Overview
Protect, conserve and preserve the environment with a career as an environmental technologist. Work in government, transportation, water treatment or chemical manufacturing. Courses cover sampling, site reclamation, waste management and more.
Want a career that really makes a difference? The Environmental Technology program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to work in the lab or field. As an Environmental Technologist, you’ll work in the protection, conservation and preservation of our natural environment. Many graduates go on to complete their bachelor’s degree at Royal Roads University.
Is this the right fit for you?
Students with higher grades and recent upgrading in Math 30 (Pure Math) and Chemistry 30 will experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Additionally, students should have good work ethics and communication skills.
Accreditation
This program will be accredited in the future. 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)
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Environmental Technology.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue job opportunities in:
- environmental protection
- conservation and preservation of natural resources
- environmental education
- communication and research
Potential employers include:
- utility and mining companies
- chemical manufacturers
- transportation
- government
- education
- wastewater management/water treatment
- research and healthcare centres
- environmental interest groups
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $6,809
- Year 2: $6,809
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $20,048.
- Year 2: $20,048
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
Picture it: Environmental Technology field school
Doing it for the grades and 'gram #HereAtSAIT
Admission requirements
Application dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2022 start: applications opened on Oct. 6, 2021.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1
- At least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2
- At least 60% in Chemistry 30
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Environmental Technology and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL-201 | Biology and Field Ecology | 1.5 |
| CHEM-213 | Chemistry and the Environment | 3.0 |
| CHEM-276 | Analytical Laboratory Skills | 1.5 |
| COMM-238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| COMP-261 | Applied Digital Technologies | 1.5 |
| ENVS-222 | Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry | 1.5 |
| MATH-237 | Mathematics for Technologists | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-270 | Environment Risk Communication | 1.5 |
| ENVS-219 | Industrial Process and Control - Environment | 1.5 |
| ENVS-252 | Environmental/Health & Risk Assessment | 1.5 |
| ENVS-251 | Air Sampling & Monitoring | 1.5 |
| ENVS-254 | Remote Sensing - Introduction | 1.5 |
| ENVS-250 | Field Safety | 1.5 |
| ENVS-260 | Environmental Chemistry I | 1.5 |
| ENVS-344 | Geographical Communications | 3.0 |
| GEOL-230 | Geology | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 Total | 15.0 | |
| First Year Total | 30.0 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DATA-201 | Data Interpretation | 1.5 |
| ENVS-303 | Environmental Audits & Management Systems | 1.5 |
| ENVS-229 | Environmental Law & Regulation | 1.5 |
| ENVS-236 | Ecosystems and Environmental Impact Assessments | 1.5 |
| ENVS-304 | Environmental Sampling & Analysis | 3.0 |
| ENVS-360 | Environmental Chemistry II | 1.5 |
| ENVS-330 | Environmental Field School | 3.0 |
| ENVS-300 | Site Reclamation | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS-361 | Environmental Project Management | 1.5 |
| ENVS-358 | Solid Waste Management | 1.5 |
| ENVS-359 | Water and Wastewater Treatment | 1.5 |
| ENVS-343 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Laboratory | 3.0 |
| ENVS-375 | Environmental Microbiology | 1.5 |
| ENVS-364 | Sustainable Environmental Analysis | 1.5 |
| ENVS-354 | Sustainable Urban Design | 1.5 |
| GEOL-350 | Hydrology and Hydrogeology | 1.5 |
| PROJ-367 | Environment Practicum | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 60.0 | |
| Non-credit certification in the following courses: H2S Alive WHMIS, Ground Disturbance, Confined Space. | ||
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $178
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,340 | $916 | $553 | $6,809 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,340 | $916 | $553 | $6,809 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $619.30
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,579 | $916 | $291 | $20,048. |
| 2 | 2 | $18,579 | $916 | $291 | $20,048 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,800 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Fall 2022
Orientation
Program orientation details will be announced shortly. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that begin on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You'll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
PPE is required in various labs. You'll need a lab coat and CSA-approved safety glasses (with uvex and side shields) to enter the chemistry labs. You will need this when in-person classes resume.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Email: MacPhail.students@sait.ca
Academic chair
Thank you for choosing the SAIT MacPhail School of Energy!
As your academic chair for the first year of the Environmental Technology diploma program it is my pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the entire program, as the newest members of our innovative learning community. We look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make and to supporting your academic journey.
Pablo Pina, Academic Chair
Email: pablo.pina@sait.ca
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
