Program Types and Length

Certificate programs

• A certificate is usually earned by taking 10–12 specified credit courses.
• Certificates usually can be completed in one year or less of full-time study.
• Part-time study is usually permitted, in which case it takes more than one year to earn a certificate.
• Certificate programs are also offered through Continuing Education.

Diploma programs

• A diploma is earned by taking 20–24 specified credit courses usually emphasizing a particular area of study and generally designed to either “ladder” into UFV 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.

Associate degree programs

• An associate degree is earned by taking approximately 20 prescribed and elective courses that 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 takes longer than two years to earn an associate degree.
• Associate degrees are designed to provide a credential after the equivalent of two years of full-time 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 transfer to another university after one or two years. The B.C. Transfer Guide at bctransferguide.ca shows which UFV courses are equivalent to which university courses.

Graduate programs

A graduate certificate is generally earned after the completion of an integrated group of courses taken part-time over one year. Please see the Graduate studies section for more information.

General Studies

Please see the General studies section for more information.

Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP)

Please see the UUP section for more information.

English Lanuage Studies (ELS)

Please see the ELS section for more information.

Continuing Education

Courses range from professional development to business and career training to job skills upgrading. Please see the Continuing Education section for more information.