The General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option is designed specifically to prepare students for entry into one of our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences diploma programs.
Program Highlights
Upon successful completion of this two-semester certificate program, you will receive credit for all Common First Semester courses and entrance directly into semester 2 of one of the following programs in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences:
- Ecosystem Management Technician/ Technology
- Environmental Technician/Technology
- Fish and Wildlife Technician/Technology
- Forestry Technician
- Resources Drilling and Blasting
Discover your options while you discover nature. Explore the campus. Learn hands-on ecosystem skills and the wider world of ecology and the environment to prepare you for your environmental or natural resources sciences diploma program. Belong to a field crew in a camp setting while you learn outdoor skills. Prepare yourself with courses in math or chemistry. Study computing and communications, to build skills set for a successful future. The program will enable you to:
- discover and explore the programs and related career fields within the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
- get to know yourself better and make an informed choice about your career path
- learn more about the natural world we live in
- develop field skills and improve your academic and vocational skills
- gain confidence and a head start on your college diploma program
In addition to gaining direct entry into 2nd semester, you may also obtain credit for up to 2 additional courses. This means that during your diploma program, you will have the advantage of more time to focus on your course work, some extra free time, or the opportunity to work part-time.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
Selection Criteria
During Semester 2 of the General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option, you will be asked to identify your 1st and 2nd diploma program choices. This will assist in the college’s planning and scheduling.
If there are more qualified applications to your preferred environmental and natural resource sciences diploma program than spaces available, a selection process will be used. Applications will be ranked for available seating based on overall marks from the General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences Option, as of the date of the selection process.
Program Progression
If you complete the General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option and choose to continue on to a diploma program, you will be attending college for a total of 5 consecutive semesters. For example:
General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option
• Semester 1: September – December 2012
• Semester 2: January – April 2013
If you successfully complete the program, you would enter into semester 2 of your diploma program in May 2013.
Diploma Program
• Semester 2: May – August 2013
• Semester 3: September – December 2013
• Semester 4: January – April 2014 (Graduate with Technician Diploma)
You would have the option to continue on to a Technology diploma program if offered, or to take a dual diploma, with 2 additional semesters of study.
Additional Costs
You should plan to spend approximately $700 per year for books and supplies, plus camp fees.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.