Students

ALES signs new pathways partnership with Lakeland College

Beginning in the Fall, graduates of Lakeland’s animal science technology diploma program will be able to transfer their years of study to ALES' bachelor of science in agriculture.

  • 25 March 2022

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences has partnered with Lakeland College to provide students a new opportunity to maximize their education.

On March 25, ALES and Lakeland signed a letter of agreement to facilitate block transfers for graduates of Lakeland’s animal science technology diploma program to the bachelor of science in agriculture in 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. 

“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,” says Geoff Brown, dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences at Lakeland.

Beginning in the fall, graduates of any one of the animal science technology 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 Faculty of ALES in Edmonton. 

ALES’ 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 will 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. “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."

A photo of Dean Stan Blade and Lakeland Dean of Agircultural Science Geoff Brown shaking hands.
Stan Blade, dean of ALES, and Geoff Brown, dean of animal sciences at Lakeland College celebrate a new partnership that will allow Lakeland students to continue their agricultural studies at the U of A. (Photo courtesy of Lakeland College)