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Environmental Technology Diploma

Build a career safeguarding ecosystems and natural resources

  • Credential: Diploma
  • Length: 2 years (4 academic terms)
  • Delivery: In-person (Fort McMurray campus)
  • Start Dates: Fall and Winter intakes
  • Fieldwork: Includes outdoor labs and field trips within the region
  • Transferability: Eligible for direct transfer to University of Lethbridge (Year 3 – Environmental Sciences)

Next Intakes

  • Fall: September
  • Winter: January
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret environmental data from lab and field environments
  • Apply ecological, biological, and chemical concepts to real-world resource challenges
  • Use geotechnical instruments and GIS mapping tools
  • Evaluate land-use impact and support reclamation efforts
  • Understand and comply with relevant environmental laws and policies

What You’ll Learn

You will develop practical and scientific skills across the following areas:

  • Environmental sampling, testing, and data analysis
  • Plant and animal identification
  • Water and soil quality monitoring
  • Ecosystem management and land-use planning
  • Environmental legislation and compliance
  • GIS and geotechnical field techniques

Learning Outcomes (Post-Grad)

Graduates of the Environmental Technology Diploma will be prepared to:

✔️ Identify, collect, and analyze environmental data

✔️ Apply biological, ecological, and chemical principles to resource and environmental work

✔️ Operate GIS and geotechnical equipment

✔️ Assess environmental impact and land reclamation needs

✔️ Work within the framework of environmental laws and land-use regulations

Career Opportunities & Pathways

Start working in a wide range of fields such as:

  • Environmental Technician
  • Conservation and Reclamation Assistant
  • Water Quality Technician
  • Wildlife or Fisheries Technician
  • Field Technologist

Program Structure

Fall Intake

Year 1

Term 1

  • BIOL 108 – Introduction to Biodiversity

  • CHEM 101 – Introductory University Chemistry I

  • EAS 100 – Planet Earth

  • ENVT 170 – Animal Identification

  • WRITE 103 – Scientific Writing

Year 1

Term 2

  • ENVT 163 – Water Quality

  • ENVT 165 – Geotechnical Sampling & Instrumentation

  • ENVT 268 – Resource Exploitation – Oil, Gas, Bitumen & Mining

  • GEOG 105 – Mapping, GPS, Remote Sensing, and GIS

  • STAT 151 – Introduction to Applied Statistics I

Year 2

Term 1

  • BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology

  • CHEM 261 – Organic Chemistry

  • ENVT 252 – Regional Plant Identification

  • SOILS 210 – Introduction to Soil Science

  • SPCH 207 – Developing Professional Speaking Skills

Year 2

Term 2

  • EAS 208 – Introduction to Global Change

  • ENVT 262 – Environmental Laws & Land Rights

  • ENVT 265 – Forest Technology

  • ENVT 266 – Land Reclamation

  • ENVT 270 – Wildlife Management and Conservation

Program Structure

Winter Intake

Year 1

Term 1

  • BIOL 108 – Introduction to Biodiversity

  • CHEM 101 – Introductory University Chemistry I

  • GEOG 105 – Mapping, GPS, Remote Sensing, and GIS

  • STAT 151 – Introduction to Applied Statistics I

  • WRITE 103 – Scientific Writing

Year 1

Term 2

  • BIOL 208 – Principles of Ecology

  • EAS 100 – Planet Earth

  • ENVT 170 – Animal Identification

  • ENVT 252 – Regional Plant Identification

  • SOILS 210 – Introduction to Soil Science

Year 2

Term 1

  • ENVT 265 – Forest Technology

  • ENVT 266 – Land Reclamation

  • ENVT 268 – Resource Exploitation – Oil, Gas, Bitumen & Mining

  • ENVT 270 – Wildlife Management and Conservation

Year 2

Term 2

  • ENVT 163 – Water Quality

  • ENVT 165 – Geotechnical Sampling & Instrumentation

  • ENVT 262 – Environmental Laws & Land Rights

  • SPCH 207 – Developing Professional Speaking Skills

Admission Requirements

High School Admission

Applicants must hold an Alberta High School Diploma (or equivalent) and must have successfully completed:

  • English 30-1
  • Math 30-1
  • Chemistry 30
  • Biology 30

Mature Student Admission

Applicants must be at least 21 years old or out of school for three consecutive years. You may:

  • Present the same high school course requirements above, OR
  • Complete a College Entrance Assessment if you're missing required courses.

Contact an academic advisor to explore your options.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must meet one of the following minimum test scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79 (no section below 19)
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • CAEL: 60
  • MELAB: 80
  • Duolingo: 95
  • PTE Academic: 50

See the Credit Calendar for additional options.

Tuition and Fees

Domestic Students

Full-Time

  • Term 1: $2,789.92
  • Term 2: $2,789.92

  • Co-op Work Term: $519.92

  • Total Yearly Cost: $5,579.84 + lab/health fees

International Students

Full-Time

  • Term 1: $7,042.92
  • Term 2: $7,042.92
  • Co-op Work Term: $949.92
  • Total Yearly Cost: $15,103.76 + lab/health fees

Additional Costs

  • Lab Fees: Approx. $34–$132/year
  • Health & Dental Insurance (can be waived with proof of alternate coverage)
  • Tuition is due 10 business days before each term begins

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Students may complete the diploma over an extended timeline.

Yes. International students are welcome to apply. Please note that additional tuition fees apply.

No. This is the non-co-op version of the program and does not include a summer work term.

Yes. Many courses include field-based labs and trips in the Fort McMurray, Alberta area.

Begin your Journey Toward a Rewarding Environmental Career

Apply today or contact admissions for more information

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