Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Fully Available at
- Nanaimo
Partially Available at
- Cowichan
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Dear future thought-leaders, poets, historians, social-changers, justice fighters, social entrepreneurs and CEOs: your Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree awaits. If you have a passion for writing, debating, questioning and above all – learning – join VIU’s most customizable program and tailor your experience to hone in on the subjects that matter most to you as a Honours Bachelor of Arts, Major or Minor student.
The skills gained from a BA are vast and apply to many different fields. VIU's BA degree graduates go on to successful careers in many different areas, or continue into post-graduate studies equipped with critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills with a social and cultural perspective that is arguably unparalleled by any other program.
The Bachelor of Arts Programs
VIU’s Bachelor of Arts degree, with a wide selection of Honours, Majors, and Minors options, builds on VIU’s strong record of arts undergraduate education, dating back to 1969. Graduates of VIU have gone on to graduate schools and professional schools at major universities, while others have used their degree to directly enter successful careers.
At the lower-level, Vancouver Island University offers courses in some 50 disciplines and interdisciplinary studies. At the upper-level, the BA program offers selected Honours, Majors, and Minors, and new ones are being planned.
A liberal arts education helps students develop skills in written and spoken communication, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership and teamwork, social and cultural awareness, and adaptability to shifting trends. Given its range and flexibility, the VIU BA degree provides a sound preparation for both employment and further education.
Total Credit Requirement
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits chosen from courses numbered 100-499.
Note 1: Courses consisting primarily of field work, co-op placement, or preceptorship/internship are not normally eligible for selection within this category.
Note 2: As a complement to all BA Degree Requirements, students are encouraged to take six credits or more of Mathematics/Science courses.
Note 3: Students who have completed courses with a “T” after the course number (i.e. 100T) should consult with the BA Degree Advisor regarding applicability of these courses.
Degree English Requirements
All students in undergraduate degree programs at VIU are required to complete 6 credits of first-year English composition and literature courses.
* In the following Bachelor of Arts, Majors and Minors, students with a minimum "B+" in ENGL 115 or ENGL 117 are granted an exemption and are not required to complete any further credit towards the English requirement.
- Anthropology Major & Minor
- Biology Minor
- Criminology Major
- Economics Minor
- Geography Major & Minor
- Global Studies Major & Minor
- History Major & Minor
- Liberal Studies Major & Minor
- Media Studies Minor
- Philosophy Major & Minor
- Physical Education Minor
- Political Studies Minor
- Psychology Minor only
- Sociology Major & Minor
Requirements for Honours, Majors and Minors
There are many options available within the Bachelor of Arts Program. Students are required to complete all requirements for either an Honours, Major, or Double Minor degree option, each of which have unique requirements.
Advisors are available to help students explore and consider their options. By the end of their first year, students should consult with one of the BA Degree Advisors to discuss their plan to satisfy the degree requirements.
Upper-level Requirement
A minimum of 42 VIU credits in courses numbered 300-499, with a minimum 2.0 (“C”) Grade Point Average calculated on all upper-level courses attempted or completed. If such a course has been repeated, the highest grade obtained will be included in the calculation.
Residency Requirement
A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at VIU to meet the residency requirement.
Honours programs
Honours programs have all the requirements for a Major, plus an additional 12 specified credits (minimum) in the discipline which are normally taken in lieu of electives. These additional credits are typically made up of a methods/theory course at the upper-level, and include a graduating essay or major project (where such courses and projects are not already required for the Major).
Senior Project
A senior project is “optional” for certain Majors and all Honours; students are strongly encouraged to plan their senior project during third year and to schedule its completion during fourth year. Each senior project will have a designated project supervisor, who will assist the student to identify the resources required to complete the project successfully.
- Anthropology (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Aquaculture (BA) Minor
- Biology (BA) Minor
- Chemistry (BA) Minor
- Computer Science (BA) Minor
- Creative Writing and Journalism (BA) Major, Minor
- Criminology (BA) Major, Minor
- Digital Media (BA) Minor
- Digital Media Studies (BA) Major
- Earth Science (BA) Minor
- Economics (BA) Major, Minor
- English (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Geography (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Global Studies (BA) Major, Minor
- History (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies (BA) Major, Minor
- Kinesiology (BA) Minor
- Languages and Culture (Romance Languages) (BA) Minor
- Liberal Studies (BA) Major, Minor
- Mathematics (BA) Major, Minor
- Media Studies (BA) Minor
- Philosophy (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Political Studies (BA) Major, Minor
- Psychology (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Sociology (BA) Honours, Major, Minor
- Studies in Women and Gender (BA) Major, Minor
- Visual Art (BA) Major, Minor
See general admission requirements for academic programs.
Notes on Admission
- Other high school courses are often required to meet individual course prerequisites.
- There are additional requirements for admission to the Major in Criminology and Major in Visual Arts.
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 One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,333.96 |
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.
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 One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,335.06 |
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.
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 Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Get more information on The Bachelor of Arts Programs
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.