Bachelor in Water Resource Science

Lakehead University, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario, offers a welcoming, student-centred experience focused on applied learning and community engagement. Founded in 1965, Lakehead enrolls nearly 10,000 students and provides a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, engineering, business, health and social sciences. The university is recognized for combining strong research with experiential learning opportunities and a commitment to Indigenous education.

Lakehead’s strengths include interdisciplinary research, hands-on labs, co-op placements and community-based projects that prepare students for practical careers. Faculty members emphasize mentorship and small-group teaching, enabling closer interaction and tailored academic support. The university also promotes sustainability initiatives and integrates Indigenous perspectives across curricula, creating a diverse learning environment that values multiple ways of knowing.

Campus life in Thunder Bay and Orillia offers a balance of outdoor recreation, cultural events and student services, with supports for international students such as orientation, advising and academic resources. Affordable living costs and strong campus communities help newcomers adapt and thrive. Applicants should highlight relevant experience and interest in applied learning, and investigate scholarships, work-study options and co-op pathways to enhance both study and career prospects.

The Bachelor in Water Resource Science at Lakehead University is a unique 4-year degree program that teaches students about the science behind water systems. This program is the only one of its kind in Canada and helps students understand how to protect and manage water resources.

The curriculum includes courses in biology, chemistry, geography, and geology, and covers topics such as ecology, physical processes, and chemistry. Students also participate in field-based learning and explore the interconnectedness of wetland, lake, river, and groundwater systems.

Graduates of this program can become water resource managers, environmental consultants, conservation officers, hydrologists, or research scientists, and can work in government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations.