An undergrad environmental science education unlike any other.
You love science, nature, and finding sustainable solutions for your community and the planet.
Join our one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Environmental Sciences at our two West Shore campuses. Through your field, laboratory and classroom courses, you'll gain knowledge of environmental thought, ecology and chemistry, plus job-ready math and lab techniques. With small classes, hands-on experiments, team projects and field school, you'll build confidence to tackle real-world challenges!
Our student-specific mentorship will help you chart a path post-certificate. You may complete our undergraduate diploma and degree or start a meaningful career in science. Either way, you'll be inspired and ready to change the world.
Awards
The first 100 students will automatically receive a $1,000 First Class Entrance Award. Plus, awards of up to $10,000 are available through competition: RRU Entrance Award/Bursary and Langford Education Award.
Start now. Choose later.
YEAR 1: Earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Environmental Sciences
YEAR 2: Earn an undergraduate diploma in environmental or social sciences
YEARS 3/4: Earn an undergraduate degree that will take one to two years to complete, including Business Administration (BBA), Environmental Science (BSc), Environmental Practice (BA), Environmental Practice (BSc), Interdisciplinary Studies, Justice Studies, Professional Communication or Hospitality & Tourism Management.
With flexible entry and pause points, you can take a break in your studies at any stage and enter the workforce equipped with valuable credentials — then return to complete your degree when you're ready.
Year 1
Earn your undergraduate certificate
Year 2
Earn your undergraduate diploma
Years 3/4
Earn your bachelor's degree
Upcoming offerings
September 02, 2025
Application deadline ℹ
Delivery model
Domestic tuition
International tuition
Related Schedules
Courses
Term 1: September to December
ITAI
Introduction to Academic Integrity
0.0 Credits
Online
MATH105
Algebra and Trigonometry
3.0 Credits
On Campus
ECOL201
Ecology 1
3.0 Credits
On Campus
BIOL101
Cell Biology
3.0 Credits
On Campus
INDS110
Theories of Interdisciplinary Research and Practice
3.0 Credits
On Campus
ENGL110
Academic Writing
3.0 Credits
On Campus
Term 2: January to April
ENSC101
History of Science and Environmental Thought
0.0 Credits
On Campus
GEOG110
Human Geography
3.0 Credits
On Campus
CHEM101
Structure, Bonding, and Properties of Materials
3.0 Credits
On Campus
MATH165
Statistics for Environmental and Social Science
3.0 Credits
On Campus
ENSC199
Laboratory and Field School 1
3.0 Credits
On Campus
Faculty
Transfer agreements
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Admission requirements
Standard admission
Graduation from a Canadian secondary school or comparable high school, with a language arts (English 12) minimum of C+ (67%) and a minimum “B” (73%) average in three academic Grade 12 courses, including:
Any one of:
- Pre-Calculus 12
- Foundations of Mathematics 12
- Calculus 12
Plus, any one of:
- Chemistry 12
- Physics 12
- Biology 12
Applicants should also have completed any two of:
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Biology 11
Approved Grade 12 BC high school courses
Language Arts 12
English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
Academic Grade 12 courses
20th Century World History 12
American Sign Language 12
Anatomy and Physiology 12
Arabic 12
Asian Studies 12
BC First Nations Studies 12
BC First Peoples 12
Biology 12
Calculus 12
Chemistry 12
Comparative Civilizations 12
Comparative Cultures 12
Comparative World Religions 12
Composition 12
Computer Science 12
Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12
Creative Writing 12
Croatian 12
Economics 12
Economic Theory 12
English Literature 12
Environmental Science 12
Français langue et culture 12
Français langue première 12
Français langue seconde-immersion 12
Foundations of Mathematics 12
French 12
Genocide Studies 12
Geography 12
Geology 12
Geometry 12
German 12
Halq'emeylem 12
History 12
Hul'q'umi'num 12
Human Geography 12
Italian 12
Japanese 12
Korean 12
Kwak'wala 12
Law 12
Law Studies 12
Liqwala/Kwakwala 12
Literary Studies 12
Mandarin 12
Mandarin Chinese 12
New Media 12
Nsilxcen (Okanagan) 12
Nte?kepmxcin 12
Nuu-chah-nulth 12
Philosophy 12
Physical Geography 12
Physics 12
Political Studies 12
Pre-calculus 12
Punjabi 12
Russian 12
Secwepemctsin 12
Sencoten 12
Shashishalhem 12
Sim'algaxhl Nisga'a 12
Sm'algyax 12
Social Justice 12
Spanish 12
Specialized Science 12
Spoken Language 12
Sustainable Resources 12
Statistics 12
Tourism 12
Tsek'ene 12
Upper St'at'imcets 12
Urban Studies 12
Yukon First Nations Studies 12
May also be considered
Accounting 12
E-Commerce 12
Entrepreneurship 12
Financial Accounting 12
Flexible admission
Applicants who have not met the standard admission requirements may be considered based on a combination of education, informal learning, and real-world experiences, as per our flexible admissions policy. Additional documents may be requested to support your application.
English language proficiency
If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Early conditional offers
Early conditional offers may be made for students who demonstrate that they have completed or are currently enrolled in the required courses for their chosen program and that their current grades meet the minimum requirements.
Upon completion of their studies, conditionally admitted students will be required to submit a final, official transcript that demonstrates the admission requirements have been met.
Application requirements
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to declare the high school you are currently attending, or the high school from which you have graduated. An application fee will be required. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for submitting official high school transcripts. Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. Electronic transcripts may be accepted from BC high school and post-secondary institutions.
Canadian secondary school students
Current students at a Canadian secondary school must report final Grade 11 marks and interim grade 12 marks with the application.
BC secondary school students who have received a conditional offer must consent to the BC Ministry of Education sending official grades via the Student Transcripts Service (including interim grades in May and final grades in July). Secondary students from other provinces who have received a conditional offer are required to provide a final official transcript on or before August 1.
International secondary school students
International secondary school students must provide in-progress transcripts showing all courses completed in Grade 11 and in first term of Grade 12, along with a list of second-term courses where possible.
A final official transcript issued by the relevant education authority must be received by the deadline stated in your conditional offer letter. All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international credential evaluation.
All other applicants
All other applicants, including secondary school graduates and mature students, must submit an official transcript showing all Grade 11 and 12 courses taken, along with the final grade achieved for each course.
All applicants who have previously enrolled in post-secondary studies must also declare and submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions currently or previously attended for all credit courses and/or programs. Credit may be granted for courses taken at other post-secondary institutions.
Additional requirements for flexible admission
For applicants who will be reviewed under the flexible admission process, the Admissions office may request additional documents prior to making a final admissions decision.
The following additional supporting documents MAY be required.
Letter of reference
Typically, applicants will provide one professional, or academic or community service letter.
The letter should confirm suitable candidacy for the program. For example, a reference should describe why they believe you will succeed in the program and why they believe the program will benefit you.
The context in which the writer has come to know you should also be mentioned.
Statement of intent
The statement of intent should consist of (but is not limited to) a two to three page essay, addressing the following three points:
- the reason for selecting the program
- how the program will support, develop or enhance the applicant’s sense of purpose or personal and professional goals
- why the applicant believes that project-based learning is the best learning style for them.
Statements of intent should reflect a clear and realistic understanding of the program, and its goals, values and processes and should explain why the program is meaningful and relevant to the applicant.
Detailed résumé (chronological)
Education: List high school, and any post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
Work experience: Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties.
Training and professional development: List career-related training and professional development programs completed within the past five years. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, and personal use.
Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.