Integrated Studies

Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree

In the Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS), students can create a flexible, multidisciplinary program suited to their educational and career goals. To complete their program, students develop and demonstrate core competencies highly desired in the workforce, such as effective communications and the use of data. Prior learning and professional experience can be used, by assessment, to meet one or more of the competencies. In their program, students choose between completing a specialty as part of a thematic option or minor, or completing a general option.

Quick links

• What are the requirements for entrance to the program?
• How to apply
• How many credits in the BIS need to be completed at UFV? How many can be transferred from other institutions?
• What are the requirements for the Bachelor of Integrated Studies?
• What choices are there for specialization within the BIS? Thematic Options, minors, and other options
• Graduation requirements
• Relevant policies

Can professional experience be used towards the BIS?

Potentially, yes! BIS students must demonstrate professional competency as a condition of degree completion, and prior or continuing professional experience may be considered for this requirement. In addition, the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process allows students the opportunity to have non-traditional learning and work experience assessed for credit. Please contact an Academic Advisor for more information.

Entrance requirements

Option 1: Secondary school (for students with secondary school graduation only)

B.C. applicants

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. A minimum grade of C+ in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note) and a minimum of a B average in two additional Approved Grade 12 courses.

   Note: Students may also present English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

Out-of-province applicants

Students will be considered on the basis of courses equivalent to Approved Grade 12 courses. See the Admissions section of the calendar for more information on equivalents to B.C. secondary school graduation.

Out-of-country applicants

Students must have B.C. secondary school graduation equivalency, meet the prerequisites for ENGL 105 or CMNS 125, and have completed an equivalent average of B (equated to the UFV grading system) in two academic Grade 12 subjects.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

Alternatives to secondary school graduation

Students who have completed the International Baccalaureate diploma program, the B.C. Graduation diploma (B.C. Adult Dogwood), or the General Educational Development (GED) certificate may be considered to have the equivalent of B.C. secondary school graduation for admission purposes.

Aviation applicants

Aviation students have the option of combining a Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree with a Thematic option in Professional Pilot Training — Fixed Wing. Students who plan to complete this option should apply to Coastal Pacific Aviation at the same time as applying for the BIS. Please refer to the Coastal Pacific Aviation website for further details about admission requirements and application processes.

This program may also be of interest to students who have completed the Business Administration (Aviation) diploma and wish to continue their studies to complete a university degree with a thematic option.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)

1. Post-secondary applicants may be considered for admission to the BIS if they have the equivalent of B.C. secondary school English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 with a final grade of C+ or better; or
2. Otherwise meet the prerequisites for ENGL 105 or CMNS 125, and have completed one of the following:
• A minimum of 30 post-secondary credits with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, including a minimum of nine transferable university-level credits;
• A minimum of nine transferable university-level credits, with a minimum CGPA of 3.00, calculated on all credits attempted;
• A UFV diploma (e.g. General Studies diploma, Liberal Arts diploma, etc.) or B.C. Associate degree in Arts or Science with a minimum CGPA of 2.00; or
• A post-secondary vocational, career, or technical certificate or diploma (with minimum of 24 credits) from a recognized Canadian or international post-secondary institution, with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, calculated on all courses taken.

Note 1: Students applying under category 1 above, with fewer than 30 credits applicable for BIS entrance at the time they apply for admission, but who have a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all post-secondary courses attempted, may be considered for admission based on secondary school requirements. 

Note 2: Any student who is applying to enter the BIS program with 60 or more transferable university-level credits will also need to submit a Customized Learning Plan (CLP) as part of their application. CLPs will not be used as a basis for admission.

Option 3: Non-traditional student entrance

A limited number of seats will be available for students who are starting or returning to university after five or more years in the work force. Applicants must have B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, meet the requirements for ENGL 105, and submit a written statement of interest with their application. Students granted entrance under this application category are required to meet with the BIS Academic Advisor prior to registration.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies and/or a meeting with an Academic Advisor.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. To retain their original application date, students should order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date the application is mailed or submitted.
   • For secondary school entrance, a final official transcript (if graduated). For students currently in Grade 12, final grades are due August 3.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
3. In cases where course work is in progress, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supply costs vary according to course subject matter and mode of delivery.

Program duration

The BIS program can be completed in four years of full-time study, with students taking 10 courses per calendar year. A reduced course load is permitted.

Subsequent degree

Students who have already completed a degree at the bachelor’s level may be granted an additional bachelor’s degree provided that the two degrees are significantly different and that the student has met the program requirements. At least one third of the total credits required for the additional degree, including at least 30 upper-level (300- or 400-level) credits for the subsequent degree beyond the credits taken in the first or concurrent degree, must be taken at UFV. See UFV's Subsequent and Concurrent Bachelor Degree policy (98) for more information.

Program requirements

There are four sets of requirements for the BIS.

1. Completion of the Customized Learning Plan
2. Degree, breadth, and portfolio requirements
3. Core competencies requirements
4. Electives for the General option, minor(s), or Thematic option

Customized Learning Plans (CLPs)

BIS students are required to submit a Customized Learning Plan (CLP) as part of their degree planning and in meeting their degree requirements. The CLP requires students to identify their learning and professional goals.

Students will develop their CLP using online BIS supports and in consultation with an Academic Advisor. Students will need to submit their CLPs before they have completed 60 university-level credits, including PLAR. A hold may be placed on registration until the CLP is submitted. Students who are applying to enter the BIS after having already completed 60 or more university-level credits will need to submit their CLPs with their application. CLPs will not be used as a basis for admission, but are required to ensure these students can likely complete any planned coursework in time.

For more information, deadlines, and to obtain CLP forms, please refer to the Bachelor of Integrated Studies website.

Degree, breadth, and portfolio requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree students must complete the following minimum requirements:

• 120 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00, of which 30 must be completed at UFV.
• 45 upper-level credits, of which 24 are completed at UFV.
• CGPA of 2.00 in the BIS degree.
• CGPA in courses for minor(s), as specified by minor program.
• CGPA of 2.00 in all upper-level credits.
• The 120 credits must incorporate the breadth requirement.

In addition, students must complete the following two requirements:

• Breadth requirement: Completion of one or more courses in each of at least six separate disciplines, as identified by course prefix (e.g. AGRI, ANTH, ASTR, BIO, BUS, etc.).
• E-Portfolio requirement: Completion of PORT 398 and PORT 399.

Core competencies requirements

1. Effective Communications
2. Use and Interpretation of Numerical Data
3. Scientific Literacy
4. Digital Competency
5. Intercultural Engagement
6. Professional Competency

1. Effective communications

Note: A single course in second language instruction (e.g. FREN, GERM, JAPN, RUSS, SPAN) can only be used to meet either the Effective Communications requirement or the Intercultural Engagement requirement. Students may choose to complete a second course in language instruction, and use this to meet a second requirement.

2. Use and interpretation of numerical data

3. Scientific literacy

Note: Teacher education programs will have more specific lab science requirements. Students planning on continuing on to Teacher Education programs should check with those programs' admissions requirements.

4. Digital competency

5. Intercultural engagement

Note 1: A single course in second language instruction (e.g. FREN, GERM, JAPN, RUSS, SPAN) can only be used to meet either the Effective Communications requirement or the Intercultural Engagement requirement. Students may choose to complete a second course in language instruction, and use this to meet a second requirement.

Note 2: A single internships or practicum can be used to meet the Intercultural Engagement requirement or the Professional Competency requirement, but not both. Students have the option of completing more than one internship or practicum in their program, in which case each placement can be used to meet a separate requirement.

6. Professional competency

Successful completion of one of the following:

• One or more terms of Cooperative Education
• Credited Internship or Practicum in any discipline
• Credited Study Tour (four or more credits)
• Three verified Co-Curricular Record (CCR) experiences, or 60 hours of CCR
• 60 hours of Co-Curricular Record experience
• Completion of a post-secondary Professional program (e.g. TESL, Dental Hygiene, Veterinary Technologist) related to learning goals set out in the Individual Learning Plan and leading to professional designation or accreditation
• Completion of Continuing Education programs that have a practicum component (e.g. Legal Administration, Medical Office Assistant, Public Relations, Records Management, Veterinary Assistant).
• Completion of Continuing Education programs in:
• Bookkeeping for Small Business
• Coding Bridging
• Human Resources Management
• Library Technology Post-diploma
• Management Skills for Supervisors
• Paralegal certificate
• Paralegal diploma

• Demonstration, through application and e-Portfolio, of sufficient prior work or volunteer experience relevant to learning goals set out in Individual Learning Plan. See BIS website for more information.

Thematic options, minors, and other specializations

Students can choose from the following degree pathways: Thematic options, Thematic option (Professional Pilot Training), minors, Co-operative Education, and General option (no specialization).

Students must declare which option they plan to pursue by 60 credits or, for transfer students with more than 60 credits, at time of entry.

Thematic option

The Thematic option allows students to create a customized program of study in an area for which UFV does not offer a major or minor. Students complete their thematic options using upper-level courses from two or more disciplines.

Students have two pathways to complete a thematic option:

• Completion of a pre-set thematic option in one of the following areas: Aviation, Childhood Studies, Educational Studies, or Spanish Language and Culture Studies. Check with the BIS advisor for an updated list of pre-set thematic options;
• Design their own thematic option (subject to program approval) in a unique area. Past thematic options have included: explorations of aging, public relations, Middle Eastern studies, and agroecology. Students should request a meeting with the program advisor or chair to discuss building their thematic option around their educational and professional interests.

All thematic options must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 24 upper-level credits approved for use in the thematic option.
• A minimum of 12 upper-level credits approved for use in the thematic option to be completed at UFV.
• Upper-level credits from a minimum of two distinct disciplines used within the thematic option.
• A minimum 2.00 grade requirement in all thematic option courses.

Please see the Bachelor of Integrated Studies website or the Advising Centre website for information on existing thematic options, and for the thematic option handbook and forms. Students wishing to complete a thematic option should identify this within their Customized Learning Plan (CLP) and submit the CLP by 60 credits or time of entry. Students choosing to complete a thematic option after the CLP can submit a separate proposal but should do so before 90 credits in order to ensure that sufficient time is available to complete requirements. The plan must include courses that satisfy the general degree requirements and show how the selected courses support the theme.

Thematic option — Aviation

Professional Pilot Training — Fixed Wing

The BIS offers a departmentally approved Thematic option for students who are completing the Aviation program. This program includes courses for obtaining private and commercial licences and one of the specialized advanced options: heavy jet or professional flight instructor. Upon successful completion of the BIS requirements and Aviation courses students obtain a Thematic option: Professional Pilot Training — Fixed Wing. Students can select courses to complete one or more minors or select courses for interest.

For this specialized option, students must apply and be admitted to Coastal Pacific Aviation. Please refer to the Aviation section of the calendar and to the Coastal Pacific Aviation website for further details about admission requirements and application processes.

Minors and extended minors

Students select electives to complete one or more minors or extended minors. Refer to the appropriate calendar details for the minor or extended minor requirements.

Students may not complete both a minor and an extended minor in the same program.

Note: For students completing a Thematic option, only two upper-level courses (maximum of eight credits) of a minor or extended minor can be used toward the Thematic option.

General option

Students select courses to complete a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 45 must be upper-level. Students are eligible to select any course for which they meet the prerequisites. Choice should include courses that enhance a career path, or meet prerequisites for professional programs, or for expanding academic knowledge. The program is developed according to the intended learning goals of the individual.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option provides students with the opportunity to acquire paid, career-related work experience in conjunction with their studies in the Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree program. See the Co-operative Education section for more details.

Declaration of minors, or thematic option

Students may formally declare minors or intention to complete a thematic option after they have been accepted. Unless otherwise stated, to be eligible to declare minors, students must have earned a minimum grade of C on each of the required courses for the subject discipline. (Some areas have specific requirements; these are listed in the calendar under the relevant discipline.) Students are encouraged to declare minors or their intention to complete a thematic option as soon as possible.

Students will be required to make this declaration by 90 credits, or upon entry to degree program, whichever is later. Students may request to declare a minor or Thematic Option after 90 credits on a case-by-case basis. Students who do not meet the requirements of their planned minor or Thematic Option may be able to graduate with a BIS, general option (no specialization).

Please note that the number of students wanting to enter any minor program may exceed capacity. Departments reserve the right to select competitively if necessary. UFV cannot guarantee available seats in required program courses on demand.

Courses at other institutions

UFV students who wish to take academic work at other institutions for credit toward the degree must obtain permission. A Letter of Permission request is available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms or can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Students must be in good standing (CGPA > 2.00) to receive a Letter of Permission. When approval has been granted, the Office of the Registrar will issue a Letter of Permission to the student.

Except as noted below, total transfer and course challenge credits, including prior learning credit, may not exceed 90. A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at UFV. A minimum of 24 upper-level credits must be completed at UFV. Within these limits, transfer credit may be applied to the BIS with courses passed with a grade of D or better. A D grade may not be sufficient for prerequisite purposes. Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of the institutional cumulative grade point average.

Policies relevant to the BIS

Course Repeat policy (86): Students may not register for a course more than twice without the permission of the department head/director for the discipline or their designate. All attempts will be recorded on the transcript, but only the highest grade will be included in the GPA. Transfer courses are considered in the number of attempts. A “W” or “AU” course is not counted as a duplication. Multiple repeats of the same course count as a single duplication.

Undergraduate Continuance policy (92): Students must have a CGPA of at least 2.00 to remain in good academic standing. Failure to meet or maintain a 2.00 will result in restrictions on registration and may lead to academic suspension.

Subsequent and Concurrent Bachelor Degree policy (98): Students who have already completed a degree at the bachelor’s level may be granted an additional bachelor’s degree provided that the two degrees are different, and that the student has met the program requirements. Students will complete at least one third of the total credits required for the additional degree, including at least 30 additional upper-level credits, beyond the credits taken in the first or concurrent degree. All 30 upper-level credits must be obtained through completion of UFV courses.

Transfer Credit policy (107) and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) policy (94): Students who successfully complete academic course work at another post-secondary institution may be able to transfer this credit to UFV to satisfy BIS degree requirements. Students will need to have earned a grade of C- or better in their transfer courses to use these to meet pre-requisite requirements for UFV courses, unless otherwise specified. Students may also be able to earn academic credit through an assessment of prior learning.

Residency

Students can complete academic course work at another post-secondary institution and transfer this credit to UFV to satisfy BIS degree requirements, under the following restrictions:

1. Of the 120 credits for the BIS, 30 must be completed at UFV.
2. Of the 45 upper-level credits for the BIS, 24 must be completed at UFV.
3. For a minor program, at least 50% of the required upper-level credits in the specific discipline must be completed at UFV.

Provided those requirements are met, up to 50% of credits required for the degree may be met through recognition of non-formal credit through the PLAR process (including course challenges). Total transfer credit and prior learning credit must not exceed 90 credits.

Graduation requirements

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the BIS Academic Advisor. Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UFV degree must be approved by the BIS Academic Advisor and Senate.

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/registrar/forms, or from the Office of the Registrar. This should be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by the Winter semester grade deadline (see Important Registration Dates) of each year.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.