Applied Coastal Ecology (ACE) | Diploma (CIP 03.0104)
Diploma
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ACE diploma requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Sciences: | ||
| BIOL 101 | Introductory Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 102 | Introductory Biology II | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 122 | Principles of Chemistry II | 3 |
| GEOG 150 | Physical Geog: Weather and Climate | 3 |
| GEOG 160 | Physical Geography II: Geology, Geomorphology and Soils | 3 |
| Computer Science | ||
| 3 Credits of Computer Science: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Computer Science | ||
| English | ||
| 6 Credits of the following First Year English: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Composition | ||
| Introduction to Literature | ||
| Technical Writing I | ||
| 3 Credits of Math | 3 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Calculus I: Differential Calculus | ||
| Second Year Courses | ||
| GEOG 204 | Spatial Analysis and Gis | 3 |
| 4 of the following: | 12 | |
| Principles of Ecology | ||
| Intro Physical, Chemical and Geological Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Biological Oceanography | ||
| Invertebrate Zoology | ||
| The Biology of Plants | ||
| Ornithology: Biology of Birds | ||
| ACE Courses | ||
| 28 Credits of ACE | 28 | |
| Fishes of the Pacific Northwest | ||
| Monitoring Aquatic & Intertidal Habitats | ||
| Coastal Forest Measurements | ||
| Surveying Field Techniques | ||
| Wildlife Conservation & Monitoring | ||
| Stream Habitat Assessment & Restoration | ||
| Temperate Rainforest Ecology | ||
| Environmental Monitoring Techniques | ||
| Electives | ||
| 3 Credits of Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
English proficiency is required for all students entering CMTN programs. Please visit our English Language Alternatives page to see how this requirement can be met.
Need help with the application process? Contact an Educational Advisor.
ACE Diploma
- Apply direct to Applied Coastal Ecology Diploma (ACED).
- Submit proof of English 12, Life Sciences 11, Chemistry 11, Foundation of Math 11 or equivalent.
ACE Diploma program fees
Students should note that the most common academic schedule is 38 credits per year to complete the diploma; which requires successful completion of 76 credits. The certificate may be completed in 31 credits, and those fees are not displayed. Please contact the ACE Program Coordinator for details.
| Fees | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time: | 38 credits | 38 credits |
| Tuition: | $4,146.94 | $17,618.32 |
| Student Union Fees: | $115.36 | $115.36 |
| Mandatory Fees (includes 24 credits of required lab fees): | $752.82 | $805.46 |
| Health and Dental Insurance: | $295.00 | $624.85 |
| Tuition and Mandatory Fees Total: 1 | $5,328.12 | $19,163.99 |
| Books: 2 | $800.00 | $800.00 |
| Tools/ Equipment/ Supplies: 2 | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Field School Fees (Cost will vary): 2 | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Estimated Program Cost: | $7,828.12 | $21,663.99 |
Fees are effective as of August 1, 2026 for the 2026/27 academic year.
Books / learning resources are available at the CMTN Bookstore. Please visit your local campus for details or view your current booklist online by selecting your desired campus.
- 1
These fees are an annual cost. Program takes two years to complete.
- 2
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken.
* The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to offer Extended Health and Dental Insurance to all qualifying members. The plan is mandatory for all students enrolled in 6 or more credits or a trades program of 26 weeks or longer. Some students, including those studying overseas and those with existing extended health coverage, are eligible to opt out. Visit https://cmsu.studenthealthbc.ca/ to learn more about the plan or request to opt out. You will also receive a detailed introductory email no later than 6 weeks after your semester starts. For any inquiries about the plan, please contact the Students’ Union Organiser : Bhushra Ansari, organiser@mycmsu.ca
* Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.
University transfer agreements
Start here, finish anywhere!
ACE Diploma graduates are able to move onto University Degree completion with a number of transfer pathways. The majority of courses within the program transfer directly to colleges and universities in British Columbia through the BC Transfer System. The ACE program also has a number of specific transfer agreements with institutions that facilitate a seamless transfer between programs.
Explore our pathways to degree completion:
BC Transfer System
The BC Transfer Guide is the main resource to look up the transfer of courses between institutions within the province.
Royal Roads Transfer Agreement
The Applied Coastal Ecology Diploma transfers directly to Royal Roads University (RRU) where you can complete an additional 60 credits and obtain either a Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Practice, a Bachelor of Science, Environmental Practice or a Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science from Royal Roads University.
In addition to these pathways, more general agreements exist for degree completion within Canada and internationally. Prospective and currents students should check out the Degree Partnership page for more specific details and consult with the ACE Program Coordinator in planning their program.
Career opportunities
Students gain the knowledge and practical skills to acquire employment with a large variety of employers including, Environmental Organizations, Federal Government (i.e. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and others), Provincial Government, Environmental Consulting Firms, First Nations Governments, Government Funded Programs, Mariculture and Forestry Industries, Eco-tourism, and International Development projects.
Example jobs:
- DFO Stock Assessment Technician
- Nisgaa Fisheries Management
- Northcoast Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society Creel Survey
- Oona River Fish Hatchery
- Archipelago Marine Research
- Babine Lake Stock Assessment
- Assistant Forester
- SFU Fisheries Environmental Toxicology Lab
Program graduates
The ACE program was first initiated in 1996, under the name Coastal Integrated Resources Management (CIRM). It was created in response to growing demands from employers for locally trained experts in the environmental field. In the fall of 2005, the program was expanded and renamed Applied Coastal Ecology to better reflect the new program model.
The ACE program has attracted students from as far away as Japan and Africa, as well as a host of Canadian cities and provinces spanning from coast to coast. A significant portion of of our enrolment comes from outside of Prince Rupert.
ACE graduates are generally well-known for their passion and commitment to the environment and the sustainable management of the great wealth of natural resources found in coastal ecosystems across the planet.
Employment & career prospects
Graduates have had exceptional professional and academic opportunities.
- 100% of graduates have found meaningful employment or have gone on to further their education following completion of the program
- 83% of graduates who found employment did so in a field related to their studies
We find our graduates engaged in employment across a wide range of related fields:
Consulting Firms:
- Archipelago Marine
- J.O. Thomas and Associates
- Oona River Resources Association
- Triumph Timber
- First Nations
- Self-employed contracting
Consulting firms generally look for employees that have both the foundational academic training needed to solve problems, as well as the practical hands-on skills needed to carry out consulting contracts in both field and office settings. Many consulting firms have stated that they prefer to hire graduates who possess hands-on experience/skills as well as the necessary academic training The ACE program has deliberately included a well-integrated mix of both academic and hands-on courses which together create a balance and prepare graduates to be effective and efficient and hit the ground running.
Government:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Ministry of Air, Land and Water
- First Nations governments
- Local municipal governments
- Teaching institutions
The ACE program utilizes various government agencies. Government representatives are used as guest lecturers and also serve as expert advisors on the program’s advisory committee. The committee has representation from several levels of government - from local to federal. This ensures the program’s curriculum remains up to date with governmental policies and procedures and makes ACE grads an attractive prospect to these agencies.
Private Industry:
- Technologists and biologists at mariculture operations ranging from Marine Harvest Canada to smaller-scale private operations
- BC Hydro and any other organization that requires environmental monitoring as part of their business
- Wildlife protection and fish-stream enhancement offices
- Non-governmental environmental organizations such as World Wildlife Fund, T Buck Suzuki Foundation, and EcoTrust Canada
- Guiding or working as wildlife interpreters for eco-tourism operations
- Various forestry operations
- Laboratory technicians
- A variety of international placements
The growth of coastal ecology-related opportunities with private industry has experienced a significant increase in recent years. Graduates have done exceptionally well in these settings, and in some cases make up the bulk of the technical expertise for such employers.