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University Studies | Associate of Science Environmental Geoscience

Associate of Science

The Environmental Geoscience Specialization encompasses a broad range of disciplines that allow students to develop an understanding of Earth’s related natural systems and processes. Graduates will be well versed in atmospheric, biological, geographical, hydrological, ecological, and geological studies and may go on to complete degrees in subject areas related to environmental sciences, earth sciences, geography, or biology. Alternatively, students may choose to directly enter the workforce in a variety of fields, such as environmental consulting,  mining, mineral exploration, fisheries, wildlife and land management, climate modelling or green energy production. Fieldwork and field-based methods are an integral part of this Associate Degree. For more information please contact the Program Coordinator, Gordon Weary.

This credential also provides you with the first two years required for a B.Sc (Integrated) degree at the Terrace Campus of the University of Northern BC.  This program is designed specifically to provide CMTN Environmental Geoscience students with a full Bachelor of Science degree in two more years with an emphasis on aquatic sciences and environmental remediation.
This program has also been designed to facilitate maximum transferability to other institutions within BC and North America. Most of the courses listed below can also be applied towards the Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) designation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC.  

In order to obtain an Associate of Science - Environmental Geosciences Degree students must first complete the courses below. 

Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
BIOL 101 Introductory Biology I - Cells, Diversity & Physiology 3
BIOL 102 Introductory Biology II - Genetics, Evolution & Ecology 3
CPSC 111 Introduction to Computer Science 3
or
Precalculus
ENGL 101 Introduction to Composition 3
ENGL 102 Introduction to Literature 3
or
Technical Writing I
GEOG 110 People and the Environment 3
GEOG 150 Physical Geog I: Biogeography, Meteorology and Climatology 3
GEOG 160 Physical Geography II: Geology, Geomorphology and Soils 3
or
Intro to Northwest Geology
GEOG 203 Geomorphology 3
or
Intro Physical, Chemical and Geological Oceanography
GEOG 207 Hydrology and Soils 3
or
Introduction to Biological Oceanography
 Credits30
Year Two
BIOL 201 Invertebrate Zoology 3
or
Vertebrate Zoology
or
The Biology of Plants
or
Ichthyology
BIOL 211 Principles of Ecology 3
or
Geography of Ecosystems
GEOG 201 Environmental Climatology 3
or
Environments and Society
GEOG 204 Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3) 3
MATH 101 Calculus I: Differential Calculus 1 3
or
Calculus I for Social Sciences
MATH 131 Introduction to Statistics 3
Two of the Following: 6
Fundamentals of Chemistry I
Principles of Chemistry II
Calculus II: Integral Calculus
Introduction to Physics I
Advanced Physics I
Introductory Physics II
Advanced Physics II
Any 2 ( 3 Credit Arts Course ) Field School Courses Recommended 6
 Credits30
 Total Credits60
 
  1. Apply directly to the Associate of Science - Environmental Geoscience Specialization Program

  2. Submit proof of English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or equivalent

  3. Life sciences 11 or equivalent

  4. Chemistry 11 or equivalent

  5. Pre-calculus 11 or equivalent

  6. Once admitted, register in the courses required for this specialization

English proficiency is required for all students entering CMTN programs.  Please visit our English Language Alternatives page to see how this requirement can be met. 

Need help with the application process?  Contact an Educational Advisor.

Fees Domestic International
Full-time 30 Credits 30 Credits
Tuition $3,084.90 $13,111.20
Mandatory fees $235.50 $285.38

Lab fees (17.16 per credit)1

$51.48 $51.48
Student Union fees2 $93.28 $93.28
Health and Dental Insurance4,5 $275.00 $585.82
Total Tuition:

$3,740.16

$14,127.16
Books & supplies2 $2,000.00 $2,000.00
Field School fees3 $900.00 $900.00
Total: $6,640.16 $17,027.16

Tuition and fees effective August 1, 2023 for the 2023/24 Academic Year.

1Lab fees are mandatory. All associate degrees require a minimum of 3 credits in laboratory science, and students may take up to 42 lab credits.

2Costs are approximate and may vary depending on courses taken. Student union fees are term based.

3Field schools have additional costs between $100 - $900 per field school, depending on the location and the activities. Field schools are not a mandatory component of all associate degrees, however, students are strongly encouraged to attend a field school during the spring/summer semester. Associate Degrees specializing in Environmental Geoscience are encouraged to attend a minimum of two field schools. Field schools are subject to different deposit requirements and refund rules.

4The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to announce that Extended Health and Dental Insurance has been approved by student referendum held in March 2021. Additional information will be provided by CMSU July 2021, including details of the coverage and directions for the opt out process for students with equivalent coverage. For any inquiries about the plan or referendum, please contact Golnoosh Namazi, organiser@mycmsu.ca

5Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.

Career opportunities

The Environmental Geosciences encompasses a broad range of disciplines that allow students to develop an understanding of Earth’s  elated natural systems and processes. Students graduating in the Environmental Geosciences will be well versed in atmospheric, hydrological, ecological and geological studies.

Students who obtain this associate degree may go on to complete a specific degree in Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, or Biology, or may find employment in a variety of fields including:

  • Mineral and Resource Exploration

  • Parks and Recreation Planning

  • Fish, Wildlife and Freshwater Management

  • Forestry

  • Climate Modeling

  • Geotechnical Surveying

  • Community Planning

  • Conventional and Alternative Energy Projects

  • Any other profession that requires an individual with a knowledge of Earth and Earth’s processes