Post-Degree Diploma - Applied Coastal Ecology (ACE) at Coast Mountain College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-08

Program overview

Program Overview

The Applied Coastal Ecology (ACE) program is a Post-Degree Diploma designed to prepare students for careers in coastal natural resources management, ecosystem restoration, and environmental monitoring. This program emphasizes foundational learning in biology, geography, chemistry, and oceanography, while also providing applied courses in areas such as salmon and wildlife management. Students will engage in real-world, community-based projects, gaining valuable experience that equips them to understand and mitigate the impacts of human activity on coastal ecosystems.

Program Structure

The ACE program can be completed in a 1-year timeframe, allowing students to study on a full or part-time basis. Some courses are available online and via video conference, providing flexibility in learning. The program requires the completion of a total of 30 credits, which includes:

12 credits from second-year Science and Geography courses
3 credits in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
12 credits from ACE-specific courses
3 credits from ACE or other CMTN courses

Students will have the opportunity to select courses based on their scheduling needs and areas of specialization. The program also includes options for field studies, enhancing the learning experience through practical application in BC's diverse ecosystems.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on field studies in BC's ecosystems, including collaborative projects on Digby Island.
Real-world, community-based projects that provide employment-ready experience.
Technology training in computer database management, GIS mapping, surveying, technical writing, and presentation skills.
Opportunities to engage in environmental monitoring and ecosystem restoration activities.

Career Options

Graduates of the ACE program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

DFO Stock Assessment Technician: Involves assessing fish populations and contributing to sustainable fisheries management.
Environmental Consultant: Works with organizations to develop strategies for environmental protection and compliance.
Wildlife Biologist: Studies wildlife populations and habitats to inform conservation efforts.
Environmental Monitoring Technician: Conducts field assessments and monitors environmental conditions for various projects.
Forestry Technician: Assists in managing forest resources and ensuring sustainable practices.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, who are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to environmental management and conservation efforts. The program's strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience enhances employability in these fields.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-07-08

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Applied Coastal Ecology (ACE) Post-Degree Diploma program has specific Academic Requirements that prospective students must meet to be considered for enrollment.

To apply for the ACE program, students must hold one of the following qualifications:

A B.Sc degree or a B.A. in Environmental Studies from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Completion of Grade 12 English Studies, Grade 12 English First Peoples, or an equivalent course.

Additionally, the B.Sc degree or the B.A. in Environmental Studies must include a minimum of 6 credits of University Biology.

For international students, it is essential to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. This evaluation helps ensure that the academic qualifications from foreign institutions meet the standards set by the program.

Students interested in applying should reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process or specific requirements.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Program Admissions

English language is the primary medium of instruction at Coast Mountain College (CMTN), and all applicants, regardless of origin or citizenship, must show English language proficiency before admission to College programs. There are three ways to meet the English language requirements for program admissions at CMTN. Demonstrate one of the following options to fulfill the requirements.

Important Notes:

Applicants whose native language is English and who have completed at least three years of full-time, face-to-face senior secondary school or post-secondary education in an English-medium school in one of these listed countries may refer to Option 3.
Transfer credits will not meet English language requirement for program admissions.

Option 1: English Language Proficiency Tests/Exams

Complete the assessments that demonstrate the required scoring level for your program of interest, in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. English proficiency test report must be submitted within two years of the test date to be considered valid.

Notes:

The English proficiency tests listed are not applicable to Health Care and Nursing programs at Coast Mountain College. The health-related programs have specific English proficiency test requirements and scoring levels.
If the English proficiency test you have taken is not listed, please check with our admissions team.

Accepted English Proficiency Tests at CMTN	Pass Level	Level 1	Level 2
IELTS - Academic	Listening: 6, Speaking: 6, Reading: 6, Writing: 6, Overall: 6.0	Listening: 5.5, Speaking: 5.5, Reading: 5.5, Writing: 5.5, Overall: 6.0	Listening: 5.0, Speaking: 5.0, Reading: 5.0, Writing: 5.0, Overall: 6.0
TOEFL - iBT	Listening: 12, Speaking: 18, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Overall: 80	Listening: 7, Speaking: 16, Reading: 8, Writing: 18, Overall: 78	Listening: 6, Speaking: 15, Reading: 7, Writing: 17, Overall: 72
Duolingo English Test	Overall: 115	Overall: 110	Overall: 105
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)	Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60, Overall: 60	Listening: 50, Speaking: 50, Reading: 50, Writing: 50, Overall: 50	Listening: 45, Speaking: 45, Reading: 45, Writing: 45, Overall: 50

Option 2: English Pathway Program via Partnered Language Schools

International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC English Pathway):

English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12 or equivalent: ILAC PW 3.2

Option 3: Countries that Satisfy English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is English and who have completed at least three years of full-time, face-to-face senior secondary school or post-secondary education in an English-medium school in one of these listed countries do not need to submit English proficiency tests unless the admissions office requests additional testing or English language documentation.

Countries that satisfy the English language standard for listening and speaking:

American Samoa
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
USA
New Zealand
South Africa

Notes:

Applicants may still be required to submit the English proficiency test for Health Care Assistant and/or Nursing programs due to external regulatory bodies and licensing requirements.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!