The Environmental Technology program gives you hands-on training in field sampling, laboratory analysis, and environmental impact assessment. You will learn how to monitor air, water, and soil quality, and develop solutions to protect ecosystems and support sustainable industry practices.
Career outcomes
- Environmental Field Technician
- Laboratory Analyst
- Environmental Compliance Officer
- Remediation Specialist
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Water Quality Technician
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%
Tuition
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $4,110 per year, plus $1,125 in annual ancillary fees.
Courses
- COMM 1580 Technical Communication Foundations
- COMM 2930 Visual Communication and Design
- ENVR 1210
- ENVR 1340
- ENVR 1610 Environmental Sampling Techniques
- ENVR 1860 Laboratory Safety Protocols
- ENVR 2620 Environmental Impact Assessment
- ENVR 3160 Advanced Water Quality Analysis
- ENVR 3690 Sustainable Design Principles
- ENVR 3980 Environmental Project Management
- GNED 1810 Health and Wellness Foundations
- GNED 1860 Environmental Systems and Policy
- GNED 2510 Technical Report Writing
- MATH 2970 Mathematics for Laboratory Science
- WATR 1220 Fundamentals of Water Chemistry
- WATR 1390
- WATR 1800 Hydrology and Watershed Management
- WATR 1940 Environmental Regulatory Frameworks
- WATR 2400 Environmental Impact Assessment
- WATR 2450 Soil Remediation Techniques
- WATR 2840 Environmental Monitoring and Sampling
- WATR 2950 Industrial Wastewater Management
- WATR 3820 Environmental Project Management
What you will learn
In this program, you will study the science behind environmental protection and learn to collect and analyse samples from the field. You will work in labs and outdoors to test water, soil, and air quality, and you will use modern tools to assess how projects affect local ecosystems. The curriculum covers environmental regulations, sustainable design, and project management so you can translate data into clear reports and actionable plans. You will also complete technical communication courses to help you share your findings with industry partners, government agencies, and community groups.
How the program runs
The program runs full-time over three years, split into six terms. Classes and labs take place at the Benchlands Campus in the City of Wrenford, where you will use the School of Construction & the Environment labs and field equipment. You will start in September and follow a set schedule each term. The program includes three paid co-op work terms. During each placement, you will apply your classroom knowledge in a real workplace, such as a regional manufacturer, a municipal environmental department, or an environmental consulting firm. There is no extra fee to participate in a co-op work term; your tuition covers the coordination and workshop support.
Admission
To enter the program, you need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or you must qualify as a mature student. You must complete Grade 12 English (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60%. If you are an international applicant, you will also need to submit proof of English proficiency through an approved test or equivalent coursework. The application portal opens each year, and you can submit your documents directly through the provincial college application service. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, you can still prepare for the program by taking the Pre-Technology Foundations certificate.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $4,110 per year, plus $1,125 in annual ancillary fees. The ancillary fees cover your student association membership, campus security, health and dental plans, and access to the Falls Library & Learning Commons. Tuition is due at the start of each term, and you can set up a monthly payment plan through Student Financial Aid. If you live on campus, residence fees and the mandatory meal plan are billed separately. You can check your fee balance and make payments online through myWrenford.
After you graduate
Graduates are prepared to work in roles that monitor environmental conditions and help organisations meet sustainability goals. You can find work as an environmental field technician, laboratory analyst, compliance officer, remediation specialist, sustainability coordinator, or water quality technician. The program's co-op placements often lead to job offers, and the Wrenford Polytechnic Co-op & Career Services office can help you network with employers in the environmental sector. You can also use this diploma as a pathway into a four-year applied bachelor's degree if you wish to continue your studies.
How to apply
Ready to begin? Visit the How to apply page to view application dates, required documents, and step-by-step instructions. Domestic applicants submit their application through the provincial college application service, while international applicants use the polytechnic's own form. If you have questions about admission or the program, call Admissions at 519-555-0171 or email the office at [email protected]. You can also book a campus tour to see the labs and meet faculty before you apply.