Environmental Management and Assessment Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Environmental Management and Assessment program equips graduates with specialized skills for careers in environmental fields. This nationally accredited program offers hands-on learning, experienced faculty, and industry internships, preparing students for roles in environmental site assessment, organizational sustainability, and waste management. Graduates are eligible for Environmental Professional certification through ECO Canada.

Program Outline

Environmental Management and Assessment Program at Niagara College

Degree Overview:

This program is a 1-year Graduate Certificate offered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. It aims to equip graduates with the specialized skills needed for careers in environmental fields like environmental site assessment, organizational sustainability, and waste management.

Highlights:

• First of its kind in Canada: This program is unique in its focus on environmental management and assessment.
• Experienced Faculty: The faculty team boasts over 60 years of collective environmental experience.
• Marketable Skills: Graduates gain skills sought after by businesses, industries, government agencies, consultants, and environmental associations.
• Nationally Accredited: The program is accredited by ECO Canada, ensuring its curriculum meets Canadian National Occupational Standards.
• Hands-on Learning: The 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus provides access to ecological living labs and practical experience through industry internships/projects for 12 weeks.
• Career Advancement: Graduates with relevant experience can pursue Environmental Professional certification through ECO Canada.
• Sustainable Campus: The Niagara-on-the-Lake campus is the first postsecondary institution in Canada to be recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Outline:

The program is structured into two terms:

Term One (Fall):

• ENVR9100 Environmental Laws and Regulations (3 credits): This course covers environmental legislation and regulations relevant to the field.
• ENVR9102 Environmental Analysis I (3 credits): This course introduces students to environmental analysis techniques and methodologies.
• ENVR9104 Environmental Communications (3 credits): This course focuses on effective communication strategies for environmental issues.
• ENVR9107 Waste Management Systems (2 credits): This course explores waste management systems, processes, and procedures.
• ENVR9140 Occupational Health and Safety (3 credits): This course covers health and safety regulations and practices in environmental settings.
• ENVR9171 Environmental Assessment (2 credits): This course introduces students to environmental assessment principles and methodologies.
• ENVR9201 Environmental Site Assessments (3 credits): This course focuses on conducting environmental site assessments.
• ENVR9202 Industrial Process and Environmental Control (2 credits): This course examines industrial processes and their environmental impacts.

Term Two (Winter):

• ENVR9101 Pollution Prevention (2 credits): This course explores pollution prevention strategies and techniques.
• ENVR9103 Environmental Analysis II (3 credits): This course builds upon the skills learned in Environmental Analysis I.
• ENVR9120 Environmental Audits (3 credits): This course covers environmental auditing principles and practices.
• ENVR9190 Organizational Sustainability (3 credits): This course examines sustainability principles and their application in organizations.
• ENVR9200 Hazardous Materials Management (3 credits): This course focuses on the management of hazardous materials.
• ENVR9207 Environmental Impact and Risk Assessment (3 credits): This course explores environmental impact and risk assessment methodologies.
• ENVR9240 Project Management (3 credits): This course covers project management principles and techniques.
• PREL9204 Public and Media Relations (2 credits): This course focuses on public and media relations strategies for environmental issues.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Communicate effectively with peers, decision-makers, the public, and the media.
• Apply project management principles to environmental problem-solving.
• Work in accordance with health and safety requirements and environmental regulations.
• Research environmental activities and evaluate sampling and analysis results.
• Conduct environmental audits and assessments.
• Identify and implement pollution prevention and control options.
• Evaluate waste management systems and procedures.
• Plan and implement initiatives for environmental management systems and organizational sustainability.
• Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, reports, and case studies.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on environmental topics.
• Projects: Practical projects that apply learned skills.
• Exams: Written exams to assess knowledge and understanding.
• Fieldwork: Practical experience in real-world environmental settings.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Interactive lectures to convey theoretical knowledge.
• Discussions: Class discussions to foster critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Case Studies: Real-world case studies to apply theoretical concepts.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights.
• Field Trips: Visits to environmental sites and organizations.

Careers:

Graduates of the Environmental Management and Assessment program are prepared for a variety of careers in the environmental sector, including:

• Corporate Greening/Carbon Management: Developing and implementing sustainability initiatives for businesses.
• Environmental Management Systems Development: Designing and implementing environmental management systems.
• Environmental Assessment and Risk Management: Conducting environmental assessments and managing environmental risks.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Environmental Site Assessment: Conducting environmental site assessments for development projects.
• Integrated Environmental Management: Managing environmental aspects of various projects and operations.
• Pollution Prevention and Control: Developing and implementing pollution prevention and control strategies.
• Public/Community Engagement and Outreach: Communicating environmental issues to the public and engaging communities in environmental initiatives.
• Waste Management: Managing waste disposal and recycling programs.

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of practical experience and real-world application of knowledge.
• Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and professional organizations related to the environmental field.
• The program provides a strong foundation for further education in environmental studies or related fields.