Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology - Clothing, Textiles and Material Culture
Program Overview
Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology
The Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology is a comprehensive program that encompasses a wide range of topics, including clothing, fashion, product design, interior design, community development, family relations, and cultural studies. This degree offers a unique mix of theoretical and hands-on courses, providing students with invaluable real-world experience and preparing them for a career in various industries.
Program Description
The program covers how textiles and clothing are designed, produced, distributed, and used, examining issues such as sustainability and fair labor practices in the global fashion and textile industry. Students will develop an understanding of how textiles and clothing affect our comfort, sense of wellbeing, and how they have been used throughout history.
Why Study Human Ecology at the University of Alberta?
The University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences offers a remarkable variety of topics and specializations. The Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology degree provides a unique mix of theoretical and hands-on courses, including a 200-hour Practicum Placement, giving students real-world experience and preparing them for a wide range of careers.
Possible Careers
- Costume Designer
- Curator
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Journalist
- Fashion Marketing or Buying
- Interior Decorator
- Marketing Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Professional Human Ecologist (P.HEc)
- Public Relations Representative
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Retail Manager
- Sustainable Interior Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Wardrobe Consultant
Program Requirements
Admissions Requirements for 2026 - 2027
This information is for students applying directly from high school. Transfer students should refer to the Calendar.
Required Courses
- English Language Arts 30-1
- One of the following courses:
- Mathematics 30-2
- Mathematics 30-1
- One of the following courses:
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Physics 30
- One of the following subjects:
- Fine Arts
- Drama 30
- General Music 30
- Adv Acting/Touring Theatre 35
- Applied Graphic Arts 35
- Audio 35
- Ballet 35
- Choir 35
- CommunicationTech Adv(CTS-5Cr)
- Contemporary Dance 35
- Dance 35
- Portfolio Art 35
- Dance Composition 35
- Design Thinking Innovation 35
- Directing 35
- Drawing(Adv Techn) 35(CTS-5Cr)
- Film & Media Arts 35(CTS-5Cr)
- Guitar 35
- Instrumental Jazz 35
- Jazz Dance 35
- Musical Theatre Performance 35
- Technical Theatre EPS 35
- Pottery/Ceramics(Adv Techn) 35
- Technical Theatre 35 (5Cr)
- Theatre Arts 35
- Vocal Jazz 35
- Instrumental Music 30
- Musical Theatre 35
- Art 30
- Art 31
- Choral Music 30
- Performing Arts 35A
- Humanities
- History Americas 30 (IB)
- Social Studies 30-1
- Macro-Economics 30 and Micro-Economics 30
- Aboriginal Studies 30
- CTS-Enterprise&Innovat-5Credit
- CTS-Financial Mgmt Adv-5Credit
- CTS-Mgmt & Market Adv-5Credit
- Languages other than English
- Cree L & C 30-12Y
- Cree Lang & Culture 30
- Cree Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Cree Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- Cree Language & Culture 30-9Y
- Spanish Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Spanish Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- Spanish Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- Spanish Language Arts 30
- Portuguese Lang &Culture 35-3Y
- Am Sgn Lng & Deaf Culture 35
- Am Sign L & C 35-9Y
- German Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- German Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- German Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- German Language Arts 30
- Japanese Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Japanese Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- Japanese Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- Blackfoot Lang & Cult 30
- Blackfoot Lang & Cult 30-12Y
- Chinese Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Chinese Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- Chinese Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- Chinese Language Arts 30
- Italian Lang & Culture 30-12Y
- Italian Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Italian Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- French 30-3Y
- French Language Arts 20-1
- Francais 30-1
- Francais 30-2
- French 30-9Y
- French 31
- French Language Arts 30-1
- French Language Arts 30-2
- Latin 30
- Dene Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
- Filipino Lang & Culture 35-3Y
- Korean Lang & Culture 35
- Polish Language & Arts 35
- Nakoda Lang & Culture 35-12Y
- Polish Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
- Polish Lang & Culture 35 - 3Y
- Tsuut'ina Lang &Culture 35-12Y
- Ukrainian Lang Arts 30
- Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-6Y
- Ukranian Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- Swedish L & C 35-3Y
- Russian Lang & Culture 35 3Y
- Hebrew Lang & Culture 35 - 12Y
- Hebrew Language Arts 35
- Arabic L & C 35-12Y
- Arabic L & C 35-6Y
- Arabic Language Arts 30
- Punjabi Lang & Culture 30-3Y
- Punjabi Lang & Culture 30-9Y
- Punjabi Lang & Culture 35
- Options
- CTS-Cosmetology Adv-5Credit
- Foods Adv (CTS-5Cr)
- Fashion Studies Adv (CTS-5Cr)
- Design Studies Adv (CTS-5Cr)
- Math/Sciences
- Mathematics 31
- Biology 30
- Computing Science ADV(CTS-5Cr)
- Mathematics 30-1
- Mathematics 30-2
- Science 30
- Physics 30
- Chemistry 30
- Fine Arts
English Language Proficiency
The primary language of instruction is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy, refer to the University of Alberta Calendar.
Indigenous Applicants
The University of Alberta is committed to encouraging Indigenous students in their work towards a degree. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students, refer to the University of Alberta Calendar.
Deadline
- Fall application:
- Domestic: March 1, 2026
- International: March 1, 2026
Tuition and Fees
The cost calculator can provide an estimate based on full-time enrollment for the selected program. Tuition will be evaluated based on the specific courses registered.
Scholarships and Financial Support
The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are available for specific faculties and programs.