Environmental Technology, Diploma

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.

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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