Earth, Environment & Society
What Is Earth, Environment & Society?
The School of Earth, Environment & Society (SEES) explores the complex relationships between people and the planet. It’s a multidisciplinary program that blends natural sciences, social sciences, and technology to understand environmental systems, sustainability, and human impact.
Students investigate everything from climate change and biodiversity to urban planning and geochemistry – preparing for careers that shape a more sustainable future.
What Might You Study?
SEES offers a wide range of topics across both science and social science lenses:
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Climate systems, ecosystems, and environmental policy
Geography & Urban Studies
Human geography, spatial planning, and social inequality
Geochemistry & Hydrology
Water systems, contaminant tracking, and earth processes
GIS & Spatial Analysis
Geographic Information Systems, mapping, and data visualization
Environment & Health
How environmental factors affect human well-being
Program Options
Program Type |
Description |
| Honours B.Sc. in Earth & Environmental Sciences | 4-year or 5-year co-op option with strong field and lab components |
| Honours B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences | Focused on climate, ecosystems, and sustainability |
| Honours B.Sc. in Biodiversity & Environmental Sciences | Combines biology and environmental science |
| Honours BA Environment & Society (Co-op) | A 4-year program combining academic study with paid work experience in environmental policy, sustainability, or community planning |
| B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences | 3-year flexible program |
| Honours B.A. in Environment & Society | Social science approach to environmental challenges |
| Environment & Society (BA) |
A flexible 3-year program focused on the social dimensions of environmental change and resource management |
| Combined Honours B.A. | Pair Environment & Society with another discipline |
| Minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Fulfills academic requirements for GIS Professional certification |
| Certificates | Specialized credentials in areas like geospatial analysis |
* Courses taken in correlation to these programs: Environmental Issues, Geographic Information Systems, Urban Environments, Hydrologic Sciences, and Social Geography
Unique Opportunities
SEES students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, research, and access to cutting-edge labs and software – preparing them for careers in science, policy, and sustainability.
Labs & Facilities
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- McMaster Rocks: Find rocks formed all over the world can be found in our McMaster gardens, pathways, and architecture
- Teaching Facilities: The School of Earth, Environment & Society is an internationally recognized centre for research, education and training
- GIS Lab: Industry-standard software and spatial analysis tools
- McMaster Centre for Climate Change (MCCC): Models climate systems and explores solutions to climate challenges
- Esri Canada Centre of Excellence (ECCE): Advances GIS innovation through spatial data and app development
- McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics (MITL): Improves transportation and logistics through research and partnerships
SEES students have access to specialized labs and field tools that support hands-on learning and environmental research.
Experiential Learning & Internships
SEES integrates practical experience into its curriculum through:
- Field courses across Canada and abroad
- Research assistantships with faculty labs
- Career resources for APGO and GIS certification pathways
Students are encouraged to apply for thesis and independent study courses, and many secure placements in government, environmental consulting, and nonprofit sectors.
Study Abroad & Global Opportunities
SEES students can participate in McMaster’s Exchange Program or apply for international field courses and research placements.
Opportunities include:
- Semester abroad at partner universities
- Field schools in locations like Iceland, Costa Rica, and the Arctic
- Funding support through fellowships and travel bursaries
- Credit transfer and transcript recognition
These experiences help students explore global environmental issues and build cross-cultural skills.
Student Life & Community
SEES students can get involved through:
- McMaster Geography & Earth Science Society (MGESS) – Student-run group hosting socials, speaker events, and field trips
- Undergraduate Research Symposiums – SEES students can present their research at faculty-wide symposiums and forums hosted by McMaster’s Office of Undergraduate Research
- Mentorship & Advising – Academic support from upper-year students and advisors
- Competitions & Conferences – Opportunities like the National Geomatics Competition and GeoGames
The School of Earth, Environment, & Society Student Association (SEESSA) SEESSA
SEESSA brings SEES students together through academic, social, and networking events. It’s a student-led group that fosters community across all years and programs, helping students connect with peers, faculty, and the broader McMaster campus. SEESSA hosts socials, speaker series, and collaborative events with both the Faculty of Science and Social Sciences.