Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
In addition to lectures and labs, the program has a two one-week Field Schools. One is located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies mapping geological outcrops and the other is on campus using a suite of groundwater monitoring wells, where students are trained in groundwater monitoring and sample collection. These activities allow students to better understand the how and why of classroom theory, as well as collect field data for classroom analysis.
Industry knowledge
Our instructors have years of industry experience and are committed to student success.
You’ll participate in a wide range of activities, including:
- researching, interpreting and mapping geology of a given area
- identifying common rocks, minerals, glacial deposits
- using software applications used in the field
- performing basic topographic, geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys
- conducting environmental site assessments
- creating conceptual site models for remediating contaminated sites
- evaluating natural resources for production and extraction
On average you can expect to spend:
- 28 hours per week attending classes and labs over the course of a semester
- 10 to 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments
Co-op option
Students may be eligible to participate in a 4 or 8 or 12 month co-op placement once they complete courses ENGL1335, GEOL1110, GEOL1120, GEOL1245, and GEOL1270, receive 24 credits, and before they complete the remaining level 1 and level 2 courses. Successful co-op students work in a program-related industry position and gain advanced job-readiness skills. Acceptance into our co-op program is based on successful completion of the required prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.7.
For international students to participate, a Co-op Work Permit is required. Applying and receiving this permit can take time so please apply as soon as possible. To learn more, visit nait.ca/immigration.
Length: 1 or 2 or 3 semesters
Salary: Determined by participating employers
Dates: May to August (4 mth), May to December (8 mth), May to April (12 mth)
Credential: Diploma/Diploma with Co-op Designation
Diplomas and Certificates are credit programs that take 1 or 2 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials.
Students have the opportunity of a 4, 8 or 12 month Co-operative Education term within the Geoscience Program and will graduate with the Co-operative Education designation.
Open Studies: Optional Co-op Education
The Geoscience Co-op Program allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real workplaces by alternating periods of study with full-time, paid work experiences. Students will gain valuable work experience, and get a head start on a rewarding career!
Become a trusted professional
Graduates of this program earn a diploma in Geological Technology.
While enrolled in the program, you'll be eligible for student membership in the following professional associations:
After graduation and required work experience, you may also be eligible for professional accreditation.
Continue your studies...
...at NAIT
You may also continue your studies after graduation by pursuing a Bachelor of Technology (BTech). Diploma grads can earn a BTech degree with just two more years of study. Full-time and part-time study options are available.
Learn more about NAIT's BTech program
...at university
- Advanced credit may be awarded on a course-by-course basis at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and other post-secondary institutions
- BSc in Environmental Science, Royal Roads University - A formal transfer credit agreement exists with Royal Roads University that allows students entry into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program (some upgrading is required)
Please note: Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca.
For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Career Outcomes
Job Opportunities
- Field Technologist
- Lab Technologist
Industries
- Petroleum, mineral, and environmental sectors
- Engineering consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Environmental consulting firms
- Groundwater control associated with mining and construction
- Mineral exploration
- Regulatory agencies
- Oil and oilfield service companies
Median Starting Salary
The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Geoscience Technology Diploma is $53,820.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Further education at NAIT
Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.
Further education at other institutions
Advanced credit may be awarded on a course-by-course basis at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and other post-secondary institutions
BSc in Environmental Science, Royal Roads University - A formal transfer credit agreement exists with Royal Roads University that allows students entry into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program (some upgrading is required)
Other Opportunities
While enrolled in the program, you'll be eligible for student membership in the following professional associations:
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
Build your resume before you even graduate
Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.
View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
Please see below for the list of courses available for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) credits in this program. Click on the course name for more information on the evidence required for that course.
Refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected Sep 03, 2024 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $900
Level 1 Term 2: $350
Level 2 Term 1: $550
Level 2 Term 2: $450
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
