Take the Lead Building a Sustainable Future with CapU Squamish
Become a changemaker in sustainability, with a little help from Capilano University.
This article was written for Capilano University by Jasper Chu.
Imagine studying sustainability surrounded by mountains, ocean and one of British Columbia’s most unique ecosystems. Capilano University’s Squamish campus is located in the Sea-to-Sky region at the head of Howe Sound, surrounded by the Pacific Ranges.
Learn in a UNESCO-designated biosphere region
Campus programs are closely connected to the UNESCO-designated Átl’ḵa7tsem Biosphere Region, home to around 5,000 species. The area supports more than 200 bird species, provides vital habitat for aquatic life, and plays an important role in maintaining local climate and environmental balance. It is also a significant place for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Coast Salish communities.
Program options and an interdisciplinary approach
CapU’s Environment and Society programs are available full- or part-time at the diploma and bachelor degree level. They prepare students for environmental leadership careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Courses are led by a faculty that tries to tackle complex issues through an interdisciplinary lens.
Biology instructor Tom Flower explains that the program “moves beyond a traditional degree structure, using a flexible upper-level format designed to build specialized skills.”
Environmental Studies stream and areas of specialization
Students in the Environmental Studies stream learn how to balance environmental, social and economic priorities through courses in biology, ecology, geography, economics, political science, Indigenous studies, history, sociology and statistics. There are also opportunities to specialize in areas such as:
- Applied Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Urban Sustainability
Work-integrated learning and community partnerships
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Through Work Integrated Learning opportunities, students gain real-world experience through lab work, field studies and community-based projects while building professional networks with partners including:
Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere director Ruth Simmons says the program “has a lot of alignment” with their mission, which is “to connect more people, particularly youth, with nature.”
Where graduates go
Graduates of the Bachelor of Environment & Society go on to diverse careers in environmental land and municipal planning, teaching, research, consulting, biology, and ecology.
Philosophy instructor Michael Fleming says the degree equips students “to lead this societal transformation,” adding that “we have to deliver a new society that works sustainably with our environment.” He encourages students to think long-term about sustainability, asking, “will we still be here in 1000 years?” and, if so, what kind of world we will have created.
Lifestyle, amenities, and living on campus
Studying at CapU Squamish also means access to an incredible lifestyle. The campus is close to world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, oceanfront recreation, climbing destinations, Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Olympic Park.
Students can live on campus and enjoy amenities including student housing, Routes Eatery dining services and a Recreation Complex with a basketball court and indoor turf field.
Next steps
If you’re ready to build a career that helps shape a more sustainable future, CapU Squamish could be the place to start.
Interested? Follow Capilano University on SchoolFinder.com to see other career pathways possible through our programs, especially Environment and Society. Want to meet? Book an appointment with our Recruitment Advisor and register for a campus tour in Squamish.
To learn more about the program, visit our Bachelor of Environment and Society (Environmental Studies) page, or join the Squamish Campus online information session on June 11th.
Explore CapU's Squamish campus