Directed Field Studies

Real world experiences
The Directed Field Studies (DFS) component is one of the strengths of the applied degree program in Environmental Science. These two, employer-paid, four-month work terms give you an opportunity to gain experience, make industry contacts and apply classroom theory on the job.

Ready to work
Depending on your qualifications and experience, DFS industry employers typically pay approximately $13 to $23 per hour. To enhance your eligibility for placements, non-credit certification in these safety courses will be required prior to the first work term:

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) Alive
First Aid with CPR
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training

If you are a student and would like to learn more about Directed Field Studies in the Environmental Science program, visit Career Services for Students.

If you are an employer considering hiring a student for a paid work term, visit Career Services for Employers for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Directed Field Study (DFS)?
Will I be paid while I am on my work term?
Am I expected to participate in Directed Field Studies?
What kind of wages can a student on DFS expect?
When will I take my first Directed Field Studies course?
When will I do my second Directed Field Studies?
Will there be support for me while I am on my Work Term?
If I have other questions, who can I call for answers?
Are there jobs available for Directed Field Studies?
When will I take my directed field studies?
I have worked in the Environment Industry in the past. Can I get credit for the work experience?
Where do your graduates find employment?
Are there jobs?

What is a Directed Field Study (DFS)?
Directed Field Studies are usually one semester in duration (approximately four months) of employer-paid work experience that provides students with an opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom. At Mount Royal we value the added benefits of these work terms in contributing to the overall learning experience.
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Will I be paid while I am on my work term?
Yes. Current salary rates, determined by employers, range from $10-$17 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience. Salary ranges will be stated on job postings. It is important to budget for expenses incurred prior to your first pay day. Also, you are eligible to apply for student loans to supplement your income (if needed).
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Am I expected to participate in Directed Field Studies?
Yes! All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science — Environmental Science program must complete two directed field studies courses to be eligible to graduate.
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What kind of wages can a student on DFS expect?
Students in the Environmental Science program can expect to be paid in the range of $10 to $22 per hour, depending on experience and background, while on their DFS.
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When will I take my first Directed Field Studies course?
You will be expected to do your first work term during the spring/summer semester (semester five) following your second year in the program. To qualify, you must successfully complete up to and including all fourth semester core requirements and / or have department consent.
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When will I do my second Directed Field Studies?
Your second work term occurs during the winter semester of your third year (semester seven). To qualify, you must successfully complete all sixth semester core requirements and / or have consent of the department. The Environmental Science program has been designed for you to complete your final semester on campus.
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Will there be support for me while I am on my Work Term?
Yes. You will be assigned a faculty instructor whose role it is to assist you throughout your work experience. The instructor will also provide you with a course outline and course assignments that to be fulfilled during your directed field studies. Your work experience coordinator will also be available to assist with any issues or concerns about your workplace environment.
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If I have other questions, who can I call for answers?
Many of your questions will likely be answered by Environmental Science Faculty during the course of your studies. If you would like to contact your Environmental Science, Bachelor of Applied Science — Environmental Science Work Experience Coordinator call Jim Daigneau at 403.440.5937.
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Are there jobs available for directed field studies?
Yes! Currently we develop more job postings than we have students.
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When will I take my Directed Field Studies?
Traditionally, Directed Field Studies are scheduled to follow your fourth academic semester (at the end of your second year) and again at the end of your sixth academic semester.
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I have worked in the environment industry in the past. Can I get credit for the work experience?
Frequently we will evaluate previous work experience and give credit for that experience towards one of your directed field studies experiences. Students interested in receiving credit for previous work experience normally file a PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment Request) to have their prior experience evaluated.
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Where do your graduates find employment?
Our graduates have found employment in a variety of industries and settings ranging from large oil and gas companies, environmental consulting firms, government agencies to non-profit organizations.
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Are there jobs?
Yes! As one of Canada’s fastest growing and diverse fields, your skills will be in high demand by the environmental employment sector. According to Environmental Careers Organization of Canada(ECO Canada), employment in the environmental workforce grew by 13.7% between 2000 and 2005, compared to 8.4% for all other sectors as a whole.

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