Environmental Technology, Diploma

Hands-on learning

In this science-based, two-year program, you'll gain academic expertise, combined with hands-on laboratory and field skills to prepare you for employment or to pursue further education. Environmental professionals work within assessment teams, collecting, collating and presenting information that will help decision-makers understand how their decisions will affect the Earth and its inhabitants.

Fisher building, room 264

Improve your academic skills. From science basics to advanced topics, there's a help centre for you. Refresh your skills, work on your assignments with our support, or get tutoring on specific subjects.

What to expect

During the program, you'll take 13 courses in the areas of environmental studies, biology, chemistry, english, geography, GIS, and math. You can also do paid work experience through co-operative education to get a big head start in your career.

Accreditation 

The program is nationally accredited by the College of Applied Biology (CAB) and upon program completion students are eligible to become Registered Biology Technologists (RBTech). 

Transfer to university

The Environmental Technology program provides up to two years of transfer credit towards programs within the School of Environment & Sustainability at Royal Roads University (note that their option of a B.Sc. in Environmental Science will require an additional calculus, e.g. MATH 108). 

Your courses may also transfer to other BC universities and colleges to allow you to continue your education towards a degree in biology, geography or environmental studies. Check the BC Transfer Guide to find out where each course transfers.

What you'll learn

You'll learn how to produce solutions for the world's leading problems from the fields of applied biology/restoration, environmental chemistry, and Geographic Information Systems. As a multi-disciplinary program, Environmental Technology has access to wide-ranging resources including lab equipment, a native plant garden, and a variety of local field sites used for field-based learning.

In demand

As a certified environmental professionals, you will be qualified for employment with private- and public-sector employers. Co-op students and graduates have gone on to careers in workplaces that include:

• Institute of Ocean Sciences
• Federal and provincial ministries and departments (Forests, Fisheries, Parks and Water Management, Department of National Defence)
• Indigenous organizations
• BC Hydro
• BC Ferries
• Private consulting firms
• Various municipalities and regional districts

These roles involve a variety of projects and activities, which could include: 

• Conducting rare species surveys/inventories 
• Describing impacts from proposed activities
• Preparing environmental permit applications
• Providing reports and recommendations on mitigation/restoration 
• Collecting field data and conducting GIS analyses