UPEI to provide degree pathway for Holland College Environmental Applied Science Technology grads
The following is released by the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College.
The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have formalized a degree pathway for graduates of the Holland College Environmental Applied Science Technology program. Students will study two years at Holland College and two years at UPEI, earning a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from UPEI.
“This is an exciting partnership between UPEI and Holland College, and showcases just how important it is that these two institutions work together to create new opportunities,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island. “With a solid technical foundation from the Environmental Applied Science Technology program, UPEI can help students build toward any number of futures.”
“This agreement represents another fine example of collaboration between our two institutions”, said Michael O’Grady, vice president of innovation, enterprise and strategic development at Holland College. “In the end, it is the students who benefit from an exciting educational opportunity that will enhance the contribution they will make to addressing today’s environmental challenges.”
UPEI’s Environmental Studies program will accept the Environmental Applied Science Technology diploma courses as transfer credits of up to 60 credit hours to enter the Bachelor of Environmental Studies program in the third year. Diploma graduates will be required to have a minimum average of 70 per cent to be admitted and must complete at least 20 courses (60 credit hours) at UPEI to earn their degree.
“Students who combine the practical technical skills with an integrated understanding of the environment will have diversified their portfolio of employable skills,” said Dr. Carolyn Peach Brown, director of the Bachelor of Environmental Studies program at UPEI.
At UPEI, the Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree equips students to respond to the need for employees who are logical and analytical, as well as thoughtful and creative. Environmental issues typically do not respect traditional academic boundaries and require scientific, technical, human and social perspectives to address. With courses that integrate knowledge across faculties of Arts, Science and Business, Environmental Studies students learn to make connections across academic fields and to analyze environmental challenges we face today.
“The articulation agreement with the UPEI Bachelor of Environmental Studies program is an exciting opportunity for graduates who wish to further their education and training after earning their diploma at Holland College”, said Brian O’Neill, Learning Manager of Holland College’s Environmental Applied Science Technology program. “The technical training and skills students develop in our program will complement the integrated approach to understanding environmental issues provided by UPEI, and will enhance the student’s careers in the environment industry.”
Holland College’s Environmental Applied Science Technology program delivers scientific theory and applied skills training in core sciences such as environmental chemistry and microbiology, and in applied sciences including soil science, hydrogeology, air quality, water and wastewater treatment, and environmental management and planning. Students utilize their skills and knowledge in a number of key areas such as watershed management, operation and process control of water and wastewater treatment facilities, monitoring of surface and groundwater systems, and environmental health. The program also has an on the job training component, giving students real world experience in the environment industry in PEI and abroad. The Environmental Applied Science Technology Program is a nationally accredited program with the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).
UPEI and Holland College have partnered on a number of transfer and articulation agreements to provide degree pathways to graduates of specific college programs. For more information, see the complete list at UPEI’s Programs and Courses site.
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
