Overview
Delivery: blended. See details.
The Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation program has been preparing students for rewarding careers in the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation for over 50 years. The program is designed to give students a broad range of applied skills, experiences, and knowledge.
A significant amount of learning is done in the field where students learn to identify, inventory, and monitor BC’s fish and wildlife species, the habitats they use, and the natural areas set aside for conservation and recreation. Students in the program will also learn how parks and protected areas are established, designed, and managed. Upon completion of the FWR program, graduates will be ready to work in the dynamic and diverse field of resource management.
Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation
The FWR program provides students with relevant and practical hands-on learning through field labs and classroom experiences. Learning outcomes are aligned with current needs of government, the conservation and stewardship community and private industry. Faculty liaisons and partnerships with industry, and input from the FWR Program Advisory Committee, ensure that learning outcomes reflect the needs for managing natural renewable resources in urban, rural, and wild land environments.
In Year One (first and second terms), the program provides students with a solid academic foundation and basic field skills for careers in renewable resources. The overall objective of course content and assignments in the first year is to create an understanding of the ecosystems in BC, renewable resource assessment, management, and inventory methods and standards.
This sets the foundation for Year Two (third and fourth terms) where students focus primarily on fish, wildlife, natural landscapes and parks and outdoor recreation management. During this second year, students spend as much time in the field as they do in the classroom.
A significant part of the second year is centered on a year-long applied research project. The project is done in groups of three and is normally undertaken for an external client (e.g., government agency, NGO). Upon completion of the diploma, graduates receive a Diploma of Technology and with work experience, can apply for a professional designation as a Registered Professional Biology Technologist (RBTech) with the BC College of Applied Biology.
Important Note: If you plan to apply or have been accepted to FWR, please check with the program before obtaining a certification that may be part of or offered through the program.
Transfer Agreements – External Institutions
Graduates of the FWR program are eligible for several block and course transfers to partner programs and institutions. Note that each institution and degree program listed below have specific requirements (minimum GPA, etc.) and agreements are based on the current program courses and do not apply to graduates of program prior to 2025. Pending agreements will be posted as complete as they become available. Please follow the links below for specific details on each transfer agreement and degree program or reach out to fwr@bcit.ca if you have any specific questions about the listed transfer agreements.
University of Alberta (Block Transfer)
Entry requires a minimum “C-” Grade in all courses completed as part of FWR Diploma. Learn more about Transfer Agreement from BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program to University of Alberta for Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.
| BSc in Environmental and Conservation Sciences |
Royal Roads University (Block Transfer)
Entry to all listed programs requires a minimum “B” (3.00/4.33) GPA in completion of FWR Diploma. Learn more about the Transfer Agreement from BCIT Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program to the degree programs in Royal Roads School of Environment and Sustainability
| BSc in Environmental Science | Approved for block transfer with the addition of one university level chemistry course |
| BSc in Environmental Practice | No additional requirements |
| BA in Environmental Practice | No additional requirements |
Lakehead University (Block Transfer)
Entry requires a minimum 70% average (GPA = 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale, 70% Grade). Graduates from the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Diploma program are eligible for admission to the Wildlife Conservation and Management specialization, or any three specializations of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (HBScEM) degree program in the Faculty of Natural Resources at Lakehead University. For a detailed course map of transfer credits, please contact fwr@bcit.ca.
| Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management |
University of Northern British Columbia (Course Transfer)
The minimum grade point average (GPA) for entry into post-secondary programs at UNBC is equivalent of UNBC 2.00 or C(63%) calculated on most recent 30 credit hours of university level course work. View transfer agreement and credit summary by course for students who have successfully completed BCITs Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Diploma and are successfully admitted to the Bachelor of Science with a major Wildlife and Fisheries degree at UNBC for the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar. Course transfer agreement by course is also available on the BC Transfer Guide.
| BSc Wildlife and Fisheries |
Pending agreements (links to associated program)
University of Fraser Valley – Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES), Bachelor Environmental Studies – Natural Sciences
University of New Brunswick – BSc in Environmental Management
Continuing your Education at BCIT
Graduates of the FWR Diploma program can also continue their education at BCIT and are eligible for entry to the BSc in Ecological Restoration and the Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Engineering.
Testimonials
“Studying Fish, Wildlife and Recreation at BCIT was one of the best decisions I ever made. The small class sizes, hands on nature of the courses, and exceptional faculty made for an outstanding educational experience. This program gave me the skills, experience, and connections I needed to launch myself into a career in fisheries.”
Tyler Thibault, Community Advisor, Fisheries and Oceans Canada – 2017 FWR Grad
“Going back to school in my late 20’s and studying FWR was the best career move I have ever made. I was not engaged in typical post-secondary settings, so to learn about fish ecology while standing in a river, park management while in provincial parks, and wildlife habitat while in a forest was a huge reason, I was so motivated to do well. Beyond the amazing field trips and meeting amazing industry professionals, I also had the chance to develop critical reading, technical writing, and engaging presenting skills from a very passionate and knowledgeable faculty. Without a doubt, I would not have the amazing career and life I have now if I had not gone through the FWR program.”
Tyler Farley, Municipal Park Manage, 2015 FWR Grad
“Not only did BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation program open my mind up to the many exciting career paths that I could take, it also led to unique experiences, lasting friendships, and valuable skills that I use every day. I can draw a direct link between where I currently am in my career and the skills and connections that I gained from BCIT’s Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation Program.”
Kristi Owen, PhD candidate at the University of New Brunswick and Acadia University looking at how wetland birds use human-created landscapes, 2013 FWR Grad
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted:
- October 1st* to January 30th*
- February 1st* to May 1st*
The program area will accept students after each deadline date. Applicants not accepted after the January deadline will be considered at the May deadline if space remains.
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
*or next business day
Entrance requirements
Admission to this program is highly competitive. Successful applicants exceeded entrance requirements. They also showed a strong understanding of the field and careers opportunities. Many noted paid or volunteer experience in their cover letter.
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
- Related experience and/or volunteer experience*
- Additional post-secondary academic courses*
*Applicants with preferred entrance requirements are to submit transcripts and supporting documentation with their online application.
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
- Biology: one of the following:
- Life Sciences 11 (67%) or
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 (67%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Life Sciences 11 is strongly preferred due to the coverage of topics of Ecology, Taxonomy, Evolution, Plant Biology, and Animal Biology.
- Science: one of the following with minimum high school grade 11 (60%):
- Chemistry (preferred) or
- Physics (preferred) or
- Earth Sciences or
- Environmental Science
- Complete the following form for submission with your online application:
- Mandatory Applicant Questionnaire [PDF]: This form will be used with other entrance requirements in the competitive selection for the program.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
All applications will be reviewed by the program area at the application deadline. Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 3.0601)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
Technology entry
The Technology Entry (TE) program is a full-time, day school program which provides academic upgrading to students wishing to enroll in Computing, Engineering, Electronic, and Health Sciences programs at BCIT.
The TE program provides courses in chemistry, communication, mathematics, and physics that meet program prerequisites for selected programs at BCIT. The TE program also includes an introductory course in computer applications and a learning skills course. The program is supportive to those who require English-language training.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through either re-admission or direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Re-admission
You can apply for re-admission if you:
- were previously admitted to this program and completed part of it at BCIT and
- want to re-enter the program at an advanced level.
Submit the Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] with your application.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry
You can apply for direct entry if you:
- are a new applicant to this program but already completed an equivalent part of it at BCIT or elsewhere and
- want to apply to an advanced level.
BCIT accepts complete applications starting:
- February 1st* for level 2 (January start)
- October 1st* for level 3 (September start)
*or next business day
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF] showing that you have completed (or are registered in) all level 1 courses (applicants to level 2 or 3) and all level 2 courses (applicants to level 3 only) or equivalents*
- Official transcripts of previous education**
- Resume
*Detailed course outlines/syllabi may be required.
**Applicants who completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Direct entry FAQs
It is recommended that you apply when you have met all of the entrance requirements. If you are currently registered in a course(s), please indicate this on the self-assessment form.
Once your application has been assessed and has been approved for direct entry, a seat must become available in the program you have selected. The Admissions department must wait until the current students obtain their final grades in either December or May to determine how many seats will become available for direct entry applicants.
Print your timetable one day prior to class start by logging into my.bcit.ca and going to Student Self-Service. You must be registered in your courses in order to access this feature.
It is recommended that you wait until the first week of classes before buying textbooks. Your instructors will tell you which books to buy.
If you have already completed a course either at another institution or through part-time studies at BCIT, you must apply for course credit/exemption as soon as you have been accepted to the program. You should attend classes until you receive formal written notice that you have been granted course credit. Please note that this will not reduce your tuition fees.
To register for a Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) course, visit Register for Flexible Learning courses or contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Year 1: $800–$1000; Year 2: $200–$400
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Program matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1155 |
Professional Communications and Practices for Resource Management
This course introduces the general principles of technical writing, career communication, research strategies, and data organization and management. Students will practice using the elements required to produce a technical report. Topics in the course will include preparing job applications, resumes, and cover letters, and practicing interview skills to help students be ready for hiring processes in the natural resource field.
|
3.0 | |
| MATH 1455 |
Technical Mathematics for Natural Resources
This course covers topics in technical mathematics that are important for success in the natural resource field. Topics include measurement accuracy and precision; unit conversions; ratios, proportions, and percentages; right angle trigonometry; trapezoidal and Simpson’s rules; linear functions; and logarithms and exponential equations. Mathematical topics will be linked to natural resource applications covered in other courses, such as calculating tree heights, estimating population sizes in mark‐recapture studies, and estimating discharge rates.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 1105 |
Natural Resource Measurements
This course demonstrates the fundamentals of field measurements, basic surveying, and sampling procedures commonly used in resource management applications. This includes field notetaking, traverse calculations and plotting, mapping of topographic details, and measuring tree attributes and stand characteristics used in habitat assessments. Lecture material will be supported extensively with field applications and hands‐on training.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 1125 |
Plant Identification and Perspectives
This course provides students with opportunities to hone their observational skills related to plants and to communicate this knowledge to others. Students will develop skills to use different identification tools and become competent in how to approach identifying any unknown plant. This course braids together Western and Indigenous ways of knowing plants and provides opportunities to examine our relationships with plants more closely.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 1300 |
Field Navigation
This course introduces skills and tools commonly used in the natural resource sector for safe and effective navigation, wayfinding, and map interpretation. In this course, students will gain skills in accessing, reading, and interpreting maps, aerial imagery, and digital geographic data. This course introduces the use and application of map projections, coordinates systems, and map datums frequently used in BC resource management applications. Students will also gain skills in the use of navigational grade Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment and mobile applications.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 1310 |
Introduction to Earth Science and Hydrology
This course introduces topics within the study of physical geography and hydrology. Topics include local geology and physiography, the rock cycle, identification of common rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion processes, and identification of landforms. Students will apply their understanding of earth processes to evaluate geomorphic watershed characteristics and how they relate to the hydrologic cycle. Additional interrelated topics include precipitation, interception, evapotranspiration, stream flow and stream classification. Students will be introduced to field techniques used to describe streams in rural and urban environments, collecting data that includes stream velocity, and discharge measurements.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 1320 |
Identifying and Describing Soils
In this foundational course, students will learn about soil formation, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; forest humus; and soil sampling and soil classification systems. Students will practice observing, measuring, describing, and recording different soil properties in the field and in the lab. Students will also practice interpreting and classifying soil data to better understand soil properties and how they relate to plant growth and ecosystem development.
|
3.0 | |
| Level 2 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| RENR 2111 |
Digital Field Data Collection for Natural Resources
This course introduces skills required for field data collection using digital survey equipment and technologies. The technology used in the course includes a range of professional and consumer grade global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices, digital measuring devices, and the associated software and applications used in the natural resource sector. Data collection standards and procedures will be introduced and practiced in field labs to provide students with fundamental skills. Students will also learn how to identify the appropriate technology for tasks or projects that can be laterally applied or adapted to other types of field work and locations. Course topics will cover planning, preparation, and calibration of equipment, quality control and quality assessment, and the processing and analysis of digital field data.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 2240 |
Environmental Law and Policy
This course provides a broad overview of law in Canada and the province of British Columbia as it applies to resource development and environmental regulation. Students in this course study the legal framework of Canada, key federal and provincial acts, and important court decisions as they relate to the environment and Indigenous people. Students will also learn how to access and use legal resources, review best practices for working with regulators, and the roles and responsibilities of environmental professionals.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 2300 |
Ecosystem Principles and Identification
In this course, students will learn about key ecosystem principles and how ecosystems are described. Several ecosystem classification systems have been developed for British Columbia, such as the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification, the Wetland and Riparian Ecosystem Classification, and BC's Ecoregion Classification system. Students will practice observational and data recording skills in the field through the collection of soil and plant information and analyze this information.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 2310 |
GIS for Natural Resource Applications
This course focuses on use of geographic information system (GIS) technology for the natural resource field. Course content covers access to, and use of, a variety of data types and sources, basic GIS editing, geoprocessing, and analysis tools. Students will learn how to use GIS to present results in online environments, presentations, and technical reports and communications. Students will also be introduced to foundational concepts such as digital data, scale and map projections, data management, and workflow.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 2320 |
Wildlife Ecology and Physiology
This course will introduce students to the ecology, physiology, anatomy, and behaviour of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine mammals of British Columbia. Lecture topics covered will include the evolution of species in the province, ranges and distributions, migration patterns, and life histories. Students will learn the taxonomy and key identifying characteristics of wildlife species in BC, with an emphasis on species endemic to the province. Students will also be able to describe how the individual animal interacts with its environment via bioenergetics. The cultural significance of specific wildlife species to Indigenous communities in BC will also be discussed. Labs will focus on basic functions and physiology of wildlife taxa, focusing on major life support and reproductive systems.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 2330 |
Fish Ecology and Physiology
This course will introduce students to the ecology, physiology, anatomy, and behaviour of freshwater and anadromous fishes of British Columbia. Lecture topics covered will include the evolution of fishes in the province, ranges and distributions, migration patterns, and life cycles. Students will also learn the taxonomy and key identifying characteristics of freshwater fish species in BC, with an emphasis on species endemic to the province. The cultural significance of fish to Indigenous communities in BC, in particular anadromous salmon, will also be discussed. Labs will focus on basic functions and physiology of fish, focusing on major life support and reproductive systems.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 2340 |
Habitat Assessment
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to describe, assess, and quantify habitat characteristics for multiple life stages and species of fish and wildlife. In the first half of the course, students will be expected to apply information from case studies and wildlife‐habitat relationships to a series of field exercises to examine multiple aspects of habitat. The focus will be on anthropogenic effects on habitat and how wildlife responds. The second half of the course will cover the biophysical characteristics of freshwater streams and data that is collected to interpret habitat availability and sensitivity for different fish species, in particular salmonid species. Students will learn about habitat requirements for various species and life stages of fish and how to measure specific habitat characteristics. Students will work in teams to conduct a habitat assessment in a local stream and produce a short technical report summarizing their findings.
|
4.0 | |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| COMM 2155 |
Technical Writing and Communication
In this course, students develop the skills and knowledge required to prepare technical reports and deliver professional presentations commonly used in the natural resources field. Students will use discipline‐related written assignments to support the development of a technical report. The course will also address the basics of peer review and collaborative communications, enabling students to become effective members of a team.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 3230 |
Field Project in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation 1
This course is designed to provide students with experience developing research objectives and methods related to projects in the fields of fish, wildlife, and recreation. As a team, students will design a project in collaboration with a community sponsor, complete background research, and begin collecting data. As part of this course, students will develop project goals and objectives, create an appropriate study design, begin writing a technical report, develop safety and communication plans, and incorporate supervisor feedback on iterative submissions. Content and skills learned in the first year of the program will be used throughout this course for in‐field data collection and written data summaries.
|
7.0 | |
| RENR 3300 |
Terrestrial Field School
This field course is designed to familiarize students with practical field skills and experience in plant and tree identification, recognizing soil components, identifying and surveying wildlife, and field navigation. Students will gain experience measuring, recording, and relating environmental variables to different habitats to complete forest stand assessments (i.e., site diagnosis). Students will also receive instruction in, and hands‐on experience with, GPS equipment. Field sessions with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and/or professionals working in the field will provide students with multiple perspectives of relevant and contemporary issues in natural resource management and the ecological, economic, and social factors influencing habitat stewardship.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 3310 |
Parks, Protected Areas, and Recreation
This course discusses the environmental, social, and economic perspectives related to recreation, tourism, and stewardship of protected areas in British Columbia. Students will examine policies governing recreation and parks and protected areas and discuss examples of Indigenous stewardship principles in Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Students will also examine sustainable growth of recreation and tourism through ecotourism and discuss how protected areas interact with industry.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 3320 |
Wildlife Management and Stewardship
This course will integrate species ecology and life history knowledge to introduce students to theoretical and practical components of wildlife management and stewardship in British Columbia. Topics include reviewing federal and provincial regulations that guide recreational harvest and conservation, Indigenous rights and stewardship, and the roles and objectives of government and non‐government agencies in wildlife management. Students will be introduced to experimental designs and methods used to survey wildlife species and confirm species presence or estimate population size. Students will also discuss socio‐economic factors that influence management and stewardship decisions, wildlife management strategies used in BC, current issues in the province, and strategies for mitigation.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 3330 |
Freshwater Fisheries Management and Stewardship
This course will discuss the theoretical and practical components of the management, conservation, and stewardship of freshwater and anadromous fisheries of British Columbia. This includes reviewing fisheries regulations in the province that guide recreational and commercial harvest, Indigenous rights and stewardship, and ecological theories supporting freshwater fisheries assessments. Students will learn different methods used to sample freshwater fish populations, including both passive and active methods, and how these techniques are used to estimate population size. Lab components will cover the various methods for aging fish including the extraction, preparation, and analysis of fin rays, scales, opercula, cleithra, and otoliths, assigning age to a specimen, and how this data is used to determine age class structures and complete population analyses. Students will also discuss historical and current fisheries management strategies used in BC, current issues in the province, fish responses to habitat changes, and strategies for mitigation.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 3340 |
Indigenous Perspectives in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation
This course will explore the historical and current relationship between Indigenous Peoples, the federal and provincial governments of Canada, and the environment. Content will focus on events and issues related to fish, wildlife, and recreation in British Columbia. The course will provide an overview of the history of Indigenous Peoples in what is now called Canada. It will also examine the federal acts that have impacted Indigenous Peoples and review landmark legal decisions related to natural resources and land use. The course will also introduce Indigenous ways of knowing, the importance of relationships and reciprocity, and the idea of obligation or responsibility in the context of the natural world for both human and non‐human entities. Through readings, guest lectures, and projects, students will explore the working relationship between Indigenous Peoples and various levels of government, communities, and private industry in the context of natural resource management and stewardship issues.
|
3.0 | |
| Level 4 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
| CHEM 1150 |
Environmental Chemistry
This course examines the chemistry of the environment, emphasizing the composition of the natural environment and the fate of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in the environment. The purpose is to provide students with the chemical basis for understanding the environment and environmental problems. The major topics covered include the structure of atoms, compounds, stoichiometry, electrochemistry, solutions, acids and bases, salt and buffer solutions, and the solubility of compounds. The nomenclature, physical properties, and reactivities of the more common classes of organic compounds are discussed, with special attention given to industrial chemicals and organics that are environmental hazards. Lab activities will support the concepts learned in class.
|
4.0 | |
| MATH 2453 |
Statistics for Natural Resources
This is an introductory‐level course in statistics. Topics include descriptive statistics (including measures of central tendency and variation, and appropriate graphical displays of data); probability laws and distributions; inferences from one or two samples (hypothesis testing and confidence intervals); estimation of sample size; linear correlation and regression. Additional topics may include chi‐squared tests for independence and homogeneity. These methods will be applied to examples from the natural resource field, including student research projects as applicable.
|
5.0 | |
| RENR 3350 |
Environmental Monitoring
This course is designed to introduce students to theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that are needed to work as an environmental monitor and ensure that natural resource related construction activities comply with government standards. Content will focus on methods used to monitor major environmental site components that include water, soil, and general ecology and associated mitigation strategies to protect these components. Students will also review types of environmental monitoring communications, including reporting, “Chance Find" procedures, Environmental Management Plans (EMP), and Environmental Protection Plans (EPP).
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 3360 |
Field Data Analysis for Natural Resource Applications
This course is designed to support students in the processing, analysis, and presentation of observations collected during year‐long project courses. Lectures will follow stages of project course submissions and provide instruction for data management and workflow, data collation and preparation for use and analysis in GIS applications, statistical computing, and graphical presentation. This course will provide students with the opportunity to work with data from their year‐long project and interact with and learn from other projects in review and discussion of results with peers.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 4230 |
Field Project in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation 2
In this course, students continue to complete a project in collaboration with a community sponsor. As part of this course, students will submit a technical report that summarizes the project background, methods, results, and overall findings. The completion of this report will involve project‐specific data collation and analysis. Students will also present their year‐long project findings to peers and community sponsors. Content and skills learned in the previous terms of the program will be used throughout this course.
|
8.0 | |
| RENR 4300 |
Aquatic Field School
This field-based course is a culmination of the aquatic knowledge and skills students have learned over the course of the FWR program. Students will gain hands-on experience with fish handling, fish capture methods, fish habitat assessment, and benthic invertebrate sampling protocols. Other activities will include fish and fish habitat data entry to the provincial database and water quality sampling.
|
3.0 | |
| RENR 4310 |
Integrated Ecosystem Mgmt
In this course, students will apply skills and knowledge developed over the course of the FWR program to assess ecosystems and management options at various landscape scales. Students will be asked to consider multiple perspectives (Indigenous, government, community, applied science, industry) that influence ecosystem stewardship and management decisions. Content covered in the course will include ecosystem functions at the watershed and site levels.
|
4.0 | |
| RENR 4320 |
Trail Design and Management
This course will introduce students to the planning, location, design, and construction of trails and their associated signage. Course content will include the concepts of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), carrying capacity, and Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) in the context of sustainable trail planning, design, and development. Students will learn how multi‐ or single‐user trails are approved, developed, and maintained in BC. Safety, economic, and ecological considerations of trails will also be covered.
|
4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 112.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
- The Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program is a two-year, full-time day school program.
- Lectures and labs are offered on campus and/or in the field Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 17:30, except on Wednesdays when classes end at 14:30.
- Academic Year 1 consists of levels 1 and 2. Academic Year 2 consists of levels 3 and 4.
- Levels 1 and 3 are 15 weeks in length and run from September to December. Levels 2 and 4 run from January to April with 16 weeks of classes and a one-week Spring Break in March.
- The second year of the program includes two field schools, one at the beginning of the fall term (September) and the other at the end of the winter term (April). Field schools are held at remote sites outside the lower mainland and involve a per field school fee.
- Part-time entry into the program is not an option.
Program length
Two years, full-time
Accreditation
The BCIT Fish, Wildlife and Recreation program curriculum is accredited at the technologist level and meets the academic requirements to allow graduates to register as Registered Biology Technologists (RB Tech) with the College of Applied Biology (CAB) of British Columbia.Program delivery
Blended: This program will be delivered on campus, online, and in the field.Graduating & Jobs
Your skills have widened, and your experience has grown. As a graduate, you are ready to work in this dynamic and diverse industry.
Graduates of the program are eligible to register for the professional designation of a Registered Biology Technologist or RB Tech with the College of Applied Biology of British Columbia.
Job Opportunities
The job opportunities for graduates in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation are in both government agencies (local, regional, provincial, and federal) and in the private sector, primarily with environmental consultants.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Laurie Stott, DiplT BA MET
Program Head
604-451-6860
Ale Gonzalez Menjivar
Program Assistant
604-432-8539
Bridget McClarty, B.Sc. (Hons), B.Ed., M.Ed.
Faculty
Dave Critchley, BSc, MSc, BASc, RPBio, P. Biol, FRCGS
Faculty
Jason Pon, DipIT, BSF, RPF
Faculty
Julia Alards-Tomalin, DiplT, BTech, MEd
Faculty
Kim Ives, MSc, RPBio
Faculty
Steve Bonetti, BSc Ecological Restoration, BSc Geographical BioGeoSciences, RPBio
Faculty
Advisory committee
- A. D’Amato van den Hout, Seven Generations Indigenous Business Consulting
- J. Emery, The Nature Trust of British Columbia
- J. Sarchuk, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
- J. Herbert, City of Surrey
- R. Lyth, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- S. Nelson, Stantec Environmental Engineering Consulting
- T. Farley, Village of Cumberland
Contact Us
Please contact Program Advising if you have questions about:
- Application process
- Entrance requirements
- Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
- Program costs
- Job placement and graduate outcomes
program_advising@bcit.ca | 604-434-1610
TBA
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8539
Email: fwr@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.