VIU Programs

Choose a program that’s right for you

Every journey begins with a choice. Whether you choose to explore your options or know what direction you’re heading in, we can help you get there.

Not sure where to start? Fill in the blanks

My favourite subject in school is (was)I want to work withWhen I have free time I like toI want to make a difference by

Want help connecting your interests to a program?

Connect with a VIU Recruitment Officer – Visit viu.ca/contact-us

*For international admissions, see page 31.

Still not sure? Try Exploratory University Studies. See viu.ca/expo for more information.

Program list

How to use this section

Programs are typically grouped by faculty, with some exceptions. Programs are organized by areas of study and listed by credential.

Flip open the flap, inside the back cover, for a handy legend showing what all the icons mean and for some supplementary information.

General area

Subsection of area

Name of Program, Credential Type Length of program

BC high school and/or post-secondary admission prerequisites. Additional and supplemental informations required for application.

Colour coded by area of study

Prerequisites Program admission type Campus(es) where program is offered

Art, Design & Performing Arts

Art & Design

Graphic Design,

Bachelor of Design in 4-year Degree program

English 12 min. C. Min. C in one of: Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11. Letter of intent. Résumé. Portfolio. Interview.

Visual Art,

Bachelor of Arts, Major or Minor 4-year Degree program (taken as a major or as a minor in combination with another major or minor)

English 12 min. C. Letter of intent. Portfolio. Interview.

Visual Art,

Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Letter of intent. Portfolio. Interview.

Performing Arts

Technical Theatre,

Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Interview.

Theatre,

Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Interview.

Jazz Studies,

Bachelor of Music Jazz Studies , Diploma 4-year Degree program (2 year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

English 12 min. C. Audition.

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Addiction Studies, Certificate

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Legal Studies, Certificate

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Arts,

Associate Degree 2-year Associate Degree program

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Arts,

Bachelor of 4-year Degree program with one Major ( ) or two Minors ( ); Honours ( )

Languages and Culture (Romance Languages),

Post-Degree Diploma 1- to 4-year Graduate Diploma program

Recognized Bachelor’s Degree.

Community Planning,

Master of 2-year Graduate Degree program

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Min. B average calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree. Résumé. Three letters of reference. Statement of interest and volunteer and/or career experience.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Applications,

Advanced Diploma 8-month in-class or 16-month online Advanced Diploma program

Bachelor degree or technical diploma. Introductory courses in GIS and Computer Literacy. VIU’s English language requirements.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Applications,

Master of 2-year blended face-to-face online program or 2.5-year fully online program

Stage 1: Bachelor’s degree. Significant experience or training in GIS. Introductory GIS course. Letter of Intent. References. Interview may be required. Stage 2: Meet Stage 1 admission requirements. VIU’s Advanced Diploma in GIS Applications (or equivalent) with a minimum B in all GIS diploma courses. Satisfactory assessment of the intended research topic.

Business & Management

Event Management,

Certificate 1-year online Certificate program

English 12 min. C.

Business Management,

Certificate 1-year online Certificate program English 12 min. C. Min. C+ in Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11. Min. C in Math 12 recommended.

Business Administration ,

Bachelor of 4-year Degree program (2-year Diploma program) English 12 min. C. Min. C in one of: Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-Calculus 12.

Areas of study: Accounting Economics Financial Services HR Management

International Business Management Marketing

Business,

Graduate Certificate in 1-year Graduate Certificate program

Bachelor’s Degree or Red Seal endorsement. Meet VIU’s English language requirements.

Business Administration,

Master of 14- to 16-month Graduate Degree program

Bachelor’s degree, business or non-business focus, with min. B average in the last two years. Letter of intent. Résumé. One year work experience. Two references from past employers or professors.

Education

Education,

Bachelor of

5-year Degree program

Entry at Year 1: English 12 min. C. Entry at Year 3: Completion of a minimum of 48 post-secondary credits with a C+ (2.33) GPA. Completion of an Applicant Profile. Submission of Official Transcripts. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Education, Bachelor of - Post-Baccalaureate 18-month Post-Degree program – Elementary or Secondary Option

Elementary Teaching Option: Recognized previous degree, 3 credits Science, 3 credits Canadian studies, 3 credits Math. Secondary Teaching Option: Recognized previous degree or Red Seal endorsement. Content must meet approval of VIU Faculty of Education. Applicant profile.

Inclusive Education,

Graduate Diploma 16-month Graduate Diploma program

Bachelor’s degree with a CGPA of B in the last sixty credits. Résumé outlining teaching experience (two years preferred).

Online Learning and Teaching, Graduate Diploma 2-year Graduate Diploma program

Completion of either a Bachelor of Education degree, or a prior degree in another discipline with current teaching experience.

Teacher Leadership, Graduate Diploma 1-year part-time Graduate Diploma program

Bachelor of Education degree (or other bachelor degree with two years’ teaching experience) with a CGPA of B in final two years. Two years teaching experience. Students wishing to complete this program should apply to the Masters of Educational Leadership degree.

Educational Leadership, Master of Education 1- to 2-year Graduate Degree program

Bachelor of Education degree with a CGPA of B in final two years of study. Résumé outlining teaching experience (two years is preferred). Letter of intent. Two confidential assessment reports. Flexible admission available.

Special Education, Master of Education 2-year Graduate Degree program

Bachelor’s degree with min. B average in final two years of study. Résumé outlining teaching experience. Two years of teaching experience is preferred. Letter of intent. Two confidential assessment reports.

Physical Education, Bachelor of Arts Physical Education, Diploma 4-year Degree program (2 year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Exploratory University Studies

Exploratory University Studies (EXPO)

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Aboriginal

Aboriginal students are supported by Services for Aboriginal Students (SAS). SAS assists Aboriginal students with transitioning to post-secondary, planning and working towards educational/career goals, accessing resources and referrals, and succeeding in academic programs. See viu.ca/services-aboriginalstudents or call 250.740.6510 to learn more.

Aboriginal University Bridging Program, Certificate 1-year program

Aboriginal Status. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Arts One – First Nations 1-year University program

English 12 min. C.

First Nations Housing Manager, Certificate 12-week Certificate program

Physically fit and good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments. Good hand-eye coordination. Valid driver’s license.

Health

Community Mental Health Worker, Certificate 26-week Certificate program

English 12 min. C.

Dental Assistant, Certificate 10-month Certificate program

English 12 min. C Biology 12 min. C. Good health. 20/20 vision with correction required.

Dental Hygiene, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Post-Secondary coursework equivalent to 34 credits of: VIU Degree English Requirement; BIOL 151/152/153/154 or BIOL 156/157; CHEM 140/141 or CHEM 140/142; PSYC 111/112 or PSYC 121/122 or PSYC 131/132; MATH 211 or MATH 161; and any 100 or 200 level Post- Secondary academic course. Biology and Chemistry must have been completed within the last 5 years. Personal profile. Post-secondary coursework may have additional prerequisites including Biology 11/12, Chemistry 11/12, and Math 11/12.

Health Care Assistant, Certificate 24-week Certificate program

English 12 Personal profile. Interview. BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry’s minimum English language competency requirement. English competency selfdeclaration form.

Hospital Unit Coordinator, Certificate 8-month part-time Certificate program

Grade 12, or Assessments in Hospital Unit Coordinator Math and English. OSME 002: Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology within the last 5 years. Introduction to Computers within the past 2 years or equivalent.

Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, Certificate 18-week full-time Certificate program

High School graduation and English 12 with a minimum C grade. Completion of Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology and Interpersonal Skills for Healthcare Workers.

Practical Nursing, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C+ or Technical Professional Communications 12 min. B+. Min. C in Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11, and Biology 12. HHPN 001: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Practical Nurses min. C+.

Nursing, Bachelor of Science in 4-year Degree program

English 12 min. C+. Min. C+ in Chemistry 11, Biology 12 and Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 12. Completion of CASPer test.

Human Services

Education Assistant and Community Support, Certificate 8-month Certificate program, full or part-time

English 12 min. C. Résumé. References. Interview. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement.

Early Childhood Education and Care, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. 60 hours of volunteer experience in a licensed childcare facility. Résumé. References. Interview.

Child and Youth Care, Bachelor of Arts Child and Youth Care, Diploma 4-year Degree program (2 year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

Entry at year 1: English 12 min C. Entry in year 2: Human Services Certificate or 24 credits including English 115, 6 credits Human Development, and CYC 100, 101, 152, 165 or equivalents. Entry in year 3: Human Services Diploma, including minimum C+ in VIU Degree English requirement and 6 credits of Human Development. Min. C+ GPA calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed. Personal statement. Résumé. References

Social Services, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Volunteer or paid experience in the human services field. Résumé. References. Interview. Personal Profile.

Social Work, Bachelor of 4-year Degree program (Entry in year 3)

60 credits of post-secondary courses including: VIU Degree English Requirements min. C+, 6 credits of SOCW 200A, SOCW 200B min. B-, 24 credits of Arts & Humanities and/or Social Science courses, 24 credits of other post-secondary courses not including Social Services/Social Work courses. Min. C+ average on most recent 24 credits. Personal Profile. Evidence of 100 hours work experience (paid and/or volunteer) in a community and/or clinical setting. Interview may be required. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement.

Science & Technology

Engineering Fundamentals, Certificate 8-month Certificate program

English 12 min. C+. Min. C+ in Principles of Physics 12 and Principles of Chemistry 12. Min. B in Pre-Calculus 12.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Biology 11 min. C. Min. C in one of Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11. Interview may be required. Personal profile. References.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Post-Degree Diploma 1-year Post-Degree Diploma program

Recognized Bachelor of Science (Biology) with a min. B average. Permission of department. Interview.

Forest Resources Technology, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Min. C+ in one Science 11. Min. C in Pre-Calculus 11 or min. C+ in Foundations of Math 11.

Resource Management Officer Technology, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Min. C Biology 11. C. Min. C in Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11. Personal profile. References. Interview may be required.

Natural Resource Protection, Bachelor of 4-year Degree program (2-year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

Resource Management Officer Technology Diploma or equivalent, min. C+ average

Computing Science, Bachelor of Science Computing Science, Diploma 4-year Degree program (2 year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

English 12 min. C. Min. C+ in Pre-Calculus 12. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Science, Associate Degree 2-year Associate Degree program

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites.

Science, Bachelor of 4-year Degree program Major ( ) or two Minors ( )

English 12 min. C. Individual courses may have additional prerequisites including Biology 11/12, Chemistry 11/12, Math 11/12 and Physics 11/12.

Areas of Study: Biology Chemistry Computing Science Earth Science

Geography Geoscience Mathematics Psychology

Within a BSc degree, students may combine the Science major or double-minor with an additional Arts-based minor.

Transfer Programs: Physics

Areas of study include: Anthropology, Business, Creative Writing, Criminology, Digital Media Studies, Economics, English, First Nations Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, Journalism, Languages and Culture, Liberal Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Physical Education, Political Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Visual Art, Women’s Studies.

Note: An Arts minor cannot be used with a single Science minor to complete the BSc degree. Additional majors and minors are under development, please check viu.ca/programs.

Tourism, Recreation And Hospitality

Adventure Tourism and Recreation, Certificate 1-year full-time Certificate program

English 12 min. Min. C+ in one of Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11. Interview.

Wine Business, Certificate 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time Certificate program

English 12 min. C. Min. 19 years of age.

Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Diploma 4-year Degree program (2-year Diploma available as exit option)

English 12 min. C+. Min. C+ in one of: Pre-calculus 11, Foundations of Math 11, or equivalent.

Hospitality Management, Bachelor of – Culinary Arts Bridging 1-semester Bridging program

Culinary Arts Diploma with English 115 or Equivalent. Letter of faculty support.

Recreation and Sport Management, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Criminal record check may be required for field work. Compulsory orientation in early Fall semester.

Tourism Studies, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Criminal record check may be required for field work. Compulsory orientation in early Fall semester.

Tourism Management, Bachelor, Major in Recreation 4-year Degree program (2-year Diploma + 2 years for Degree completion)

Entry at Year 1: English 12 min. C. Entry at Year 3: Diploma in Recreation & Sport, Tourism or Hospitality or by permission. Criminal record check may be required for field work.

Sustainable Leisure Management, Master of Arts 2- year Graduate Degree program

Bachelor’s degree with min. B average in last two years. Résumé. Reference letters. Statement of intent. Interview (in person or by video-conference).

Trades & Applied Technologies

Program length may be subject to change. Check individual programs for admission requirements at viu.ca/programs or call 250.740.6410 for more information.

Apprenticeship Programs, call 250.740.6227 or visit viu.ca/apprentice

Apprenticeships are available in: Automotive Service Technician, Baker, Carpenter, Cook, Diesel Engine Mechanic, Electrician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Motorcycle and Marine Technician, Refrigeration, Transport Trailer Technician, Truck and Transport Mechanic, and Welding.

Service Trades

English 12 min. C. Min. C in Mathematics 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10. Assessment test available if minimum grade prerequisites not met for Math or English.

Culinary Arts, Certificate 1-year Certificate program

Grade 12 or assessment test. Foodsafe Level 1. Criminal record check (Powell River campus only). Interview may be required.

Culinary Management, Diploma 2-year Diploma program (1-year Certificate + 1 year for Diploma completion)

English 12 min. C+. Foodsafe Level 1. Min. C+ in any Math 11. Interview.

Hairstylist Foundation, Certificate 43-week Certificate program

Horticultural Technician Foundation, Certificate 9-month Certificate program

English 12 min. C or assessment test. Min. C in one of: Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Math 11, Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 11 or assessment test. Fitness required for physical aspects of program and industry. Letter of intent. Interview.

Information Technology and Applied Systems, Diploma 2-year Diploma program

English 12 min. C. Letter of intent. Interview.

Professional Baking and Pastry Arts, Certificate 10-month Certificate program

Foodsafe Level 1. Assessment test. Personal profile. Ability to stand for 4 hours at a time. Ability to lift 20 kg/44 lbs. Interview may be required.

Professional Esthetics, Certificate 8-month

Industrial Trades

Automotive Service Technician, Certificate 10-month Certificate program

Grade 12 or assessment test. Valid BC driver’s license.

Carpentry, Certificate 8-month Certificate program

Assessment test. Personal profile. Interview may be required. Physically fit. Good hand/eye coordination. Good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.

Electrician, Certificate 24-week Certificate program

Min. C in English 11 or Technical and Professional Communications 12. Min. C in one of Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of Math 11. Assessment test. Valid BC driver’s license.

Heavy Equipment Operator, Certificate 17 week Certificate program

Min. 18 years of age. Exceptions may be allowed. Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license. Additional endorsements may be required. Physically fit. Résumé. Letter of intent, references may be required. Interview may be required. Mathematics, reading, or trades aptitude test may be required. Good health. Free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.

Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Certificate 10-month Certificate program

Assessment test. Valid BC driver’s license. Personal profile. Good health.

Motorcycle and Marine Technician, Certificate 9-month Certificate program

Grade 12 or assessment test. Good health. Interview may be required.

Power Engineering/ Process Operator – 4th Class, Certificate 32-week

Certificate program

English 12. Min C+ in Foundations of Math 11 or Pre-Calculus 11. Physics 11. Assessment test. Personal profile. Interview may be required.

Refrigeration Air-Conditioning Mechanic, Certificate 8.5-month Certificate program

Assessment test. Physically fit. Good hand-eye coordination. Personal profile. Criminal record check.

Specialized Machine Operator Training 12- to 17-week program, depending on specialty

18 years of age. Assessment test. Exceptions may be allowed. Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license. English 10, Science 10 and either Math 10 or Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 recommended. Personal profile.

Welder Foundation, Certificate 7-month Welder Foundation 3-month Welder Fitter Certificate programs

Assessment test. Adequate vision and free from respiratory ailments. Physically fit.

Upgrading, Academic & Career Preparation

Adult Basic Education Various prerequisite courses are offered. Continuous intake programming.

Call 250.740.6425 for information. viu.ca/acp

English-as-a-Second-Language 6.5-week and 13-week programs. Continuous intake programming.

Call 250.740.6318 for information. See page 31.

Workplace Essential Skills and Training Program 2-year program located on the Nanaimo campus. Continuous intake programming.

Call 250.740.6162 or 250.740.6425 for information.

Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, Certificate 5-weeks full-time or 3-months part-time Certificate program

Bachelor’s degree. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for non-native speakers.

Study on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast

VIU’s four locations are connected by British Columbia’s coastal beauty and a culture of community.

Nanaimo CampusCowichan CampusPowell River CampusParksville-Qualicum Centre

viu.ca/campus-information

Incoming Outstanding Students (IOS)

Worry-free course access Working hard in high school? Want to be rewarded for your efforts?

Under IOS, you can get assured access to first year courses, based on Grade 11 grades.

How do I qualify? Get three A’s and one B in specific academic classes in Grade 11 and submit your application to the Registration Centre by March 31, 2019.

What programs are included? Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Science and Exploratory Studies.