Types of Programs and Courses at UCFV

Certificate programs

• A certificate is earned by taking 10 to 12 specified credit courses.
• Certificates can be completed in one year of full-time study.
• Part-time study is usually permitted, in which case it takes more than one year to earn a certificate.
• Each UCFV certificate is described in this calendar, where the required courses are listed.
• Certificate programs are also offered through Access and Continuing Studies (see below).
• Certificates in Extended Studies may be used to complete a major, minor or option in another area if students have completed an equivalent level program.

Diploma programs

• A diploma is earned by taking 20 to 24 specified credit courses usually emphasizing a particular area of study and generally designed to either “ladder” into UCFV degrees or to provide a credential showing two years of post-secondary studies.
• Diplomas can be completed over a two-year period of full-time study.
• Part-time study is usually permitted, in which case it takes longer than two years to earn a diploma.
• Each UCFV diploma is described in this calendar, where the required courses are listed.

Associate degree programs

• An associate degree is earned by taking approximately 20 prescribed and elective credit courses which promote both breadth and depth of knowledge.
• Associate degrees can be completed over a two-year period of full-time study; part-time study is usually permitted, in which case it will take longer than two years to earn an associate degree.
• Designed to provide a credential after the equivalent of two years of university study.

Bachelor’s degree programs

• A bachelor’s degree is earned by taking 35 or more prescribed and elective courses (minimum 120 credits).
• Degrees can be completed over a four- or five-year period of full-time study. Part-time study is usually permitted, in which case it takes longer than four years to earn a degree.
• Students can complete some bachelor’s degrees at UCFV, while others will require transfer to another university after one or two years.
• Degrees are described in the UCFV calendar, and in other college and university calendars.
• Transfer guides published by the universities show which UCFV courses are equivalent to which university courses.

Upgrading — College and Career Prep and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses

• Courses are scheduled 12 months a year in Abbotsford, 10 months a year in Chilliwack.
• Can be taken to fulfill prerequisites for programs at UCFV and/or other institutions.

Access and Continuing Studies courses and programs

• Advertised on the Continuing Studies website and in the Continuing Studies brochure, delivered twice yearly to Fraser Valley homes, in late summer and the end of December.
• Generally scheduled on evenings and weekends, and occasionally during daytime hours.
• Courses range from professional development to business and career training to job skills upgrading.
• Most CS certificate programs require applications and courses range from several hours to several hundred hours.
• Few prerequisites. Registration for most courses is in early September and early January (although note: some programs require advance application).

General Studies courses

This category is for students who want to explore a variety of university disciplines and courses. It allows you to:

• Take courses to satisfy the entrance requirements for a program.
• Do course work at UCFV for transfer to another institution.
• Take upgrading and some program course work at the same time.
• Take some of the courses from your preferred program if you have not yet been accepted to the program.
• Choose from College and Career Prep, English as a Second Language, and post-secondary courses.
• Complete a diploma in General Studies upon completion of program requirements.

Preparation for professional programs

You can begin your studies toward a career in teaching, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, dental hygiene, etc., at UCFV.

If you require assistance planning your program, make an appointment with an educational advisor to discuss your program plan.