★30 in additional course credits from one of the following concentrations: Environment and Peoples of Canada; Politics, Society & the Global Environment; or Food & Society. Courses taken to satisfy core requirements may not be counted towards the ★30 required for any concentration. There are ★33 credits in free electives.

Environment and Peoples of Canada

General Information:

This concentration brings together the diverse knowledge required to understand environmental challenges facing Canadians, including indigenous perspectives and issues in environmental and resource management.

Requirements of the Concentration (★30)

Approved courses for this concentration are provided on Faculty websites. Other courses may be approved with permission from the academic advisor.

Politics, Society & the Global Environment

General Information:

This concentration introduces students to political and social methodologies relevant for understanding environmental issues from a global perspective.

Requirements of the Concentration (★30)

Approved courses for this concentration are provided on Faculty websites. Other courses may be approved with permission from the academic advisor.

Food & Society

General Information:

This concentration is focused on sustainable food and agriculture, incorporating social, political, cultural, economic, ethical, and feminist perspectives on issues of contemporary food production.

Requirements of the Concentration (★30)

Approved courses for this concentration are provided on Faculty websites. Other courses may be approved with permission from the academic advisor.