Environmental Technology

• Two-year diploma
• Fall start
• Features a one-week practicum & one week of field school in Kananaskis

Program Description

Environmental Technology provides students with a unique and focused combination of knowledge and skills in environmental technology and chemistry. The program combines a field and laboratory orientation with a broad theoretical background to provide students with the skills needed to work in the field or in the lab as an environmental technologist. During the second year of study, students complete one week of intensive field work in Kananaskis, where they learn how to use equipment and apply techniques that are commonly used in environmental field projects.

The MacPhail School of Energy offers the benefit of small class sizes and hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs by industry-experienced and professionally trained instructors.

The Environmental Technology program focuses on: laboratory skills, environmental chemistry, geology, hydrology/hydrogeology, mathematics, sampling & analysis, and the environmental applications of these topics, including impact assessment, site remediation, and reclamation.

Graduating students are enrolled in PROJ 335, a one-week practicum during the last week in March. The project for the practicum is supplied by the environmental industry.

Each academic year consists of two 15-week semesters and students generally take two years to complete the program. This program is currently only offered full-time; distance and continuing education options are not available.

Your Career

Environmental technologists work in environmental protection, the preservation of natural resources, environmental education, communication and research.

Graduates find work as environmental technologists, biological technicians, forest technicians/technologists, and pollution control technologists.

Opportunities for employment exist in utility and mining companies, chemical manufacturers, steel makers, transportation, the oil and gas industry, federal/provincial government departments, municipalities, education institutions, wastewater management, water treatment, research and health care centres, environmental interest groups and industry associations.

Admission Requirements

Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent, with the following admission requirements or equivalents:

• At least 60% in Pure Math 30 or Math 30-1, AND,
• At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
• At least 60% in Chemistry 30.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please visit English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

There are no additional selection requirements. Admission to this program will be offered on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. 

Student Success

• Students with higher grades and recent upgrading in Pure Math 30 and Chemistry 30 generally experience higher success in this program.
• Students who experience success in this program have a good work ethic and strong communication skills.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Environmental Technology.

Accreditation

There are no formal accreditation arrangements at this time. Please contact the MacPhail School of Energy for more information.

Graduates are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:

• Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
• ECO Canada
• Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• Student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

Books and supplies are approximately $1,800 per year.

Program Outline

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8451
Fax: 403.284.8262
Email: energy.info@sait.ca
Web: MacPhail School of Energy

Transfer with Diploma to...

Through SAIT Polytechnic transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this SAIT program may be eligible for credit at the following universities and colleges:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• Mount Royal University
• NAIT
• Royal Roads University
• SAIT Polytechnic
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of Alberta
• University of New Brunswick, Saint John

Transfer options may also be available at other post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs are evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition