Child & Youth Care - Bachelor of Arts degree 



Frequently asked questions


Why earn a degree in child care?
‌ You may already work in a child or youth care field, but feel you can do so much more with your career. You have ideas and lots to offer and would like a more challenging role. Or perhaps you’re just starting out in your career and know you want to work in child and youth care administration. UFV’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care (CYC) can take you to the next step in your career.

How will UFV prepare me for my career?
Child and youth care is an expanding field. It crosses a range of work settings and areas of practice including residential/group home programs, regular and alternative school programs, daycare and early childhood programs, child life/hospital-based programs, youth justice/probation/young offender programs, special needs foster care, parent/counsellor resources, child and youth mental health, child protection services, community services, programs for people with mental disabilities, and early intervention and child development centres.

Workers, supervisors, managers, and trainers in these programs bring a diverse set of backgrounds and credentials to their positions. Increasingly, an undergraduate degree is requested by employers as a qualification for the best career opportunities in the child and youth care field. With your background in the field and goals of going into supervision or management, this next level of education will be a good investment on your part.

Why UFV?
We know you’re a busy person. Our Child and Youth Care degree is designed for people like you who currently work in human service agencies with children, youth, and families. It is possible to juggle your continuing education and a career. This program is tailored to part-time students and those already in the workforce, with core course offerings scheduled for some evenings. If you’re a full-time student, you can take your electives during the day.

What do I need to get in?
You can centre the CYC program after completing 30 UFV credits or equivalent; including six credits in first-year English or communications. You need to have a minimum average grade of C+, as well as a minimum grade of C+ in the English courses. If you have completed the Early Childhood Education program or other related certificate or diploma program with an average grade of B or higher, you may be admitted based on your personal and professional suitability as well as academic standing, and may be eligible to receive block credit for this training. You will have to participate in an orientation session with CYC faculty. It is helpful to have paid or volunteer experience with young children and/or adolescents.

Along with your application, you will be required to submit a letter that outlines your past experience and career objectives. If you are transferring from another post-secondary institution, we require sealed copies of your academic transcript, diploma and/or certificate. As you will be working with children and teens, it is strongly recommended that you have a current first aid certificate and updated Rubella and TB clearance.

When should I apply?
Admission to the CYC degree program is on a competitive basis and meeting the minimal requirements does not guarantee you’ll get in. If you plan to start your studies in September, applications for the fall semester should be received starting October 1st until March 31 of that year. Applications received after this deadline will be considered only if space is still available in the program. 

I’m interested. What do I do now?
Apply right away. Check out the UFV online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar. Be sure to review the section about our CYC degree program carefully and then complete your Application for Admission form. Once that’s done, submit it by mail or in person to any UFV Admissions and Records office. You can also transmit it through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. Visit www.ufv.ca/advising/prospective/enroll for a step-by- step process to becoming a UFV student.

Program outline
Please see UFV Calendar for Program Outline. 

How much will it cost? Can I afford to take this program?
It’s best to consult the Fees and Other Costs section of the UFV online calendar at www.ufv.ca/calendar. It’s also worth a visit to the UFV Financial Aid and Awards office, which facilitates the disbursement each year of about $12 million in federal and provincial student loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and awards to UFV students. A helpful budget planning worksheet is available online at www.ufv.ca/fineaid/budget .

I’m not sure that this program is for me. Can I speak with someone about my options?
Absolutely. We want to hear from you! If you have specific questions about the Child and Youth Care degree program contact the UFV Early Childhood Education/Child & Youth Care departmental assistant/advisor at 604-854-4580. If you’re unsure of your direction, contact Student Services at 1-888-504-7441 to arrange a tour, attend a "Becoming a Student" info session, connect with an educational advisor, or arrange for career counselling.