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University Studies | Associate of Science Environmental Geoscience Specialization

Associate of Science

The Environmental Geoscience Specialization encompasses a broad range of disciplines that allow learners 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, learners 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.

This program has been designed to facilitate maximum transferability to 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 (EGBC).  

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

Year 1:

Required Courses:
BIOL 101Introductory Biology I - Cells, Diversity & Physiology3
BIOL 102Introductory Biology II - Genetics, Evolution & Ecology3
GEOG 110People and the Environment3
GEOG 150Physical Geog I: Biogeography, Meteorology and Climatology3
GEOG 204Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)3
MATH 131Introduction to Statistics3
CPSC 111Introduction to Computer Science3
3 credits from the following courses:
GEOL 157Intro to Northwest Geology3
GEOG 160Physical Geography II: Geology, Geomorphology and Soils3
6 credits from the following English courses:
ENGL 101Introduction to Composition3
ENGL 102Introduction to Literature3
ENGL 151Technical Writing I3

Year 2 or offered as Field Schools at end of Year 1:

6 credits from the following courses:
GEOG 203Geomorphology3
GEOG 207Hydrology and Soils3
OCGY 208Intro Physical, Chemical and Geological Oceanography3
OCGY 209Introduction to Biological Oceanography3
3 credits from the following courses:
GEOG 201Environmental Climatology3
GEOG 210Environments and Society3
6 credits from the following courses:6
BIOL 201Invertebrate Zoology3
BIOL 202Vertebrate Zoology3
BIOL 208The Biology of Plants3
BIOL 211Principles of Ecology3
BIOL 235Ichthyology3
GEOG 202Geography of Ecosystems3
3 credits from the following courses:
MATH 101Calculus I: Differential Calculus3
MATH 141Calculus I for Social Sciences3
6 credits from the following courses:
CHEM 111Fundamentals of Chemistry I3
CHEM 122Principles of Chemistry II3
PHYS 101Introduction to Physics I3
PHYS 121Advanced Physics I3
PHYS 102Introductory Physics II3
PHYS 122Advanced Physics II3
MATH 102Calculus II: Integral Calculus3
6 credits as Arts Electives: Any 1st or 2nd Year Arts Course offered as a Field School
 
  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 12 or equivalent. Applicants with Pre-calculus Math 11 with a minimum grade of B will have to successfully complete Math 115 or equivalent. 

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 $3,146.70 $13,373.40
Mandatory fees $240.00 $290.88

Lab fees (17.16 per credit)1

$52.50 $52.50
Student Union fees2 $109.28 $109.28
Health and Dental Insurance4,5 $285.00 $602.04
Total Tuition:

$3,833.48

$14,428.10
Books & supplies2 $2,000.00 $2,000.00
Field School fees3 $900.00 $900.00
Total: $6,733.48 $17,328.10

Tuition and fees effective August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 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