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Programs

Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment

EMPDSchool of Environmental Studies

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program Duration

3 Semesters / 1 Year

Program Contacts

Darryl Edwards

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7256
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Two students wearing orange vests and waders collect samples with nets in a dense, green, wooded area.

Monitor and protect the health of the environment 

Work outdoors and make a difference by gaining the skills to monitor the environment. You’ll train to monitor important aspects of the environment – air, water, soil, ecology – with a focus on ecosystems impacted by the mining industry. Learn from professors active in the field while getting the knowledge, reporting, and hands-on skills you need to address environmental issues and support environmental site and impact assessments.  

 
Our graduates can be found working at top environmental and engineering consulting firms such as Golder and Associates, Wood/AMEC and Blumetric, government ministries, as well as in smaller firms and non-governmental organizations. 
 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Unique focus on environmental monitoring (air, water, soil, ecology) with an emphasis on ecosystems impacted by the mining industry 
  • Learn skills to support environmental site and impact assessments 
  • Opportunities to earn certifications related to the environmental field 
  • Prepares you to write the Water Operator-in-Training (OIT) exam 
  • Hands-on work experience with four-week placement in semester three 
  • Housed in Glencore Centre for Innovation, a green building that is LEED gold-certified 

Admissions

Admission requirements

Applicants must be graduates of an Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in an environmental, mining, engineering, or science-related field or equivalent.

OR

Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the college to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Spring 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
EMI 7100Air Quality Assessment 13
EMI 7105Hydrology & Water Quality Assess 13
EMI 7125Experimental Design & Data Analysis3
EMI 7235Ecological Monitoring 13
EMI 7120GIS Applications3
EMI 7205Water Remediation Techniques 13
EMI 7135Industrial Impact Management 13
 Credits21
Semester 2
EMI 7200Environmental Impact Assess & Model3
EMI 7225Air Pollution Abatement 13
GIS 7000Geomatics3
TEC 7001Site Assessment and Reporting3
ECO 7000Hydrology II 13
ECO 7240Ecological Monitoring II 13
EMI 7101Environmental Toxicology 13
 Credits21
Semester 3
EMI 7500Work Placement4
 Credits4
 Total Credits46
1

Course with Lab component.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$7,942.71Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$20,296.34Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Environmental Studies

At Cambrian, green is not just a colour — it’s a commitment. Our School of Environmental Studies lays the groundwork for a career dedicated to the health of the environment. Learn first hand from professors active in the field while gaining the hands-on skills you need to practice biodiversity conservation and promote ecosystem sustainability. You’ll be part of a team that shapes a future where environmental responsibility is the norm.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find employment in various environmental monitoring, auditing, and assessment roles with:

  • Private environmental consulting and engineering firms
  • Government (Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines)
  • Municipalities (conservation authorities, water treatment facilities)
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Educational institutions (university and college technicians/technologists, instructors, research assistants)
  • Industry (mining, pulp and paper, logging, construction)
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Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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