Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am the right fit for this program?

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Wish to expand their career options in the environmental industry.
  • Enjoy a hands-on approach to working in the outdoor and built environment.
  • Are critical and innovative thinkers.
  • Are able to analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
  • Are independent learners.

What is a graduate certificate?

Graduate Certificate programs are open to applicants with at least some post-secondary education at the university or college level. Most graduate certificate programs will require a degree or diploma credential. Graduate Certificate programs are more specialized and taught at a higher level than diploma or college certificate programs.

How long is this graduate certificate program?

The program duration is eight months for the non co-op stream and up to 12 months for the co-op stream.

How does the optional paid co-op work?

Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College’s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document, International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is a mandatory part of an academic program. For more information, please visit algonquincollege.com/coop.

Where do students get co-op placements and where do they work after graduation?

Students who participate in co-op placements gain valuable on-the-job experience, and the opportunity to build their contacts, and make a favourable impression on the employer. Co-op students have the opportunity to complete their term at water and wastewater treatment facilities, conservation authorities, power plants, engineering companies, consulting firms and in applied research. Many employers use co-op as a means to groom students for future employment with the company.

Are there any additional fees for this program?

Yes. Additional program-related expenses include:

  • Books cost approximately $400 per year.
  • Students will need to purchase one full-length lab coat, one pair of CSA-approved safety glasses, and rent a locker to keep all their personal items during the laboratories.
  • Students will also be required to work in the field in the summer and/or fall seasons, and should have denim pants or coveralls, long sleeves, CSA-approved steel toe boots, puncture-resistant work gloves, CSA-approved hardhat, eye protection, and a high visability vest. The estimated cost of this equipment for the program is $500.
  • Due to the nature of your program, you are required to participate in learning that takes place throughout the diverse forests, lands and waters of the Ottawa Valley including trips to the Petawawa Research Forest, a nationally recognized centre of excellence for forestry research. Students are expected to make their own way to sites within the City of Pembroke. However, for more distant, off campus locations, where parking is unsafe, unavailable or limited, bus transportation is required. For your purchase convenience, an Environmental Management Assessment student term bus pass is available for purchase in the Campus Proud shop at the following rates (based on required use): Fall $84, Winter $84.