Forest Resources Technology Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

This program provides the technical training required for starting a career in natural resource management. The program emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all the major values including timber, recreation, wildlife, range, fish, water, and visual landscapes. The program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada Board.

Faculty: Science, Engineering and Technology | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Forest Resources Technology has one program start date each year in Fall. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Forest Surveying, Forest Inventory, Forest Biometrics, Spatial Data, Forest Botany, Forest Ecology I: Ecosystems & Silvics, Forest Hydrology and Riparian Management, Forest Resources Administration.

Career pathways

A broad choice of field positions in forestry, environmental management, and natural resource management are available, and graduates have gained employment through private companies, Ministry of Forests, independent consultants or private contractors as timber cruisers, engineers, silviculture contract administrators and planners, as well as other technical jobs such as G.I.S., aerial photography, and computer applications.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.; A minimum “C” grade in either Principles of Mathematics 11 or Pre-calculus 11; or a minimum “C+” grade in Applications of Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11, or equivalent.; One science 11 with minimum “C+” grade. (Forestry 11 satisfies this requirement.); Recommendations for Admission; Forestry 11 and 12, and Biology 11.; Physically fit for work in the woods.; Previous forestry-related employment to assess personal suitability for this career field is an asset.; Notes on Admission; Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form; Individuals interested in this program who are not meeting admission requirements are encouraged to connect with the program Chair to discuss upgrading options. With written permission, some...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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