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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)
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Environmental Technology.
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
$44,500
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $5,774
Year 2: $5,774
Year 1 (International): $18,868
Year 2 (International): $18,868
Year 1: $6,340
Year 2: $6,340
Year 1 (International): $19,507
Year 2 (International): $20,209
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
*No winter semester for Spring Intake – break from Jan. to April.
Changing tracks for a changing world
After months of looking for work and having no luck, Mackenzie Niewchas knew he needed practical skills to complement his university science degree. He enrolled in SAIT’s Environmental Technology program, attended field school and got the hands-on experience he’d been lacking.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Spring and fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30
- 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.
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 selection
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.
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/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 | MS Office: An Introduction | 1.5 |
| ENVS-222 | Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry | 1.5 |
| MATH-237 | Math 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/Wastewater Treatment | 1.5 |
| ENVS-343 | Water/Wastewater Treatment Lab | 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/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 to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Business Academy Aarhus, Denmark
- Griffith University
- Mount Royal University
- NAIT
- Royal Roads University
- SAIT
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4,552 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,774 |
| 2 | $4,552 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $5,774 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,555 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,868 |
| 2 | $17,555 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,868 |
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,800 per year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,007 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,340 |
| 2 | $5,007 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $6,340 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,082 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $19,507 |
| 2 | $18,784 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $20,209 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- 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 year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out 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.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 160: Safety Orientation.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
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