Forest Resources Technology Diploma and
B.A. Major in Geography
"After completing my Forestry diploma, I immediately transferred into third year of the Natural Resource stream in Geography at VIU. There is a seamless transition into the Geography program. The Geography route was great for me, and I highly recommend the transfer option.
While completing my BA, I was able to become more involved around Campus through volunteering, work-op and research assistant (RA) positions. These experiences enabled me to meet many people on campus and throughout the community which aided me in obtaining my current job."
Graham Sakaki
"I decided to do the transfer program because I wanted to further my education and the Geography department allowed me to do so. I also knew that having a Bachelor’s degree would be an asset when starting a career.
This type of degree helps you learn and develop a wide range of skills that employers are looking for. A Geography degree is a broad based academic degree that will give you many options. My advice for you if you decided to go down this route, make sure you get involved with the Geography department and the Geographic Students’ Union. Your fellow geographers and professors are one of your biggest foundations for success."
Amanda Jefferies
"A bachelor’s degree in Geography is applicable to many professions from city planning to environmental protection. A degree in geography is also a path to becoming professionally certified in the forest industry – another reason that motivated me to enroll in the program.
I wanted to advance my understanding of natural resource management beyond the forest industry. The geography program interested me because of the variety of courses offered in the physical and social sciences. I would recommend the geography option to forestry students who are seeking a diverse degree option that offers a chance to learn about the world around us from multiple perspectives. Concepts and processes are emphasized in geography, which I think compliment the technical field skills learned in forestry well."
Mike AndersonProgram Requirements
VIU Forestry students transferring into the Geography B.A. program must first satisfy the requirements for the Forest Resource Technology Diploma in Years 1 and 2, and then continue on in Years 3 and 4 to satisfy the requirements for a B.A. degree in Geography (Sustainable Resource Management stream).
Forestry students coming into Year 3 of this transfer program would get equivalency credit for FRST 121 (GEOG 228), MATH 181 (GEOG 221), and FRST 328 (GEOG 328). An exemption is also granted for the Degree English Requirements, given ENGL credits already earned as part of the FRST credential.
YEAR 3 | Credits |
GEOG 100 – World Regional Geography | 3 |
GEOG 101 – Environmental Geography | 3 |
GEOG 211 - Atmospheric Environments | 3 |
GEOG 212 - Earth Environments | 3 |
GEOG 240 - Economic Geography | 3 |
GEOG 290 - Regions of Canada | 3 |
GEOG 322 - Geographic Communication | 3 |
GEOG 350 - Natural Resource Management | 3 |
GEOG 326 - Remote Sensing | 3 |
Total Credits | 27 |
YEAR 4 | Credits |
GEOG 324 - Research Methods | 3 |
GEOG 352 - Managing Natural and Social Capital OR GEOG 356 - Policy, Resources and Sustainability | 3 |
GEOG *372 or *373 - Climatology or Biogeography | 3 |
GEOG *374 or *376 - Hydrology or Geomorphology | 3 |
GEOG *452 - Applications in Natural Resource Management | 3 |
GEOG 467 - Field Studies in Geography I | 3 |
Upper-Level GEOG Elective | 3 |
Upper-Level Elective | 3 |
Total Credits | 24 |
Total Upper-Level GEOG Credits | 30 |
Total Upper-Level Credits (including FRST Credits) | 42 |
Grand Total Credits (including FRST Credits) | 122 |
* denotes courses offered on a rotational basis.