Bachelor of Education

Face to Face Program

Notes

• Most students pursue additional coursework (i.e., five courses per semester) in their pre-professional years to complete a minor, a complementary certificate, or supplementary electives to broaden their perspective and inform their teaching practice. Students should consult with Bachelor of Education Advising regarding their elective coursework selection.
• There is flexibility as to when the above elective courses can be completed, however, all students must have completed a minimum 78 required credits by May 15 at the end of Year 3 to progress to Year 4. Elective course work can be combined in the pursuit of Secondary teachable areas and/or towards a VIU minor and/or Certificate. Students should consult with Bachelor of Education Advising regarding these options.
   
• Those entering at the Year 3 level can substitute alternate undergraduate elective coursework for the following courses: EDUC 101, 202, 203. 

Dispersed Delivery Program 

Courses are primarily delivered in an online synchronous format with some mandatory in-person courses aligned with K-12 instructional breaks.  All field experience is completed face to face in schools requiring a full-time commitment. 

Admission Requirements

Year One Entry

• General admission requirements apply
• Minimum "C" in English 12, or equivalent
• Minimum "C" in Pre-calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11; or a pass in Pre-Calculus or Foundations of Mathematics 12; or equivalent
• Completion of the Casper test

Year Three Entry 

• General admission requirements apply
• Minimum "C" in English 12, or equivalent
• Minimum "C" in Pre-calculus 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11; or a pass in Pre-Calculus or Foundations of Mathematics 12; or equivalent
• Completion of a minimum of 48 post-secondary credits acceptable in content to the VIU Faculty of Education, VIU Admissions and Registration, and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch
• Completion of the Casper test
• Completion of an Applicant Profile

Dispersed Delivery Entry

• Completion of a minimum of 66 post-secondary credits acceptable in content to the VIU Faculty of Education, VIU Admissions and Registration, and the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch, as follows:
  • 18 credits of Elementary prerequisite coursework, including:
    • 6 credits of Degree English Requirements
    • 6 credits of approved Mathematics
    • 3 credits of approved Science
    • 3 credits of approved Canadian studies
  • 15 credits of approved Teacher Regulation Branch elective coursework
  • 33 credits of any undergraduate electives or transfer courses (excluding practicum based courses)
• Completion of the Casper test
• Completion of an Applicant Profile
• Two letters of support and/or recommendation from a direct supervisor and/or community leaders attesting to program suitability 

Admission Ranking

Year One Entry

Admission rankings are determined by a combination of English and Math requirements (40%) and Casper test results (60%).

Year Three Entry

Admission rankings are determined by a combination of GPA (60%) and Casper test results (40%).

Dispersed Delivery Entry

Admission rankings are determined by a combination of GPA (60%) on 48 most recent credits and Casper test results (40%).

Access Initiative

Vancouver Island University is committed to the recruitment, retention and graduation of Indigenous students. The University also recognizes that Indigenous applicants have traditionally been under represented in teacher education, as articulated in the Accord on Indigenous Education (2025).

The Faculty of Education’s Access Initiative is designed to give access to individuals who are members of groups in our society who have historically been under-represented in the teaching profession in BC. In order to achieve this objective, we encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify and apply under the Access Initiative housed within the Applicant Profile for Year Three entry. Year One applicants can apply under the Access Initiative by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

Notes on Admission

• Program enrolment is limited and prospective teacher candidates are encouraged to apply early. Applicants  who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Applicants are advised that pre-admission competencies include: excellent proficiency in the English language (i.e. reading, writing and speaking), strong inter-personal skills including the ability to work in groups and speak in front of others, and the ability to work with a computer and various digital platforms.
• All B.Ed. courses utilize a variety of technologies, online services, and tools in providing an array of pedagogical experiences. An up-to-date laptop with a working camera and microphone is essential for this program.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to use their VIU student number when registering for the Casper test.
• More information about the Casper test, including test dates
• Admission to the dispersed program option is offered on a three year cycle. Entry to the dispersed program option is limited to those from rural and remote communities, particularly from Indigenous and First Nations communities served by VIU, and those currently working full-time in schools, such as Educational Assistants in one of VIU’s Faculty of Education partner School Districts who wish to become certified teachers. Two letters of support/recommendation are needed to attest to this context.
• The Applicant Profile is accepted after successful submission of a VIU Application Form. It is due one week (7 calendar days) after the Application Deadline and is accessed online in the VIU Student Record. The Applicant Profile asks applicants to document how they have met BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Certificate of Qualification (i.e. teacher certification) requirements. The Applicant Profile can be revised any time up to the deadline.
• Year One Entry Transcript Submission:
  • Submission of interim secondary school grades for the required English and Math courses is due March 31.
• Year Three Entry & Dispersed Delivery Transcript Submission:
  • Official transcripts showing secondary school completion are due one week (7 calendar days) after the application deadline.
  • Submission of official transcripts, including those for interim course work, from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding VIU), is due as per VIU application procedures. Photocopies/faxed copies of transcripts are not acceptable.
  • Submission of official final grades: June 15
• Pending seat availability, applicants accepted into Year 1 with post-secondary credits acceptable in content may be considered for advanced standing up to a maximum of Year 3 in the program.
• For advice on program admission, pending course work selection, support in application, advance standing status or review of credentials, transfer credit acceptability, and how to utilize previous credit towards program requirements, please consult with Bachelor of Education Advising.
• Applicants will require a satisfactory Criminal Record Check as processed by the British Columbia Criminal Records Review Program through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in conjunction with the Criminal Records Review Act. The Criminal Record Check is requested through VIU upon program application and applicants are responsible for completing all required steps for a Criminal Record Check in the allotted time.
• A Criminal Record Clearance Letter as issued by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is required prior to commencing the program.
• A Criminal Record Check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements for the program, nor is a previous Criminal Record Clearance Letter issued prior to program commencement.
• To ensure applicants are suited to work with children and vulnerable adults throughout the duration of the program, the Faculty of Education may require additional screening to the satisfaction of individual practicum placements and/or submission of new Criminal Record Clearance Letter. This may include individuals re-entering the program after a leave.
• Applicants are advised that a criminal record may limit program entry, practicum placement possibilities and/or limit work in the field.
• Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offense or given an absolute or conditional discharge must consult with, and be deemed eligible for certification by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) prior to making an application to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to keep all records of correspondence with the TRB in case it is necessary to demonstrate compliance.
• To meet the needs of the teaching profession, from time to time, it may be necessary to give preference to applicants with discipline specialties or work experience in high need areas such as mathematics, core French & French immersion, physical sciences, Indigenous education, and special education.
• Due to the intense nature of the B.Ed. program and external credentialing requirements for professional certification as a teacher, attendance in all in-person and online synchronous classes, and field experience, including all practica, is mandatory.  
• Absenteeism in the B.Ed. program for any EDUC, EDTE, EDPB or EDFE coded course is recorded centrally by the Faculty of Education.

Note: Review the Application Information and Checklist for important information.

Notes on Program Progression

Students must be able to demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour befitting the teaching profession as outlined in the Professional Standards for BC Educators. Throughout the program, students are assessed in various ways against these Standards and other professional expectations as determined by the Faculty of Education.

• For progression into Year 2, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.33 (C+) must be maintained.
• EDUC 101, 202 and 203 must be completed prior to progressing into Year 3. Students must attain a 'CR' or minimum "C+" in EDUC 101, EDUC 202, and EDUC 203.
• A minimum of 48 approved credits with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.33 (C+) must be completed by May 15 to progress into Year 3 of the program.
• Progression into Year 3 is competitive.  Students intending to progress are ranked with all new Year 3 entry applicants by GPA (60%) on 48 most recent credits and Casper test results (40%) achieved at Year 1 entry.
• Intention to progress from Year 2 to 3 is student declared by November 15 in the previous academic year
• A minimum of 78 approved credits must be completed by May 15 to progress into Year 4. Students must attain a minimum grade of C+ or 'CR' in EDTE 300, EDTE 311, EDTE 301, and EDTE 330 and may be asked to resubmit a Criminal Record Check.
• For progression into Year 5, all program course work (e.g., EDTE, EDUC, and EDFE courses) must be completed with a minimum grade of C+ or 'CR' in each course.
• All practica must be completed satisfactorily.

Notes on Professional Certification

• Upon successful graduation from the program, graduates must apply to the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation  Branch (TRB) for professional certification. All associated fees, documents, transcripts, etc. are the responsibility of the graduate.
• As articulated by the TRB, a Certificate of Qualification (i.e. professional certification) is "valid for teaching in BC's Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system". Graduates hoping to gain employment in BC public school are advised to check with the local school districts(s) for any additional required qualifications and/or teaching restrictions.
• Upon successful graduation from the program, graduates are strongly encouraged to also apply to the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) to assist in establishing qualifications for salary purposes in BC public schools. All associated fees, documents, transcripts, etc. are the responsibility of the graduate.
• Graduates are advised to keep original hard copies of important documents (i.e. Field Experience/Practicum reports) as the Faculty of Education cannot provide additional copies.

Domestic (Canadian)

International