Information about program phase outs and discontinuations
VIU strives to meet the needs of all learners through programming that reflects the needs and demand for graduates in our region. At times it may no longer be feasible for the university to offer a certain course or program. Reasons include when there is low interest in that program or the regional market does not show a demand for graduates from that program. In those cases, programs may be phased out. This means the program will no longer accept new students. Students already in that program will continue to be supported to graduate from that program.
Decisions to phase out or suspend programs are not made lightly. There is a rigorous process that the university must follow as outlined under the BC Universities Act. This is further supported by university policy and procedure.
The process to phase out and discontinue delivery of a program goes through many steps:
- Initially, the Provost and the Faculty Dean submit a proposal for phasing out a program to the Planning and Priorities Standing Committee of the VIU Senate.
- Alternately, as a result of Summative Program Assessment, a program may be recommended for review, which could lead to a recommendation to Senate to suspend or cancel the program.
This committee then decides whether to approve or reject the proposal. - Should the proposal receive approval, it moves forward for consideration by the full VIU Senate. Senate will then decide to accept or reject the proposal.
- If accepted the proposal advances to the Board of Governors for final acceptance or rejection.
- Upon the Board of Governors' approval of proposal, the program will cease to accept new students. However, all students currently enrolled will be provided with the necessary support to complete their studies and obtain their intended qualifications.
The following programs are being phased out at VIU
Effective Fall 2025
** All other major and minor options with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are still available
- Graduate Certificate in Business
- Graduate Diploma in Project Management
- Graduate Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Graduate Diploma in International Trade
- Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management
- Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Leisure Management
- Master of Community Planning
- Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Digital Media Studies
- Post Degree Diploma in Language and Culture: Romance Languages
- Bachelor of Science, Minor in Languages and Culture
Effective Fall 2026
- Inclusive Education Graduate Diploma
- Literacy, Language and Learning Graduate Diploma
- Teacher Leadership Graduate Diploma
- Dental Assistant
Now phased out (decisions from 2023-24 academic year)
- Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
- Business (BA)
- Graduate Diploma in Gerontology: Active Aging
- Integrated Engineering Technologist Diploma
- Jazz Studies
- Online Learning and Teaching Graduate Diploma
- Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems Applications
- Master of Geographic Information Systems Applications
Programs currently suspended and under review
Effective Fall 2025 unless otherwise noted:
- Arts One: First Nations Certificate
- Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies (Major and Minor)
- Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy (Hons, Major and Minor)
- Bachelor of Arts: Global Studies (Major and Minor)
- Horticulture Technician Foundation Certificate (effective January 2026)
- Information Technology and Applied Systems Diploma in Web and Mobile Development (note: the Information Technology and Applied Systems - Systems Administration and Cybersecurity Diploma is still accepting applications)
Effective Fall 2024:
- Economics major (Economics courses are still being offered, BA minor in Economics is still an option).
Questions?
VIU is committed to ensuring that all students currently enrolled in a program will be able to meet the requirements for graduation. If the decision is made to phase out a program, no new students will be able to enroll in the program. If you are in a program that is being suspended or phased out, you will receive a direct email from VIU.
If the decision is made to phase out a program you have applied for, you will receive a direct email from VIU informing you of the decision and outlining your options. If you choose to withdraw your application, your application fee will be refunded in full.
If VIU no longer offers a program, this does not minimize the value of your credential in that program in any way. You will remain a recognized graduate of that program.
At this time, there are no other proposals for cancellation that are being processed through our governance process.
Decisions to suspend or phase out programs are not made lightly, and they are not based entirely on either quantitative or qualitative data. However, demand for programs, including current enrolment and applications are considered.
VIU is committed to meeting the needs of our learners which includes making sure that we deliver the right program mix to meet demand for programs and for it to be financially viable to offer those programs.
If your program is being phased out, VIU will continue to support you to graduate from that program. However, if you wish to explore other options, you can connect with an academic advisor.
That will depend on the program. We expect to continue to offer some courses that were part of a discontinued program as electives, however this will be dependent on resources and sufficient enrolment.