Environmental Geosciences Specialist (Science Program) - ASSPE1253

The Environmental Geosciences specialist program explains the interconnectedness within the Earth system (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere), measures and models processes related to groundwater and biochemical activities, and assesses the effects of human activities on our geological surroundings.

Jointly sponsored by the School of the Environment and the Department of Earth Sciences. Topics include earth materials, sedimentary geology, aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeology and biogeochemistry. For more information, please contact the Department of Earth Sciences, undergradchair@es.utoronto.ca. Students should note that under the Professional Geoscientists Act of 2000, individuals practicing Environmental Geoscience in Ontario require education that fulfills APGO knowledge requirements (see note below) or a P.Eng.

Enrolment Requirements

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements

(12.0 credits including at least 1.0 credit from 400-level courses)


1st year required courses (2.0 credits): CHM151Y1/​( CHM135H1, CHM136H1), MAT135H1, PHY131H1/​ PHY151H1

1st year elective courses: 1.0 credit from MAT136H1, PHY132H1/​ PHY152H1, ENV237H1/​ ENV238H1, BIO120H1, CSC108H1/​ ESS245H1/​ ESS345H1, JEG100H1


2nd year required courses (2.0 credits): ESS241H1, ESS223H1/​ENV233H, ESS262H1, GGR201H1

2nd year elective courses: 1.0 credit from ESS224H1, ESS261H1, STA220H1/​ GGR270H1, CHM210H1, MAT221H1/​ MAT223H1; up to 0.5 credit of this requirement can be satisfied by taking one of the following ethics courses: IMC200H1/​ PHL273H1/​ PHL275H1/​ ABS201Y1


3rd and 4th year required courses (2.0 credits): ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS410H1, ESS461H1

3rd and 4th year elective courses: 4.0 credits from JGA305H1, ESS234H1/​ ESS330H1, ESS331H1, ESS361H1, ESS362H1, GGR337H1, GGR390H1, ENV333H1, ESS431H1, ESS441H1, ESS445H1, ESS450H1, ESS462H1, ESS463H1, ESS464H1, ESS490H1, ESS491H1/​ ESS492Y1


Other courses which might of interest: ESS391H1, ESS392Y1, ESS381H1, ESS481H1


If you plan to become APGO certified, we suggest you consider the following courses to fulfill minimum qualifications. This list comprises courses which are required for the specialist as well as suggested courses; together they fulfill groups 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B of the APGO requirements and add up to 13.5 credits:


Group 1A: CHM135H1, MAT135H1, PHY131H1

Group 1B: BIO120H1, MAT136H1, CHM136H1, PHY132H1, STA220H1, CSC108H1/​ ESS245H1/​ ESS345H1

Group 2A: ESS224H1, ESS241H1, ESS234H1/​ ESS330H1, ESS331H1

Group 2B: ESS223H1/​ENV233H, ESS312H1, GGR201H1, GGR337H1, JGA305H1

Group 2C: 4.5 of 200/300/400 level ESS or other allowable courses


All students, regardless of their career aspirations, are encouraged to talk to the undergraduate chair about their selection of electives.