Anthropocene | Faculty of Arts

Campus — Faculty of Arts

Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics

Undergraduate studies | Geography, Environment and Geomatics

Anthropocene

Program overview

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Human activities have had a significant impact on climate, ecosystems and landscapes. One epoch, in particular, will leave a permanent mark on Earth: the Anthropocene. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the Anthropocene microprogram courses will introduce you to the science of global environmental challenges and foster discussions about their causes and relevance to society today and in the future. Combining the natural sciences with studies in human and policy dimensions of environmental change, this microprogram is designed to broaden your knowledge base and prepare you for your future career by delivering meaningful and transferable learning outcomes. It also bridges the gaps between facts and values, theory and practice, science and policy.

Why choose this program

Scientific and interdisciplinary foundations: This microprogram helps you understand how human activity is reshaping the planet by combining natural sciences with ethics, history, and public policy. It gives you a clear, interdisciplinary perspective on today’s major environmental challenges.

Flexible academic integration: You can easily add this microprogram to your current degree, whatever your field of study. Its flexible structure lets you tailor your learning to your interests and strengthen your academic profile.

A relevant and timely learning environment: By exploring the concept of the Anthropocene, you gain essential analytical and critical‑thinking skills that help you understand both the scientific evidence and the societal implications of environmental change.

Diverse career pathways and academic enrichment: This microprogram opens doors to fields such as sustainability, environmental policy, conservation, communication, and research. You can also combine it with disciplines like geography, political science, ethics, or international studies to broaden your future opportunities.

Program structure

Get a glimpse into how uOttawa’s Anthropocene program is structured and the courses you’ll have the opportunity to take.

Understand program path and options

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Opportunity to acquire a solid foundation while following a Specialization or a Major in another discipline.

Must be taken in addition to a main program.

Program structure

Admission requirements and deadlines for Anthropocene

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After your studies

After completing your undergraduate studies in the Anthropocene, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your studies within your Specialization or Major (for example, an Honours BA in Environmental Studies or Geography) or entering the workforce.

You may choose to pursue graduate studies in your main program, such as a Master’s degree (MA), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills. A research‑based MA is ideal if you wish to specialize in a specific area or eventually pursue a PhD.

You may also decide to enter the job market directly. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as climate policy assistant, carbon management coordinator, urban policy analyst, or land‑use planning coordinator. These opportunities allow you to apply your technical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills in real‑world contexts.

Whether you choose to continue your studies or transition into the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation for building a career related to the Anthropocene.

Potential Career Paths

Tuition and fees

Learn about the costs associated with your program and explore the scholarships and funding options available to help support you along the way.

Tuition fees

Scholarships and bursaries

Student experience

Undergraduate Students Association GAIA

Gaia is the Geography, Environment and Geomatics Student Association. They serve and represent the student bodies of these programs and to help better your university experience.

“Gaia“ (pronounced guy-a), according to Greek Mythology, is the goddess of the Earth. James Lovelock used the term in the 1970s to describe the earth as a living, self-regulating organism.

Geography Graduate Students Association GGSA

The GGSA is a departmental organization responsible for supporting and representing graduate students in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the University of Ottawa. We allow the voices of graduate students to be heard by sitting in and voting at department assemblies. We also organize social events to encourage human geographers, physical geographers, and geomatics specialists to interact with and learn from each other.

Student Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA)

SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.