“Enrolment for this program is limited.”
“We look to advance the education of our new generations in schools, institutes and universities in environmental issues, not only because they are the leaders of tomorrow but because it is their national duty to support efforts in environmental conservation.”
HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE
“The UAE celebrates the contributions of all those who champion environmental protection and strive to achieve collective progress in this field. Through dialogue and collaboration, the UAE will continue to serve as a global convener for sustainability solutions in pursuit of a better future for all.”
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
“We have a clear vision: to be at the forefront of innovation, economic progress, and sustainable development while remaining open to all who contribute positively to our nation, the region, and the world”
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability (BScESS) is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that prepares graduates to address complex environmental and sustainability challenges through science-based, data-driven, and systems-oriented approaches. The program integrates core knowledge in environmental science, chemistry, biology, statistics, hydrology, environmental health, GIS, environmental economics, and policy to enable students to analyze environmental processes and human–environment interactions and support evidence-based decision-making. Students develop theoretical and practical competencies in environmental monitoring, impact assessment, resource management, pollution control, natural hazards, and spatial and temporal data analysis, supported by tools such as statistical modeling, remote sensing, and GIS. The program emphasizes sustainability, environmental governance, and systems thinking, along with innovation and applied problem-solving, to support resilient and responsible development. Experiential learning is embedded through applied research, major electives, and internship opportunities to ensure professional readiness.
The BScESS program offers two concentration pathways: (i) Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and (ii) Sustainable Development and Systems, each consisting of 18 credit hours. Students are required to select one concentration pathway.
Benefits
Specialized Knowledge in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability: Students gain a comprehensive interdisciplinary education in environmental science, sustainability, climate change, environmental policy, and resource management. The curriculum equips graduates with the scientific, analytical, and technical expertise needed to address complex environmental challenges and support sustainable development.
Industrial Focus: The program integrates environmental governance, sustainability management, environmental economics, and policy. Students develop the professional competencies required to manage environmental projects, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to sustainability initiatives across public, private, and non-governmental sectors.
Hands-On Learning: Learning extends beyond the classroom through environmental monitoring, GIS applications, environmental data analytics, impact assessment, applied research, and internship experiences. Students gain practical skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental data to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
Applied Research: Students complete a concentration-specific Applied Research Project that requires them to investigate complex environmental or sustainability challenges using scientific methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. This experience strengthens their research, critical thinking, and professional communication skills.
Global Relevance: The curriculum addresses global environmental priorities, including climate change, sustainable development, environmental governance, pollution management, and resource conservation. Graduates are prepared to contribute to sustainability initiatives aligned with international frameworks and emerging environmental challenges worldwide.
Sustainability and Ethics: Sustainability principles are embedded throughout the program. Students develop systems-thinking skills and learn to evaluate environmental decisions through scientific, ethical, social, and economic perspectives, promoting responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Flexible Electives: Students can customize their learning experience through a range of environmental sciences and sustainability electives, allowing them to explore specialized interests such as urban sustainability, ESG and corporate sustainability, environmental risk assessment, carbon accounting, and environmental contaminants.
Faculty-Driven Research Opportunities: Through courses in environmental data analytics, environmental impact assessment, GIS, climate science, and applied research projects, students develop strong research capabilities under faculty supervision. These experiences provide opportunities to contribute to faculty-led research addressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
Entrepreneurial and Innovation Training: Students develop entrepreneurial thinking and innovation skills through dedicated entrepreneurship courses and sustainability-focused problem solving. Graduates are prepared to develop innovative environmental solutions and contribute to emerging green economy sectors.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program, students will have the qualifications and skills to pursue career opportunities such as:
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Consultant
- Environmental Monitoring Officer
- Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Sustainability Planner
- ESG Analyst
- Corporate Sustainability Officer
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Carbon Management Specialist
- Sustainability Reporting Specialist
- Circular Economy Specialist
- GIS and Environmental Information Specialist
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) of the UAE awarded the program accreditation on May 7, 2026.
The program has six goals as follows:
Goal 1.Contribute to addressing complex environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.
Goal 2.Establish successful careers in environmental sciences and sustainability-related fields through the effective application of knowledge, technical skills, and professional practices.
Goal 3.Develop innovative and practical solutions to complex environmental problems in diverse and evolving professional contexts.
Goal 4.Demonstrate leadership, effective communication, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams to achieve organizational and societal goals.
Goal 5.Act with integrity, ethical responsibility, and environmental stewardship in professional and societal contexts.
Goal 6.Engage in lifelong learning and adapt to emerging environmental, technological, and societal challenges.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
Common to both concentrations
PLO 1: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of environmental science and sustainability for informed problem-solving and decisions.
PLO 2: Apply advanced skills to analyze environmental data and conduct evidence-based evaluations using appropriate tools.
PLO 3: Solve complex environmental problems using innovative and interdisciplinary approaches in diverse contexts.
PLO 4: Conduct research to analyze environmental issues and develop evidence-based solutions.
PLO 5: Manage environmental projects, demonstrate leadership, and make decisions in complex situations.
PLO 6: Demonstrate ethical behavior, responsible citizenship, and commitment to lifelong learning and entrepreneurship.
PLO 7: Communicate effectively in oral and written forms and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to achieve sustainability goals.
PLOs for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Concentration
PLO-C1: Apply climate science and carbon management knowledge to design mitigation and adaptation strategies.
PLO-C2: Develop sustainable, policy-relevant solutions to climate change challenges with professional responsibility and decision-making.
PLOs for Sustainable Development and Systems Concentration
PLO-S1: Apply systems thinking and resource management to design and evaluate sustainable development solutions.
PLO-S2: Develop circular economy solutions demonstrating leadership, sustainability responsibility, and entrepreneurship.
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program is offered at the CUD Campus in a full-time, regular study mode. The program is completed in 8 semesters (4 academic years), and the maximum duration of completion of the program is eight academic years.
The Bachelor of Science in Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability shall be awarded to a student upon fulfilment of the following requirements:
- Successful completion of 126 credit hours.
- Achievement of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of at least 50% of the total program credit hours at CUD.
- Completion of the Internship and Graduation Project while enrolled at CUD.
Program Structure
The structure of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program is as follows:
| Requirements | Compulsory Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | 102 Cr. Hrs. |
| Electives | 6 Cr. Hrs. |
| Concentration Courses (in each concentration) | 9 Cr. Hrs. |
| Practical experience and Projects (in each concentration) | 9 Cr. Hrs. |
| Total | 126 Cr. Hrs. |
| Course | Course Title | Pre/Co-requisite | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Studies and General Education | 24 | ||
| Compulsory Courses | 21 | ||
| LNG 171 | English I | None | 3 |
| LNG 172 | English II | LNG 171 | 3 |
| GED 102 | AI in Modern Life | None | 3 |
| GED 190 | Emirati Studies | None | 3 |
| GED 255 | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | LNG 172 | 3 |
| ENT 141 | Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 1 | None | 2 |
| ENT 142 | Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2 | ENT 141 | 1 |
| ENT 241 | Entrepreneurship I | ENT 142 | 2 |
| ENT 242 | Entrepreneurship II | ENT 242 | 1 |
| Humanity Elective Courses (03 Credits): Students are required to select one course from the following courses | 3 | ||
| GED 103 | Head Anatomy Sculpture | None | 3 |
| GED 106 | Smart Decisions: Data Literacy and Visualization | None | 3 |
| GED 110 | Modern Art Appreciation | None | 3 |
| GED 111 | Music Appreciation and Communication | None | 3 |
| GED 191 | Islamic Studies | None | 3 |
| GED 196 | Communication Skills in Arabic | None | 3 |
| GED 205 | Psychology in Everyday Life | LNG 172 | 3 |
| GED 324 | Ethical Reasoning for Today’s World | LNG 172 | 3 |
| GED 330 | Introduction to Canadian Studies | None | 3 |
| ESS Core Courses | 78 | ||
| MTH 105 | Introduction to Statistics | None | 3 |
| MTH 112 | Calculus I | None | 3 |
| BIO 102 | Biology I | None | 3 |
| BIO 202 | Biology II | BIO 102 | 3 |
| ENV 201 | Principles of Environmental Science | None | 3 |
| ENV 220 | Introduction to Environmental Health | ENV 201 | 3 |
| ENV 302 | Environmental Microbiology | None | 3 |
| ENV 309 | Impacts of Earth Resources and Natural Hazards on the Environment | ENV 201 | 3 |
| ENV 321 | Management of Domestic and Hazardous Wastes | ENV 220 | 3 |
| ENV 326 | Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution | ENV 220 | 3 |
| ENV 330 | Hydrology and Water Waste Management | ENV 201 | 3 |
| ENV 412 | Toxicology | BIO 202 | 3 |
| ENV 413 | Marine Pollution | ENV 201 | 3 |
| ENV 423 | Environmental Management: Theory and Practice | ENV 321, ENV 326, ENV 330, ENV 413 | 3 |
| ENV 424 | Impacts of Climate Change Policy on Environmental Management | ENV 326 | 3 |
| SCI 210 | Modern Physics | None | 3 |
| SHS 103 | Chemistry | None | 3 |
| SHS 105 | Organic Chemistry | SHS 103 | 3 |
| SHS 205 | Biochemistry | SHS 105 | 3 |
| ESS 110 | Principles of Sustainability | None | 3 |
| ESS 220 | Energy Systems | ENV 201 and SCI 210 | 3 |
| ESS 221 | Environmental Economics | MTH 105 and MTH 112 | 3 |
| ESS 310 | Geographic Information Systems | MTH 105 | 3 |
| ESS 320 | Environmental Data Analytics | ESS 310 | 3 |
| ESS 321 | Environmental Impact Assessment | Co-Req-ENV 309 | 3 |
| ESS 420 | Environmental Law, Policy and Governance | ENV 201 | 3 |
| Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Elective Courses | 6 | ||
| ESS 441 | Urban Sustainability | ESS 110 | 3 |
| ESS 442 | Environmental Risk Assessment | ENV 201 | 3 |
| ESS 443 | ESG & Corporate Sustainability | ESS 110 | 3 |
| ESS 444 | Carbon Accounting & Reporting | ESS 221 | 3 |
| ESS 445 | Food Safety & Environmental Contaminants | ENV 201 | 3 |
| Course | Course Title | Pre/Co-requisite | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concentration 1: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation | 18 | ||
| CAM 410 | Climate Science and Modelling | Co-req-ESS 320 | 3 |
| CAM 411 | Carbon Reduction Approaches | ESS 221 | 3 |
| CAM 412 | Climate Change Adaptation Strategies | ESS 321 | 3 |
| Practical Experience and Project (The internship and projects will align with the concentration pathway.) | |||
| CAM 413 | Applied Research in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation | 90 credit hours completed | 6 |
| CAM 414 | Internship in Climat hange e CMitigation and Adaptation | Minimum of 81 credit hours completed and a CGPA of at least 2.0 | 3 |
| Concentration 2: Sustainable Development and Systems | 18 | ||
| SDS 410 | Sustainable Resource Management | ENV 309 | 3 |
| SDS 411 | Integrated Sustainability Systems & Nexus Planning | ESS 110 | 3 |
| SDS 412 | Circular Economy and Policy Implementation | ENV 321 | 3 |
| Practical Experience and Project (The internship and projects will align with the concentration pathway.) | |||
| SDS 413 | Applied Research in Sustainable Development Systems | 90 credit hours completed | 6 |
| SDS 414 | Internship in Sustainable Development Systems | Minimum of 81 credit hours completed and a CGPA of at least 2.0 | 3 |