Environmental Technology, Diploma

A foundation in environmental science and innovation.

 female student surveying

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Work experience

Co-op / internship

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Yes

Area of study

Natural Sciences

Length

3 years

Program under review

This program is currently under review. It will not be offered in Fall 2023.

Explore other programs that focus on the natural sciences.
Natural Sciences

This program is currently under review and will not be offered in Fall 2023.

The world, our environment 

Rediscover the way we represent the world and learn to develop innovative technologies and solutions to approach sustainability, benefiting society and the environment.

students in science lab

Hands-on learning

In this science-based, three-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 technologists 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.

Science Help Centre
Fisher 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, computing, English, geoscience, geography, and math, as well as elective and complementary courses. You can also do paid work experience through co-operative education to get a big head start in your career.

Transfer to university

The program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and provincially recognized by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC).

Block transfers

The Environmental Technology program provides up to two years of transfer credit called a block transfer to the B.Sc. in Environmental Science and for programs within the School of Environmental Sustainability at Royal Roads University. University of Victoria will also accept up to 20 units when entering into a BSc in Geography or a BSc Biology.

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 chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and environmental sciences to business insight and expertise. As a multi-disciplinary program, Environmental Technology has access to wide-ranging resources including lab equipment, a native plant garden and a property in Metchosin that can benefit you during your studies.

In demand

As a certified environmental technologist, you will be qualified for entry-level 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

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

female student waterfall

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

A focus on science-based innovation and sustainability

This program gives you an opportunity to develop a foundation in natural sciences, sustainable resources, communication skills, GIS mapping technology, environmental management and other applied skills.

What to expect

The program consists of five 14-week semesters and two eight-week terms, plus two four-month work experiences for Co-op students and is about 3 years long. As a multi-disciplinary program, Environmental Technology has access to the wide-ranging capital resources of its constituent departments. This includes modern biology and chemistry lab facilities, computer labs, surveying equipment, map and air photo collections, greenhouse facilities, meteorological instruments and rock and mineral collections.

The program hub is located in the Fisher building at the Lansdowne campus. It is a place to meet and mentor, to find out what 's going on, to collaborate on assignments, access resources, socialize and recharge. It is open from 8:30 a.m. until late evening, and on weekends through arrangement with the Instructional Assistant.

After completing year 2 of your Environmental Technology program, you qualify for the additional credential of an Associate of Science Degree in General Science.

Year 1

In your first year, you will take three academic terms. Courses include evolution and diversity biology, computing, geography, communications and English.

During the spring term, you'll be studying full-time in an intensive series of field courses which culminates in a week-long field camp.

Year 2

In Year 2, you'll continue to develop your scientific foundation with two academic terms and an optional co-op work experience in the summer. Courses include ecology, biotechnology, chemistry, fundamentals of GIS and biodiversity.

Year 3

In your third year, you'll take an academic term in fall or winter or an optional co-op term. You'll also continue your studies in chemistry, biodiversity, calculus and begin a culminating sustainability research project.

Optional work terms

During the program, you can choose to take one work term and add an internship designation to your diploma. If you complete two work terms, you will graduate with a co-operative education designation.

Curriculum & courses

Admission Requirements

The Environmental Technology program is currently under review and will not be offered in Fall 2023.

To discuss other programs, please contact the School of Arts & Science or Admissions.

 

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact us today!

If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your classes contact artsci@camosun.ca.

Faculty/staff profile

Ian Browning

Ian Browning

Instructor, Electronics and Computer Engineering

browning@camosun.ca
250–370–4432, 250-370-3329
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Trisha Jarrett

Trisha Jarrett

Instructor - Environmental Technology & Geography

jarrett@camosun.ca
250-370-3378
Fisher Building
Full bio

Contact information

School of Arts & Science

Campus location

Fisher 104

Location link

Lansdowne Campus

250–370–3298

artsci@camosun.ca

 

International students please contact Camosun International