Renewable resources include the living portions of the natural world such as plants and animals as well as non-living resources such as air and water. Managing these resources so they are sustainable for future generations is a critical mission. Achieving this task involves a balancing act so that we can meet society’s present needs without harming the resource base for the future.
Students receive a Diploma of Renewable Resources Management (RRMT) after successfully completing a total of 22 academic courses over a two-year period as well as non-credit courses in Winter Travel and Survival, Wilderness First Aid and Firearms Safety. Most of these courses are delivered in a classroom setting with an emphasis on practical techniques acquired during mandatory labs, short field trips, and three separate 10-day field courses.
Team and individual projects, discussions, and presentations are important aspects of program delivery. Practising managers, knowledge holders, and resource managers from local governments frequently assist with the teaching. Traditional practise and knowledge are intertwined with Western knowledge whenever possible in delivery of this program.
Students take a set of core courses in first year that develop competencies in areas such as:
- Oral and written communication
- Yukon First Nations history and Final Agreements
- Data collection and management, including field data collection
- Mapping and geographic information systems
- Biology and Environmental Science (or Chemistry)
Two field courses between first and second year offer the chance to gain field experience, while many of the second year courses emphasize practical management aspects and give students the opportunity to choose from a series of electives.
Instruction reflects the cultural, political and employment realities in Yukon—particularly those associated with the implementation of land claim settlements—but program content is of wide application and graduates have found employment across Canada.
Our goal is to provide the knowledge, skills and perspectives to enable graduates to assist with the management of land, water, forest, fish and wildlife resources in the North; and to prepare students for transfer to degree level programs in fields related to renewable resource management.
Students must be aware that the program begins with a field course starting in the third week of AUGUST in odd-numbered years. They must be registered in this field course one week (or earlier) before the start date of this course.
- English 12 (minimum 65%); OR one of the Yukon University equivalents (ENGL 060 or EAP 060; 65%).
- Math 11 (Applications, Principles, Foundations or Pre-calculus); OR the Yukon University equivalent (MATH 050); OR related testing to demonstrate this level.
- Biology 11 OR the Yukon University equivalent, BIOL 050.
- Completion of Chemistry 11 (or YukonU CHEM 050) is recommended but not required.
Experience has shown that academic preparation is essential for success in this program and students are encouraged to upgrade their skills, if necessary.
Intake for the program is every other year in odd-numbered years (e.g. 2023, 2025). Cohort size is 24 and 14 seats are reserved for Yukon First Nations students until a set release date. Admission is on a first come, first served basis – not based on marks upon application.
The following documents must be received at Admissions by May 1 of the year of entry.
- Yukon University application for admission form
- Official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary educational records (if transcripts are delayed please let Admissions and Registrations office know)
- Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test results (if taken)
Qualified applicants will be offered seats on a first come, first served basis. Once available First Nations or non-First Nations seats are allocated, subsequent qualified applicants will be placed on wait lists.
RRMT preparation
Yukon University offers a variety of courses to help students upgrade their skills. Contact the School of Science to meet with a Program Advisor to personalize your upgrading needs. Some courses are offered for students in rural Yukon as online or Hybrid format courses.
Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.
For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency
Graduates of the program have found jobs working in diverse fields including:
- lands and resources offices for First Nations
- fish and wildlife enforcement
- park and land use planning
- wildlife viewing
- protected areas
- interpretation
- environmental assessment
- fisheries
- private sector consulting firms
Students have used this program to transfer to degree programs at universities, and graduates can transfer diploma credits to enter year three of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ENCS) through the University of Alberta offered at Yukon University.
Fees
Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.
Some programs and courses have additional fees - see Ancillary Fees.
Student financial awards
Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.
Financial assistance
There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.
See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 456 8574 to make an appointment.