Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Fully Available at
- Nanaimo
Partially Available at
- Cowichan
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Get a versatile degree
Looking for a degree that opens doors to diverse career opportunities? A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from VIU equips you with the high-demand skills that employers look for.
In a world where automation and AI are reshaping industries, skills like critical thinking and persuasive communication will set you apart. Machines process data but they lack a critical mind. They can't communicate with impact or understand human emotions like a VIU BA grad.
What can you do with a BA?
Many well-paid careers require a bachelor's degree. Here are some possible career paths:
- adult educator
- policy analyst
- legislative assistant
- copywriter
- technical writer
- journalist
- creative director
- policy advisor or planner
- program coordinator
This is only a small sample of the careers you can do with a bachelor's degree.
Which BA majors are available at VIU?
Arts and Humanities
In Arts and Humanities, you learn how to break down complex ideas, construct well-reasoned arguments and express yourself with strength and clarity. You also gain practical experience through hands-on projects that you can use in your career.
Social Sciences
In Social Sciences, you study human behavior, societies and the forces that shape our world. Research, data analysis and real-world projects will prepare you to become a driver of meaningful change in your community and beyond.
Interdisciplinary and more
In other areas of study, you explore the natural world, develop problem-solving skills and apply cutting-edge techniques to real-world challenges. Theory and practical work prepare you to make an impact in media, the sciences and beyond.
- 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
Opportunities to excel
"I was a Research Assistant at VIU and completed the Community-Based Applied Interdisciplinary Research Program. I conducted research for non-profits alongside students with diverse experiences, gaining experience and support that helped shape me into the academic I am today."
– Emmerson Pollard, Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Psychology (VIU) and Master of Public Health (University of Victoria)
Hands-on experience that sets you apart
At VIU, learning goes beyond textbooks and lectures. You will get opportunities to use what you learned in the real world, building skills that will give you an edge in the workplace.
Work in the community
Get ready for the world of work by taking part in meaningful community-based projects.
Study abroad
Participate in exchanges and other cross-cultural learning experiences.
Research
Add to your resume by taking part in exciting research and present your findings at VIU's CREATE research showcase.
About the program
As a VIU BA student you can choose from over 50 disciplines. This flexibility means you can tailor your studies to align with your interests, beliefs and personal and career goals.
You declare a major by your second or third year. When the time comes to declare your major, you will set up a time to discuss your desired areas of study and academic and career goals with a Degree Advisor.
VIU BA programs offer a blend of theoretical and practical learning. That means you will graduate with both the knowledge and skills you need to excel in a rewarding career or to pursue advanced studies.
Admission Information
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.
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 $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| 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 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,450.74 |
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 $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| 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 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,831.94 |
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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 Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
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:
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.
Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 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:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Get ready for the workplace
Working toward your BA will give you the skills you need to thrive in any career.
Communication
Learn how to express yourself with power and clarity.
Problem-solving
Analyze complex issues and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Adaptability
Evaluate new information and incorporate emerging ideas in your work.
Choose your major
Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary
An inspiring place to study
"I toured VIU's campus and fell in love with the mountain views and the prospect of attending a smaller-sized university. School staff made my transfer smooth and were welcoming from the very beginning. I knew VIU was the place for me – it was the location, kind faculty and the homey feel."
– Kashmir Lesnick-Petrovicz, Bachelor of Arts, Major International/Global Studies and Visual Arts (VIU)