Program Length
- 1 Year
Credential
- Post-Degree Diploma
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture Program
The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture is a two semester program for students who have already completed a Bachelor of Science in biology or a related discipline. This program is appropriate for those who want to complement their prior credentials with specialized learning and practical experiences in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic conservation and/or related fields of research. The Post-Degree Diploma involves a substantial work experience component which may be completed in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, government or university research labs, fisheries habitat management agencies, shellfish and finfish aquaculture hatcheries and farms, salmon enhancement hatcheries, or environmental consulting firms. Throughout the program students will tailor their learning to their particular interests though consultation with the program Chair. Students may choose from a selection of courses that cover topics such as aquaculture, fisheries, hatcheries, management, conservation, shellfish, finfish, kelp, and habitat assessment, as well as elective courses across diverse disciplines that could include biology, chemistry, communications, geography, First Nations studies, business, or others.
Graduates of the Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture have the knowledge, practical skills and work experience to either move directly into fulfilling careers with significant advancement potential or pursue further studies in graduate school.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| FISH 3711 - (Senior Work Experience I) | 3 |
| FISH 3721 - (Senior Work Experience II) | 3 |
| FISH 3912 - (Advanced Applied Techniques I) | 3 |
| FISH 3922 - (Advanced Applied Techniques II) | 3 |
| FISH or AQUA courses | 15 |
| General Electives3 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
1. Work experience placements are to be selected in coordination with the Chair of the Department or Coordinator of the specific courses.
2. Applied skills placements are to be selected in coordination with the Chair of the Department.
3. Electives are to be chosen in consultation with, and must be approved by, the Chair of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Suggested electives can be found here (https://scitech.viu.ca/fisheries-aquaculture/post-degreediploma).
Completion Requirements
Grades for individual courses are given in the manner described under the Grading Policy of this Calendar. The program has minimum standards as follows:
- In order to graduate, no more than 2 “C-” grades can be accumulated over the post-degree diploma program.
- Students have a maximum of 2 years to complete the post-degree diploma program. Students who do not attain satisfactory grades for all courses in the program within the consecutive 2-year period will be withdrawn from the program. However, they may reapply after one year.
- Students must complete all program course requirements to the above standards and have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 (“C”) in order to be eligible for graduation.
Admission guideline requirements to this option are:
- minimum “B” average overall in university courses;
- interview;
- permission of department.
Notes on Admission
- When accepted, students should contact Department Chair or Co-Chair to choose courses for each semester that will cater to their career goals.
- Aboriginal students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 6,110.28 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 500.00 |
| Level 1 First Aid and Transportation Endorsement (approximate costs) | 180.00 |
| Foul weather gear, chest waders, miscellaneous field equipment (approximate costs) | 800.00 |
| Total | 8,449.12 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses to field stations. Budget for an average of approximately 120 km per week of off-campus travel.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for Year 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (36 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 29,367.72 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) | 230.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Year 1: Books and supplies (approximate costs) | 500.00 |
| Level 1 First Aid and Transportation Endorsement (approximate costs) | 180.00 |
| Foul weather gear, chest waders, miscellaneous field equipment (approximate costs) | 800.00 |
| Total | 31,706.56 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses to field stations. Budget for an average of approximately 120 km per week of off-campus travel.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Post-Degree Diploma in Fisheries and Aquaculture program has one start date each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Nic Ismirnioglou Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Nicolas.Ismirnioglou@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Dan Baker Email: Dan.Baker@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
July 31, 2025, for Fall 2025 Applicants.
Comments:
There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted. |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.