Overview
CNC puts you in technology – naturally
Our interdisciplinary program is your gateway to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the natural resources sector across a range of industries.
Why NRFT?
- Challenge current environmental issues
- Spend your days outdoors
- Make a difference in how human activities impact natural resources
- Expand technological applications in land use and land stewardship
What you will learn
NRFT students gain valuable theoretical knowledge in the classroom and explore practical technology applications in the field. Combining classroom and laboratory work with field exercises and team projects provides our students with enhanced problem solving and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Our faculty and staff have real-life experience in the natural resources sector and are actively engaged with industry and in applied research in our research forest. Including our students in research projects strengthens experiential and collaborative learning — positioning graduates for greater success in their careers.
Careers
Combining the practical and technical aspects of the program with leadership skills, teamwork, creativity and innovation – NRFT graduates can be found in:
- Forestry and Forest Management
- BC Wildfire Services
- Environmental management for mine operations
- Parks, Recreation and Tourism
- Land Management and Conservation
- Policy and Planning
- Road Building
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping
International opportunities
Land use and resource management has become a global phenomenon. Sustainability of natural systems, international policy development and climate change require collaborative global approaches.
Students interested in international issues can compare and contrast BC to other jurisdictions by participating in our International Field School.
Other Related Links
Natural Resources and Forest Technology Courses
In this nationally accredited program students study a core of forest technology courses enhanced by studies of wildlife and fish habitats, bird identification, indigenous plants, First Nations issues, outdoor recreation/tourism, and Earth sciences. The core of traditional, forestbased courses includes technical skills such as measurements, forest protection/health, forest operations and silviculture. All of these studies build on a fundamental understanding of ecology, plant biology, soils, math, English, digital mapping, and GIS. As well, you will learn writing and presentation skills, including conducting research, completing data analysis, writing and presenting scientific reports. Students may also take the opportunity to travel for a three-week field school (past destinations have included China, Costa Rica and Ecuador) where students compare approaches to land management with that of BC. Students need a minimum "D" grade for all courses in order to continue with the program. Students who successfully complete the program with at least a 2.0 grade point average are qualified to receive a Natural Resources and Environmental Technology Diploma by applying to the Office of the Registrar. An NRET diploma will allow you to be eligible to register with Association of BC Forest Professionals and/or the College of Applied Biologists. The College offers more than $15,000 in forest/resource-based scholarships and bursaries exclusively to students in this program
NRFT Diploma: Semester 1
NRFT Diploma: Semester 2
NRFT Diploma: Semester 3
NRFT Diploma: Semester 4
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2022 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent,
- English 12 or English 12: First Peoples or course that is equivalent or higher;
- Successful completion of Pre-calculus 11, or Math 045, or Foundations of Math 11 with a standing of “C” or higher grade, or course that is equivalent or higher.
- Biology 11 or Biology 045 or Chemistry 11 or Chemistry 045, or Physics 11 or Physics 045 or course that is equivalent or higher, any with a standing of “C” or higher grade.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Note 1: Students graduating from Grade 12 who have Pre-calculus 12, or MATH 050 or MATH 100 or a higher calculus course with a standing of “C” or higher, will be exempt from taking MATH 195.
Note 2: Exemption from NRFT 123 may be available for students with documented extensive BC Wildfire Service training and experience.
Note 3: Students must be prepared for and able to participate in strenuous physical activity in all types of terrain and weather.
Note 4: NRFT 291 is open to qualifying UT students.
The NRFT program begins in September every year. Students may apply any time after Sept. 15 of the previous year. Submit the completed application as early as possible (seats are limited) along with the $40 application fee and official secondary or post-secondary school transcripts.
Acceptance process
If there’s room in the program, you’ll be accepted once you’ve met all admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If you qualify after the program is full, you’ll be put on a waitlist.
Transferability
The two-year NRFT diploma is recognized by programs at universities such as Thompson Rivers University, UNBC, UBC and the University of Alberta, where students can continue their studies in forestry, fish and wildlife, and natural resource sciences. Graduates can even go on to complete a post-diploma in Geographic Information Systems either at Selkirk College, BCIT or other institutions. Specific transfer agreements vary by institution. Contact a CNC advisor for further information.
Invest in your future
The estimated cost for this program is $11,691.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Student Awards & Financial Assistance
To ease the financial burden of attending CNC, more than $15,000 in direct scholarships is available to first and second-year NRFT students. However, students who get summer jobs in related NRFT fields in between their first and second year of study can earn between $10,000 - $15,000 in four months.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.