Climate Science
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Why choose Climate Science at UVic?
Why is the Earth’s climate changing? Learn about the science of human-caused climate change and the science of climate solutions. Use programming, mapping and data science to better understand the impacts of climate change on communities. Learn how to communicate climate science to people making real-world decisions.
This is the first program on North America's West Coast to receive UN accreditation for delivering UN sustainable development goals.
Customize your degree
Choose a pathway that aligns with your interests and career goals:
Climate impacts, adaptation and mitigation
Take a deep dive into the science that determines how Earth’s climate is changing. Understand the greenhouse effect, how the circulation of the atmosphere and ocean works, and how these determine when, where, and how climate will change. Apply the science to climate solutions.
Physical climate science
Apply the fundamentals of climate science to understand how climate change will affect communities and ecosystems. Learn how to map climate impacts for community planning, and how to implement climate solutions.
Earn while you learn
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
- Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
- Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
- On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
- Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.
Hands-on learning
- Research: Design and conduct your own research project in climate science or climate solutions under the supervision of UVic’s world-leading climate researchers.
- Take part in research missions aboard the Faculty of Science research vessel RV John Strickland: Gain hands-on experience collecting ocean and atmospheric data at sea.
- Labs: Learn to analyze and visualize climate data and climate projections using advanced tools and software.
Field schools
Study climate processes and sustainability in real-world settings through immersive field schools. Options include:
- Oceanography field school
- Mountain meteorology
- Sustainable cities
- Agroecology
Field schools connect theory to practice and strengthen your understanding of how climate systems operate across landscapes and communities.
Student life & community
General Assembly for Students in Earth and Ocean Sciences (GASEOS) connects you with fellow students who share your interest in climate and environmental science. Attend guest speaker events focused on career pathways, gain practical certifications like wilderness first aid to prepare for summer field jobs, and take part in trivia nights, curling, networking events, intramural sports and other social activities that help you find your community.United Nations certification
Be part of the first program on North America’s West Coast to receive United Nations accreditation for delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your coursework aligns with the UN’s SDGs, preparing you to design climate solutions that advance sustainability for individuals, organizations and communities. When you complete certified courses, you’ll receive a certificate signed by the UN Assistant Secretary General. This globally recognized credential strengthens your résumé and signals international credibility to employers and graduate schools.
Inspiring courses
- Climate Change
- The Ocean-Climate System
- Climate and Society
- Introduction to Maps and GIS
- Water Resources Management
- Climate Solutions
Career possibilities
A Climate Science degree prepares you for careers that address one of the most urgent global issues of our time. Graduates work in roles such as:
- Climate adaptation consultant
- Climate change researcher
- Environmental technician
- Renewable energy scientist
Admission
Apply to UVic as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.
- To enter through the Faculty of Science, apply to the Earth Sciences program.
- To enter through the Faculty of Social Sciences, apply to the Geography program.
You can declare Climate Science as your major after one year of full-time study.
Ready to apply?
We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.
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Faculties & departments
Program planning