Geography, Planning & Environment
What can I do with my degree Geography, Planning & Environment?
About the program
The Department of Geography, Planning and Environment at Concordia University is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research and teaching and provides a distinctive and incisive perspective on the world in three core areas: geography, urban studies and urban planning, and environmental science.
Bridging the natural and social sciences, our programs address some of the most pressing social and ecological problems of our time. As a student in our department, you will examine the earth, its places, people, and environments from multiple perspectives.
For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of Geography, Planning, Environment.
Skills developed
As a student Geography, Planning & Environment, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, some of which are listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.
- Analytical and quantitative abilities
- Collect data precisely, organize and maintain records accurately
- Computer and statistical knowledge
- Field work techniques
- Identify solutions to environmental, developmental and social justice issues
- Understand natural resources and environmental issues
- Research design and implementation
- Understand and evaluate environmental policies and principles
- Understand local, national and international environmental issues and the impact of human activity on natural cycles and landforms
- Utilize laboratory techniques and operate scientific equipment
- Acquire technical skills in computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Examine the causes and consequences of environmental change
- Identify approaches to support the efficient, equitable and sustainable use of resources
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding comprehensively
- Read scientific journals and articles critically and write persuasively
- Explain complex concepts and ideas to others effectively
- Write reports and essay
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities
- Manage conflict
- Give and receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Negotiate
- Observe and interpret data
- Analyze and evaluate conflicting information to make a good judgement or conclusion
- Understand complex problems and identify solutions
- Agriculture
- Architectural firms
- Bioremediation companies
- Biotechnology companies
- Botanical gardens, parks, forests and nature attractions
- Conservation, environmental and sustainability agencies
- Educational institutions
- Engineering & consulting firms
- Environmental research laboratories
- Government
- Health care and pharmaceuticals
- Law firms
- Manufacturing and processing plants
- Mining
- Real estate developers and construction firms
- Recycling and waste disposal facilities
- Research institutions and foundations
- Transportation industries
- Utilities
- Wildlife ranges and zoological parks
- Statistics Canada (Geographic branch)
What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning & Environment lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Biological technologist
- Conservation officer
- Conservationist
- Environmental analyst/specialist
- Environmental field monitor/Auditor
- Environmental health inspector
- Environmental impact assessment officer
- Environmental planner/analyst
- Forester/Park naturalist
- Geomatics technician
- Geographic information systems technician/Specialist
- Information officer/Technician
- Junior environmental consultant/Planner
- Laboratory technician
- Operations assistant
- Pollutant/pesticide assessor
- Program officer/Coordinator/Assistant
- Project assistant/Lead
- Remote Sensing (RS) technologist
- Research technician
- Sustainability officer/Coordinator
- Technical assistant
- Air quality specialist
- Environmental consultant/representative
- Soil and crop specialist
- Environmental waste technician/officer
- Environmental impact assessment officer
- Field analyst/technician
- Field service agent
- Sustainability coordinator
- Safety coordinator
- Hazardous material technician
- Industrial advisor/hygienist
- Junior analyst
- Recycling coordinator
- Site inspector
- Transportation planner
- Treatment plant operator
- Quality controller/inspector
- Water technologist
- Affordable housing officer
- Community development officer
- Development and zoning coordinator
- Eco-tourism consultant
- Environmental lobbyist
- Fundraiser
- Liaison agent
- Land-use planner/Specialist
- Outreach assistant
- Program administrator/coordinator
- Project assistant/organizer
- Project management assistant
- Real estate analyst
- Resource development planner
- Science museum technician
- Sustainability advocate
- Transportation specialist/planner
- Urban design analyst/consultant
- Urban/regional planner
- Volunteer coordinator
- Environmental/sustainability educator
- Laboratory technician/monitor
- Program coordinator
- Researcher/research assistant
- Undergraduate program assistant
- Conservation officer/technician
- Energy policy officer
- Environmental assessment officer
- Environmental health and safety officer
- Environmental policy officer
- Environmental protection officer
- Environmental management advisor
- Government advisor
- Intern, Ministry of Natural Resources
- Natural resource officer
- Policy analyst/advisor
- Project officer/coordinator
Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in Geography, Planning & Environment
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Agrologist
- Building and environment inspector
- Cartographer
- Climatologist
- Coastal zone manager
- Community developer
- Demographer
- Earth scientist
- Eco-consultant
- Ecologist
- Eco-tourism consultant
- Environmental science manager
- Environmental quality specialist
- Forest manager
- Geographer
- Geometrician
- Geospatial developer
- Hydrologist
- Impact analyst
- National park planner
- Natural resources officer/specialist
- Park ranger
- University professor
- Project manager
- Public utilities specialist
- Researcher
- Soil conservationist
- Water design specialist
- Water quality control manager
- Water scientist
- Weather forecaster
- Wildlife naturalist
- Zoning inspector
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
To get help with your career exploration and goal setting, book an appointment with a career counsellor. For job search tips on finding the job you want, book an appointment with a career advisor.
To book an appointment with either professional, please call 514-848-2424 ext. 7345
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
