This program prepares students to meet the growing need for technologists capable of assisting in all areas of land use and environmental planning, environmental chemistry, hydrology, applied ecology, microbiology and geographic information systems (GIS). Do you have an interest in protecting land, natural resources and the environment? Do you like hands-on learning in the field and in the lab? If your answer is yes, then our leading-edge Applied Environmental Science and Planning Technology (AESP) Program is a great fit. You’ll acquire interdisciplinary, employment-ready skills to tackle today’s environmental challenges and develop a range of applied environmental skills and technologies.

This program prepares students to meet the growing need for technologists capable of assisting in all areas of land use and environmental planning, environmental chemistry, hydrology, applied ecology, microbiology and geographic information systems (GIS). Graduates possess the practical field and laboratory skills and technical competencies to acquire, compile, analyze, evaluate and present environmental information and to integrate it effectively into formal planning and review processes.

Courses cover a range of topics, including botany, soil science, hydrology, surveying, ecology, fish and wildlife, GIS, ecological restoration, First Nations, air and water pollution chemistry, environmental planning, microbiology and sustainability.

Accreditation

The AESP Program is nationally accredited through Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). It is provincially accredited by the College of Applied Biologists.

To help ensure the program is assessed for quality industry outcomes, relevancy and currency, the program is updated continuously based on feedback from our Program Advisory Committee consisting of industry, government, Indigenous representation and past graduates.

Transferability

Many of our graduates seek meaningful, relevant employment while others choose to transfer to universities to complete a degree. The AESP Program transfers to the Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems (BGIS) here at Selkirk College.

Selkirk College also has direct transfer arrangements with other universities in BC:

Thompson Rivers University (TRU), Bachelor of Natural Resource Science

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration

University of Northern BC, Bachelor of Planning

Royal Roads University, Bachelor of Environmental Science

It is recommended that students consult with the program advisor of the receiving institution to ensure they have met all the necessary transfer requirements.

At Selkirk College, with classrooms and communities nestled within the welcoming West Kootenay and Boundary regions of British Columbia, students feel like home.

Since 1966, Selkirk College has been providing innovative and unique learning opportunities through 60+ nationally recognized programs. Selkirk International is committed to welcoming students from around the world and providing opportunities for all Selkirk College students to have an international experience as a part of their studies.

At Selkirk College, Canadian and international students study side by side in over 60 different programs. Selkirk College is located in the Kootenays, a spectacular region of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, mineral hot springs, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains that is home to four of British Columbia's seven national parks.