VIU’s BBA Degree students studying outside

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Honours, Majors, and Minors

  • 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 are granted an exemption and are not required to complete any further credit towards the English requirement.

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.

Students are required to complete either an Honours, Major, or Double Minor degree option (selected from the disciplines listed below), each of which have unique requirements. Admission to BA does not guarantee enrolment in specific courses within a major, minor or honours. Some majors have additional admission requirements and require a specific application for admission.

See general admission requirements for academic programs.

Notes on Admission

  • Other high school courses are often required to meet individual course prerequisites.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

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 $163.14 per credit)

4,894.20

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

195.77

Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit)

216.30

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

7,283.99
Notes

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 (2 semesters x $10870.72 per semester)

21,741.44

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester)

926.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year

1,500.00

Total

24,645.96
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.

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.

Updated
Monday, April 3, 2023

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Application Fee
$44.27
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.
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee
$44.27
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Accepting International Applications
Yes
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 World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca.
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 8, 2024
Next Intake(s)

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Accepting International Applications
Yes
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 World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.


Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.

Serene Kerpan

“My BA was my ticket in the door to a life and career I love now. At VIU I got the one-on-one attention I needed to really find my passion."


 


-- Serene graduated with a BA in Phys. Ed and History and went on to pursue her PhD in Kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently Assistant Professor at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Read more.