The relevance of the formation of environmental competence of students as the most important indicator of the effectiveness of environmental education is substantiated. The analysis of the possibility of using the method of projects in the study of environmental disciplines at the university is given, its advantages are highlighted as a means of forming the environmental competence of students. The results of the conducted pedagogical experiment are discussed. The components are considered and the level of readiness of students for project activities is determined. A high degree of student satisfaction with project activities was revealed. It is concluded that project activities are an effective method of increasing the level of environmental competence of students.