Lakeland Signs New Pathway Partnership With The University Of Alberta

Lakeland College animal science technology (AST) students have a new opportunity to maximize their education.

Lakeland and the University of Alberta’s (U of A) Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES) signed a letter of agreement on March 25 to facilitate block transfers for graduates of Lakeland’s AST diploma program to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture program offered by U of A’s ALES.

The transfer agreement allows Lakeland students to continue their agricultural sciences education with the University of Alberta and to grow their future employment opportunities. “Creating new pathway partnerships with our post-secondary partners is one of Lakeland’s priorities. It offers new opportunities for our graduates to invest in a sustainable future for themselves, our province and the agricultural industry overall,” says Geoff Brown, dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences at Lakeland. “We’re excited that graduates of our animal science technology program have this new transfer pathway to earn a degree from the University of Alberta and we look forward to collaborating with the university to create additional transfer opportunities.”

Beginning in the fall, graduates of any one of the AST diploma majors – including beef, dairy, equine and general livestock – at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus will be able to transfer their two years of study (60 credits) to the BSc in Agriculture program at the U of A in Edmonton.

The University of Alberta’s BSc in agriculture is an interactive degree program that prepares students for a range of successful careers in agricultural specialties. Students can expect to tackle the biology of plants and animals with a focus on biotechnology in society and explore environmentally sustainable approaches to the production of food, clothing, fuel and other consumer products. Students will apply the skills they have learned through real-world projects and case studies with industry partners.

This post-secondary collaboration will enable students to graduate with both a diploma and degree after four years of study.

"This is a very important agreement which is an indicator of the close working relationship between Lakeland College and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences,” says Stan Blade, dean of the Faculty of ALES. “We look forward to welcoming students from Lakeland who wish to enrol in our great programs to complete a BSc to further their career goals."