Geological Technology GeoEnvironmental

Diploma

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Unlock the undiscovered potential of what lies below the surface of the Earth. From resource exploration to surveying and land development, geological technologists use their knowledge of rock, groundwater and sedimentary formations to inform major decisions across a number of industries.

NAIT’s 2-year Geological Technology diploma program will provide you with a solid background in physical geology, petrology, hydrogeology, geophysics, structural geology, historical geology and sedimentary geology. You’ll also develop foundational mathematics, chemistry and applied science knowledge and receive essential safety training to ensure you and your colleagues are safe in the field.

This program is Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) Certified.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 03, 2024 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, before 5 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, after 5 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant skills

In addition to lectures and labs, the program has a two one-week Field Schools. One is located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies mapping geological outcrops and the other is on campus using a suite of groundwater monitoring wells, where students are trained in groundwater monitoring and sample collection. These activities allow students to better understand the how and why of classroom theory, as well as collect field data for classroom analysis.

Industry knowledge

Our instructors have years of industry experience and are committed to student success.

You’ll participate in a wide range of activities, including:

  • researching, interpreting and mapping geology of a given area 
  • identifying common rocks, minerals, glacial deposits 
  • using software applications used in the field
  • performing basic topographic, geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys
  • conducting environmental site assessments
  • creating conceptual site models for remediating contaminated sites
  • evaluating natural resources for production and extraction

On average you can expect to spend:

  • 28 hours per week attending classes and labs over the course of a semester
  • 10 to 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments

Co-op option

Students may be eligible to participate in a 4 or 8 or 12 month co-op placement once they complete courses ENGL1335, GEOL1110, GEOL1120, GEOL1245, and GEOL1270, receive 24 credits, and before they complete the remaining level 1 and level 2 courses. Successful co-op students work in a program-related industry position and gain advanced job-readiness skills. Acceptance into our co-op program is based on successful completion of the required prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.7.

For international students to participate, a Co-op Work Permit is required. Applying and receiving this permit can take time so please apply as soon as possible. To learn more, visit nait.ca/immigration.

Length: 1 or 2 or 3 semesters
Salary: Determined by participating employers
Dates: May to August (4 mth), May to December (8 mth), May to April (12 mth) 

Credential: Diploma/Diploma with Co-op Designation 

Diplomas and Certificates are credit programs that take 1 or 2 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials. 

Students have the opportunity of a 4, 8 or 12 month Co-operative Education  term within the Geoscience Program and will graduate with the Co-operative Education designation. 

Open Studies: Optional Co-op Education  

The Geoscience Co-op  Program allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real workplaces by alternating periods of study with full-time, paid work experiences. Students will gain valuable work experience, and get a head start on a rewarding career!

Become a trusted professional

Graduates of this program earn a diploma in Geological Technology. 

While enrolled in the program, you'll be eligible for student membership in the following professional associations:

After graduation and required work experience, you may also be eligible for professional accreditation. 

Continue your studies...

...at NAIT

You may also continue your studies after graduation by pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech). Diploma grads can earn a BTech degree with just two more years of study. Full-time and part-time study options are available. 

Learn more about NAIT's BTech program

...at university

  • Advanced credit may be awarded on a course-by-course basis at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and other post-secondary institutions
  • BSc in Environmental Science, Royal Roads University - A formal transfer credit agreement exists with Royal Roads University that allows students entry into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program (some upgrading is required)

Please note: Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca.

For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Bachelor of Technology

Completion of this diploma qualifies as the first 2 years of NAIT's unique 4-year Bachelor of Technology degree.

Become a certified engineering technologist

Students of this program are eligible for student membership in the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

Career Outcomes

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Please see below for the list of courses available for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) credits in this program. Click on the course name for more information on the evidence required for that course. 

Refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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