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What do I need to get into the program?

At first year (diploma only)

  • Successful completion of Grade 12 with English 12 at C+ or better (or mature student status with English 12 or equivalent at C+ or better).
  • Transcripts from all secondary institutions/programs attended.
  • Educational & Work Resume
  • A 300-word statement which focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and families.
  • Two completed reference forms (forms will be sent after application is received).

  • An interview, following receipt of above information may be required.

At third year of the degree:
  • Successful completion of the CYC Diploma, CYC Diploma-First Nations, Social Services Diploma that includes CYC 201, 265 and 200A and ECEC Diploma at VIU or articulated CYC Diplomas from Douglas, Lethbridge, Grant MacEwan, Mount Royal, Medicine Hat Colleges with a minimum C+ average or a minimum of 54 credits of work including:
  • English 111/112 or 115/116 or equivalents , Psyc 111/112 and Psyc 211/212 or 6 credits of  Human Development (lifespan) (often available in Human Service Certificate & Diploma Programs, CYC 201, 200A, 200B, 260B, 265, 252A & B or the equivalent content with a min. “C+” in all courses listed and a min. GPA of “C+”. 
  • Note:  Students who have completed a Human Service Diploma with a C+ average from a recognized post secondary college (i.e. Recreation and Sports Management Diploma at VIU) will be granted up 60 credits toward their degree completion and individual transcripts will be assessed for the required third year prerequisite content listed above.  Students not meeting the content requirements (and/or a C+ in the specific course work) will be considered for second year admission within the CYC Degree so that pre-requisite content can be attained.  These students will be able to apply previously achieved credits toward second, third and fourth year elective requirements within the CYC Degree Program. 
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions/programs attended.
  • Education and work resume
  • A 300-word statement that focuses on what is important to the applicant about working with children, youth and families.
  • Two completed reference forms (sent to applicant upon receipt of application).
  • An interview, following receipt of above information may be required.
 
Who can I use as references? 

  • References should be current professionals in the field who can speak to this being an appropriate career choice for you.  Include persons who have seen you interact with children and youth and have an understanding of the career field (CYC) that you are pursuing.
 Is it necessary to complete the CYC Diploma before applying for entry into the Degree?
  • The Diploma offers a two year option for students wishing to enter the field with a diploma. Many students do return to complete degrees after having completed the Diploma.  Increasingly, there is a demand for Degree level graduates in some areas of the field.  
What about beyond the CYC Degree?  Are there graduate programs to pursue? 
  • There are a wide range of graduate programs available in a variety of fields.  The masters programs typically focus in areas of counselling (with children, youth and/or families), community/service/program development, leadership skills or administration. 
What are the career opportunities upon completion of the CYC Diploma or CYC Degree?
  • Graduates of the CYC Diploma are prepared for general practice of child and youth care work in community, educational and residential settings across Canada. In addition to these settings, graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care are prepared for school based child and youth care work, child protection, youth probation, family support work and community outreach.
What is the average wage that someone is paid?
  • There is such a wide range depending on the employer. Remuneration is based on agency funding, location of the work, experience, etc.  Conducting informational interviews with workers currently working in the field is suggested as an accurate source of knowledge on this topic.
Can this program be taken part-time?
  • Yes!  Once admitted to the program a student may attend either part or fulltime.  Meeting with a CYC advisor to assist with course planning is recommended. Students completing the Diploma have 5 years to complete; students completing the degree have 7 years to complete.
Can you take CYC courses without being admitted to the program?

 

  • Yes, where there is space and pre-requisites are met, 200 level theory courses, as well as some select 3rd year courses are open to students who have not been admitted to a CYC program.
  • It is highly recommended that interested students take CYC 201 prior to applying to the CYC Degree program and extra seats are made available for this reason each year.

Child and Youth Care Diploma First Nations (CYCFN)

Can I apply to the CYC degree program from the CYCFN diploma?

  • Yes, applications for admission are accepted between November 15 and February 28, each year for entry to the following September.
Can a non-First Nation’s person take this program?
  • Yes, up to 25% of the seats may be filled by non-First Nations students.
Is it possible to take individual courses from this program without being admitted to the program?
  • Yes, with permission of the Instructor, and where space allows and pre-requisites are met, certain courses are open to non-admitted students.
Can you do this program part-time?

  • Not really.  The admission occurs only once every 2 years and the core courses (all but electives) need to be taken with the cohort of students that you are admitted with.  So part-time would need to be no less than 12 credits per semester of core course offerings to keep up with your cohort.