The Environmental Studies and Geography Department offers a wide variety of courses focusing mainly on the academic area of Environmental Studies. The intention is to provide students with the systematic elements essential for an understanding of environmental impacts, policy, history and thought. It is possible for students to develop their interests in three areas: the physical process underlying environmental systems; the human impacts on these systems, including policy creation; or the history and philosophy of environmental issues, especially ethical perspectives. In order for a complete understanding of the impacts people are having on their environment, whether they be at a local, regional or global scale, we must understand how and why the environment is changing. Global warming, acid precipitation, ozone depletion, waste management and water conservation are issues which require thorough examination in or that proper decision-making processes can be implemented by leaders in government, industry and non-governmental organizations. We carefully and systematically examine all aspects of the environment so that our graduates can play an important role in the future of our environment.
A degree in Environmental Studies and Geography often leads to degrees in higher education, including an M.A. and/or Ph.D. It is also a sound basis for a career in law and/or politics, teaching, journalism, environmental consulting or government services. Former graduates have been very successful in attaining admission to Graduate and Law Schools, and obtaining employment in various occupational fields related to the environment.
Bishop's location in the midst of an area of great economic, cultural and physical diversity provides many opportunities for students to take part in practical fieldwork and applied projects. Such studies are integral parts of several courses, especially those relating to elements of physical geography and human impact on the environment. Students enrolling in ESG courses should be prepared to devote time to fieldwork outside of normal class time. Details of field studies will be discussed within individual courses. The Eastern Townships Collection of the Bishop's University Library provides an important source of research materials for local area studies dealing in particular with the geography of southern Quebec.
The Program:
- Environmental Studies Concentration
- Geography Concentration
- Environmental Studies Minor
- Geography Minor
Download the Student’s Self-Help Guide to the ESG Program
Download the ESG Student Handbook 2012-13
For complete details, view the ESG section of the academic calendar.
