The Environmental Monitoring Certificate program equips students with technical skills and knowledge to conduct environmental monitoring tasks associated with entry-level positions.

This program responds to current training needs and is designed to allow for participation while maintaining existing employment and family life.

The Environmental Monitoring certificate program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the biophysical environment, introduces First Nation traditional knowledge, and teaches technical skills such as environmental sampling techniques and navigation and data collection with GPS.

Throughout the program, students develop solid technical skills and learn how environmental monitoring activities connect to regulatory processes and resource management. Program graduates will have the skills and knowledge to operate successfully within industrial and First Nation contexts, and other governments.

Duration

This program consists of 10 credited courses and one outdoor skills/first aid partial-credit course (the first aid portion will be red-cross certified, not University credit). Courses will be offered modularly at various camp locations throughout the Yukon. The program will normally be completed within two years.

Learning outcomes and objectives

Students who successfully complete the Environmental Monitoring certificate will be able to:

• Describe fundamental physical and biological concepts and cycles of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the use of specific indicators in monitoring changes in larger systems.
• Apply and adapt environmental monitoring technical and field skills for a variety of resource management purposes.
• Recognize and honour multiple ways of knowing and understand one’s role as a community knowledge holder in the area of environmental monitoring.
• Know and apply safety practices, values, and procedures to all aspects of camp and field work.
• Model professional, safe, and ethical behavior in all areas of practice to be successful in entry-level environmental monitoring positions.
• Identify, respect, and interpret relevant statutes, laws, and regulations that relate to the environmental monitoring field.

English 10 OR Communications 10 OR the YukonU equivalent, ENGL 030; AND Mathematics 10 OR Essentials of Mathematics 10 OR the YukonU equivalent, MATH 030. Program admission can also be awarded to Open Studies students who achieve a B+ or higher in 2 of the following courses: ENVM 090, ENVM 091, ENVM 093, and ENVM 095.

All program seats are reserved for Yukon First Nation students.

Contact program advisor for information on next possible intake

To receive a Yukon University Certificate in Environmental Monitoring, students must:

• Pass all of the required courses in the Environmental Monitoring Certificate Program.
• Complete all of the coursework at Yukon University.
• Maintain a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA (B- average, 65-69%).
• Obtain current Red Cross Wilderness First Aid/CPR-C (or higher) certification.

Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.

For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency

Individual course fees are set at $1500 per course which includes tuition, room and board, transportation between Whitehorse and the course location, and course supplies and materials.

Participants will need to supply their own personal gear including safety boots and rain gear.

Student financial awards

Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.

Financial assistance

There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.

See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.