Environmental Geosciences Diploma (CIP 30.4101)
The Environmental Geoscience diploma, like the associate degree of Science with a specialization in Environmental Geosciences, provides a balance of theoretical and applied course work designed to challenge learners to think critically, analyze problems, and seek resolutions; strengthen communication and collaboration skills; and develop a range of additional employment skills (E.g., data collection and management, report writing, teamwork, professionalism, and environmental monitoring). Learners in the Environmental Geoscience diploma program will attain a basis of theoretical learning paired with applied skills in scientific communication, environmental analysis, and biogeography. In addition, learners will have the opportunity to take one or more field schools (intensive and paired courses with an emphasis on place-based and immersive learning) as part of the program to experience a range of practical, applied-training and skill-development for the field environment.
The Environmental Geoscience diploma program aligns with CMTN’s institutional priorities, including the college’s Strategic Plan and the three core values of CMTN: Adventurous, Transformative and Integrity.
ADVENTUROUS
We explore and take calculated risks to engage in learning. We are innovative in finding new ways to move courses into the field. We explore adventurous career paths. We seek to discover new ways to apply pedagogy to our teaching processes. We are actively engaged in finding unique ways to partner in our field-based research. We take advantage of our geography and climate in order to provide field-based education to all learners.
TRANSFORMATIVE
We enrich lives through learning. We include experiential learning in our program renewal. In addition, we transform our learning spaces to respond to an ever-changing educational landscape. We help others improve their lives, families and communities through education. We also help others in the communities we serve, to seek new career opportunities to improve their lives. We recognize how many of our alumni have transformed their lives through education. We take education to our communities when we engage in field-based pedagogy research. We embed our curriculum in a cultural context relating to the rich cultural diversity of First Nations in the northwest region.
INTEGRITY
We are respectful, transparent and accountable to our learners. Our faculty live by example and we conduct ourselves in an ethical manner. We communicate with clarity so everyone can understand our intent. We promote the concept of sustainability where social, environmental, and economic values must all be considered.
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| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| 2025 Fall | Terrace, Prince Rupert |
| 2026 Winter | Terrace, Prince Rupert |
The Environmental Geoscience Diploma 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 Diploma. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
This program has been designed to facilitate maximum transferability to institutions within BC and North America. Many 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 a Diploma- Environmental Geosciences learners must complete the courses below.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| BIOL 101 | Introductory Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 102 | Introductory Biology II | 3 |
| ENVS 111 | Methods in Field Science | 3 |
| GEOG 110 | People and the Environment | 3 |
| GEOG 150 | Physical Geog: Weather and Climate | 3 |
| MATH 131 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| CPSC 111 | Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| 3 credits from the following courses: | 3 | |
| Physical Geography II: Geology, Geomorphology and Soils | ||
| Intro to Northwest Geology | ||
| 6 credits from the following English courses: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Composition | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Technical Writing I | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| GEOG 204 | Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (6 credits from the following English courses:) | 3 |
| 6 credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Geomorphology | ||
| Hydrology and Soils | ||
| Intro Physical, Chemical and Geological Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Biological Oceanography | ||
| 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Environmental Climatology | ||
| Environments and Society | ||
| 6 credits from the following courses: | 6 | |
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| Vertebrate Zoology | ||
| The Biology of Plants | ||
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Geography of Ecosystems | ||
| 12 credits as electives in Science or Arts: Any 1st or 2nd Year Arts or Science Course. Courses offered as Field Schools preferred. Please reach out to an Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator for course planning and guidance. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- Apply directly to the Diploma - Environmental Geosciences
- English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 or equivalent
- Life sciences 11 or equivalent
- Chemistry 11 or equivalent
- Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 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.
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 30 Credits | 30 Credits |
| Tuition | $3,209.70 | $13,636.50 |
| Mandatory Fees | $244.50 | $296.40 |
| Lab fees (17.85 per credit) | $215.40 | $215.40 |
| Student Union Fees | $112.76 | $112.76 |
| Health and Dental Insurance | $295.00 | $618.38 |
| Total Tuition | $4,077.36 | $14,879.44 |
| Books & Supplies | $2000.00 | $2000.00 |
| Field School fees | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Total | $7,077.36 | $17,879.44 |
Tuition and fees effective August 1, 2025 for the 2025/26 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.
2 These fees are an annual cost. Program takes two years to complete.
3Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken.
4Field schools have additional costs between $100 - $1000.00 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.
*The 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 Bhushra Ansari, organiser@mycmsu.ca
*Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.