Choosing the right program can be a big challenge. Start by reflecting on your skills and interests. Use this worksheet to identify your values and help you determine career possibilities that might be a good fit. You may also wish to use our program finder to help you narrow down your options.

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources is our largest undergraduate program. It spans six different majors and allows students to pursue a variety of degree options including specializations, a Minor in Commerce and Dual Degree programs. It is a highly interdisciplinary degree that provides students with the breadth of skills necessary for careers in natural resources management and beyond.

The Bachelor of Urban Forestry focuses on the management of urban green infrastructure, bridging the gap between science, policy, urban planning, and governance. Students are prepared for careers in green space management, urban planning, arboriculture, and consulting.

The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship (BILS) weaves Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, preparing graduates for a variety of career pathways including:

Visit the BSNR program page to learn more about each major. Also, in addition to helping you explore our degree programs, our program finder can also help match you to the major that best fits your interests and career goals.

Yes, because our degrees are designed with interdisciplinarity at their core, most of our undergraduate programs give you the option of adding a Minor in Commerce. In addition, you also have the option of completing a Master of Management through UBC’s Sauder School of Business at the same time as your UBC FES degree through our Dual Degree program.

The Bachelor of Urban Forestry might be the perfect fit for you.

UBC calculates tuition fees on a per credit basis so the fees you pay every term will depend on courseload. However, assuming a full annual courseload of 10 courses (30 credits), tuition for UBC FES programs is $53,082 CAD or approximately $37,150 USD. Learn more about UBC undergraduate tuition fees.

When accounting for the favorable exchange rate with Canada, as an American student studying outside your home state, you will pay considerably less per year than many of UBC’s peer institutions in the U.S. Moreover, for universities like USC and NYU that charge resident and out-of-state students the same fee, annual tuition at UBC can be as much as 50% cheaper.

In addition to tuition, you should also consider the cost of housing, as well as other expenses like groceries and entertainment. Use the first-year cost estimator to get a better idea of what your non-tuition costs will look like and to access additional resources like budget planning.

UBC offers a numbler of scholarships and bursaries, some of which are specifically intended for international students. Learn more here.

Yes, since UBC is a Title IV institution, eligible U.S. students are able to access federal financial aid programs for their studies at UBC. For detailed information, visit UBC’s page on funding for U.S. students.

A UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship degree can lead to careers in environmental science, sustainability, conservation, natural resource management, urban forestry, climate change adaptation, and environmental consulting. Graduates also work as foresters, GIS and geomatics specialists, policy analysts, researchers, and sustainability professionals.

Students interested in science and innovation can pursue opportunities in biotechnology, biomaterials, renewable products, sustainable manufacturing, and the forest bioeconomy, building on UBC FES’ strengths in areas such as nanocellulose, bio-based chemicals, and advanced wood products.

Many graduates also continue to graduate or professional programs, or work with government agencies, industry, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations to address environmental and sustainability challenges.

For information on career paths as well as career support and development resources, please visit our Career Hub.

Yes. UBC is internationally recognized, and many UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship graduates pursue careers in the United States across fields such as environmental science, sustainability, conservation, natural resource management, urban forestry, GIS, and renewable materials. UBC’s strong reputation, research opportunities, and experiential learning prepare graduates for employers in both Canada and the U.S.

Demand for many UBC FES careers remains strong in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earn a median salary of US$80,060 per year, with approximately 8,500 job openings annually projected over the next decade.

Many graduates also pursue U.S.-based graduate programs or employment with government agencies, consulting firms, non-profits, clean technology companies, and organizations focused on climate action and sustainability.

A Canadian degree from UBC is highly respected by American employers. As one of Canada’s leading research universities and a globally recognized institution, UBC is known for academic excellence, hands-on learning, and research innovation in areas such as environmental science, sustainability, forestry, conservation, climate change, and biotechnology.

For U.S. employers hiring in environmental and sustainability fields, a UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship degree aligns well with careers for environmental scientists and related professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes continued demand for these roles, with thousands of openings projected annually.

All UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship programs are designed to prepare students for strong career outcomes. Programs in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, urban forestry, geomatics, and the bioeconomy can all lead to in-demand careers, depending on your interests and goals.

Through hands-on learning, field experience, research, and co-op opportunities, graduates develop the skills sought by employers in environmental consulting, sustainability, forestry, GIS, government, conservation, and renewable materials sectors.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship graduates may be eligible to pursue a wide range of professional designations in forestry, environmental science, engineering, biology, arboriculture, and geomatics. These can include:

Many UBC FES programs are designed to help students meet academic requirements for these credentials through a combination of applied coursework, field experience, and professional practice. Depending on their specialization, graduates may pursue careers and designations in forestry, environmental management, conservation biology, urban forestry, ecosystem restoration, engineering, geomatics, sustainability, and natural resource management.

The underlying experience and education you receive through your professional certifications is recognized in the U.S. through equivalencies and reciprocity frameworks. For example, a P.Eng is directly equivalent to a Professional Engineer (PE) designation in the U.S. However, some states may have their own assessment requirements to become fully licensed. For an RPF, the direct equivalent in the U.S. is a Certified Forester (CF). However, depending on which BSNR major you choose, you can receive your Certified Forester designation from the U.S. Society of American Foresters (SAF) in addition to your RPF.

The UBC FES Co-operative Education Program allows you to gain up to 20 months of work experience while you complete your degree. Our co-op coordinators work to establish partnerships with employers who want to hire students for 4, 8 or occasionally 12-month terms. During these work terms, co-op students generally take a break from their studies to work, returning where they left off once their work terms are over.

The UBC FES Co-op Program works with hundreds of employers across a wide range of industries including environmental consulting, forestry operations, bioproduct and biomaterial innovation, conservation, and natural resource management. Co-op employers operate in private, government and non-profit sectors.

Yes, all UBC FES students are eligible to participate in co-op. In fact, it is highly recommended for international and U.S. students to participate in co-op in order to gain Canadian work experience and build their professional networks.

UBC FES offers a variety of field schools like foundational fields schools that make up mandatory components of some of our majors. These often take place at our research forests located in British Columbia. In addition, students may wish to explore additional field experiences through field schools in places like Ecuador, Chile, and South Africa. Learn more about our field schools here.

This will depend largely on which major you choose. Some majors like Forest Sciences and Forest Management will require you to spend more time outdoors either through field schools or other forms of experiential learning. Others, like Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology are almost entirely lab and classroom-based and will require very little outdoor education.

Yes, you can. In fact, you are highly recommended to reach out to your professors and researchers to build connections and inquire about research opportunities. In some cases, you may be able to volunteer in their labs or research groups and learn from graduate students. Other labs may also wish to hire undergraduate students for short work terms as well. Some of our undergraduate students have even published research in peer reviewed journals!

Yes, depending on which program you choose, you might find yourself spending a lot of time in one or both of our research forests. Some common first-year classes will also provide opportunities to visit our research forests.

Yes, you can explore opportunities through UBC Go Global and live abroad while earning credit towards your UBC FES degree.

Joining UBC FES means joining a close-knit and vibrant student community. Many undergraduate students from abroad are often surprised at how welcomed and at-home they feel at UBC FES. The FES Undergraduate Society (FUS) is a student-run organization that puts together annual events and programming and maintains student-exclusive spaces.

Classes in UBC FES tend to be smaller than your average university class. As you progress through your degree, you’ll find that upper-year classes become more specialized and as a result, will be smaller. In fact, UBC FES students enjoy an instructor-to-student ratio of 1:17, one of the best at UBC!

All UBC FES students have access to personalized, one-on-one academic support through FES Student Services. Your academic advisor can help you with degree planning, navigate course selection and registration, and provide career support and help you access UBC services designed to help you succeed.

For a full list of support services, visit the FES Undergraduate Student Portal. Additionally, as a UBC student, you have access to UBC Student Services.

UBC’s campus culture features a distinct West Coast vibe. The campus is set within a self-contained “city-in-a-forest” bordered by the ocean and temperate rainforest. The vibe is international and multicultural, with a huge international student body and tons of local commuter students. UBC features lively hubs like the AMS Nest and while the campus is massive, students find close-knit communities through 350+ student clubs, strong faculty identities, and beloved traditions like Storm the Wall and Day of the Longboat. Learn more about UBC campus life here.

Visit UBC campus life for more information on student clubs, extracurricular activities, and more.

Vancouver shares very similar natural and cultural DNA with US Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle and Portland, defined by temperate rainforest geography, mild rainy winters, coffee and craft beer culture, progressive politics, and a love for outdoor recreation.

Vancouver serves as a living laboratory for environmental studies, situated directly where coastal temperate rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, and dynamic marine ecosystems converge alongside progressive municipal green infrastructure and climate policy. In fact, UBC is ranked the 5th Most Sustainable University in the world by QS World University Rankings. Studying at UBC FES having access to world-class faculty research, dedicated research forests, cutting-edge bioeconomy and mass-timber labs, and direct engagement with Indigenous land stewardship models. Students get immediate, hands-on access to solving real-world climate, conservation, and resource challenges right outside the classroom.

Vancouver is a major North American transport hub. For U.S. students considering studying out of state, Vancouver is no harder to get to than traveling from the West Coast to the East, or vice versa. Vancouver is a short drive from Seattle, a 90-minute flight from Portland, a 2.5-hour flight from LA, and just 5.5 hours direct from New York.

Yes. Vancouver is widely considered one of the safest cities in Canada for students and is home to thousands of domestic and international students each year. UBC’s Vancouver campus offers 24/7 safety services, campus security programs, and convenient public transportation, helping students feel safe while living and studying in Vancouver. As with any major city, students should take normal safety precautions, but most find Vancouver to be a welcoming, student-friendly, and safe place to study.

Vancouver offers a high quality of life and a cost of living that is comparable to many major U.S. cities. While housing costs can be higher than in smaller U.S. communities, students often find Vancouver more affordable than cities such as San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, especially when considering healthcare, public transit, and the favorable exchange rate for many U.S. students. UBC also provides a range of housing, dining, and student support options to help manage living expenses while studying in Vancouver.

Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of studying at UBC Vancouver is having easy access to both a world-class city and some of Canada’s most spectacular natural environments. Students can explore beaches, forests, mountains, and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus, while downtown Vancouver offers vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural events, restaurants, shopping, and career opportunities. This unique combination of urban living and outdoor adventure makes Vancouver one of the best student cities in North America.

Most UBC FES programs are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. However, there is no rush. UBC FES students often choose to extend their studies to take advantage of experiential field schools, research opportunities, study abroad, and co-op work. Many UBC FES students may take up to an extra year to finish their degree.

A major is your primary field of study and degree focus, while a specialization is a more concentrated area within that major. For example, students in Forest Sciences may pursue specialized studies in areas such as ecology, genetics, hydrology, or silviculture.

UBC FES gives students the flexibility to explore their interests before choosing a focused academic path. In the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources (BSNR), students complete a common first year and select their preferred major at the start of second year from six options: Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology, Conservation, Forest Management, Forest Operations, Forest Sciences, and Wood Products. In this context, the terms “major” and “specialization” are often used interchangeably.

Bachelor of Urban Forestry (BUF) students follow a different pathway, choosing a minor in Urban Green Space Management or Landscape and Recreation Planning after second year. Academic advising is available throughout the process, and opportunities to change majors or specializations may be available depending on program requirements.

In most cases, you will be able to switch majors after declaring one in second year. However, entry into the major is not guaranteed and is based on academic performance and meeting prequisities for required courses.

First, familiarize yourself with the undergraduate programs UBC FES offers. You may also wish to use our program finder to find the program that best fits you. Next, visit the UBC FES Careers Hub to explore our career support and development resources. Afterwards, get in touch with our dedicated team of advisors, who can provide support to ensure your degree plan matches your career goals.

Yes. UBC FES offers a unique Dual Degree in Education that allows eligible students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources (Conservation major) and a Bachelor of Education (High School Biological Sciences) in just five years. Students can apply beginning in their second year and benefit from an integrated program that combines environmental and natural resource studies with teacher education. This pathway is ideal for students interested in becoming secondary school science teachers (Grades 8-12) and pursuing careers in environmental, biological, or sustainability education. Upon graduation, students are on track to meet the requirements for teacher certification.

Yes. UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship programs provide strong preparation for graduate school through research opportunities, field studies, data analysis, and interdisciplinary learning. Students develop the scientific, analytical, and communication skills needed to pursue master’s and PhD programs in forestry, environmental science, sustainability, conservation, urban planning, and related fields.

To learn more, explore our graduate programs.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship graduates often pursue master’s and PhD programs in forestry, environmental science, sustainability, conservation, natural resource management, urban planning, geomatics, and related fields. Many students continue their studies at UBC or other leading universities, building on the research, analytical, and field-based skills developed during their undergraduate degree.

Yes. A UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship degree can provide a strong foundation for professional and graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, life sciences, and other health-related fields. Students develop skills in biology, ecology, research methods, data analysis, and scientific communication while completing coursework that may help meet prerequisite requirements for further study. Many graduates choose to continue into professional schools, research-based graduate programs, or careers in the life sciences sector.

Yes. UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship graduates can apply directly to master’s and, in some cases, PhD programs if they meet the academic and admission requirements. UBC’s undergraduate programs provide strong preparation through research experience, scientific training, and analytical coursework that can support admission to graduate studies in forestry, environmental science, sustainability, conservation, and related fields. UBC also offers a range of graduate programs within the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship for students who wish to continue their studies.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students can gain hands-on research experience through faculty-led projects, research assistant positions, fieldwork, laboratory studies, and independent research opportunities. These experiences allow students to develop skills in data collection, analysis, scientific communication, and problem-solving while exploring topics such as forestry, environmental science, conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management. Research opportunities can also help students prepare for graduate school and research-focused careers.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship researchers are tackling some of today’s most urgent environmental challenges, including climate change adaptation, wildfire resilience, biodiversity conservation, forest health, sustainable resource management, urban forestry, and Indigenous-led environmental stewardship. Students can learn from and contribute to research conducted through leading initiatives such as the Centre for Wildlife Coexistence, the Tree Ring Lab, and the Urban Forests Research Hub.

UBC FES is also a leader in the bioeconomy, biomaterials, and sustainable bioproducts. Researchers are advancing innovations in renewable materials, wood-based products, nanocellulose, sustainable manufacturing, and circular economy solutions that can reduce reliance on fossil-based materials and support a more sustainable future. These efforts complement research on forest health, climate adaptation, and ecosystem resilience.

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students contribute to climate solutions through hands-on learning, research, fieldwork, and industry partnerships focused on creating a more sustainable future. Students explore topics such as climate change adaptation, wildfire resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and urban sustainability, while working alongside researchers who are addressing real-world environmental challenges.

Students can also engage with cutting-edge innovation in the bioeconomy, biomaterials, and sustainable bioproducts. Faculty researchers are developing renewable wood-based materials, advanced biomaterials, and circular economy solutions that help reduce reliance on fossil-based products and support a low-carbon future. Through coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning, students gain the skills to help drive sustainability innovation across environmental, scientific, and industrial sectors

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students have access to exceptional hands-on learning environments, including UBC’s Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge and the Alex Fraser Research Forest near Williams Lake. These living laboratories support research, field courses, and experiential learning in areas such as forest ecology, sustainable forest management, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and wildfire resilience.

Students also gain experience through a variety of field schools across British Columbia and beyond, working alongside faculty researchers in forests, urban environments, watersheds, and ecosystems that support research on climate adaptation, forest health, urban forestry, and natural resource management. These real-world learning opportunities help students build practical skills while contributing to solutions for environmental and sustainability challenges.

Yes. UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship students have opportunities to work directly with professors and research teams through undergraduate research projects, research assistant positions, field studies, laboratory work, and independent research experiences. Students can contribute to research on topics such as climate change, wildfire resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, urban forestry, biomaterials, and the bioeconomy. These research experiences can strengthen resumes, support graduate school applications, and help students build professional networks in academia, industry, and government

UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is a global leader in biotechnology, the bioeconomy, and sustainable materials research. Undergraduate students can engage with research focused on renewable biomaterials, wood-based products, nanocellulose, bio-based chemicals, sustainable manufacturing, and circular economy solutions that help reduce reliance on fossil-based materials.

Students have opportunities to learn from and work alongside internationally recognized researchers, including Dr. Feng Jiang, whose work advances nanocellulose and sustainable biomaterials; Dr. Kwang Ho Kim, whose research focuses on biorefining, bio-based chemicals, and the forest bioeconomy; and Dr. Scott Renneckar, whose research explores advanced wood products, renewable materials, and sustainable material innovation. Through laboratory research, industry collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities, students can contribute to developing next-generation products and technologies derived from renewable forest resources.