To inspire and be inspired is at the heart of UBC Okanagan’s 16-month post-degree Bachelor of Education (BEd) program. If you are passionate about learning, join our community of educators. Throughout this generalist BEd program, you will experience a variety of approaches to teaching and learning and work alongside educators on campus, in schools and in the community. You’ll develop a teaching stance in which students and the quality of their learning are the primary focus areas. Curriculum and teaching strategies or methods are secondary areas of focus.

You will graduate with a globally recognized UBC Bachelor of Education degree and recommendation for teacher certification by the BC Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch. Both are highly sought after by employers locally, nationally and internationally.

Given the generalist nature of this BEd program, no specialization or pathway will be indicated on the transcript or parchment.

INSPIRE

INSPIRE is the core theme of UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Education program. It was conceived, planned and built on four defining principles:

• IN-situ: Experiencing learning opportunities in diverse situations;
• Scholar-Practitioner: Exploring theory/practice connections, and cultivating a lifelong learning mindset;
• Inquiry: Questioning, adapting, building and making meaning as the heart of all learning;
• Re-Imagine Education: Envisioning education that is invested in individual and collective growth and well-being.

Our schedule is quite different from other programs. Our courses are organized into blocks and field experiences over a 16-month span. View or download the Year at a Glance schedule (PDF).

Winter Term 1 (Year 1, September to December)

• Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner (EDUC 403), Sept. to Oct.
• Developing a Pedagogical Stance (EDUC 431), Oct. to Dec.
• Field Experience: Literacies and Numeracies in Action (EDUC 440), Dec. (two weeks)

Winter Term 2 (Year 1, January to April)

• Developing Curricular Vision for a Democratic Society: Education Purposes, Policies and Practices Part 1 (EDUC 436), Jan. to Feb.
• Field Experience: Formative Practicum (EDUC 441), Feb. to Mar. (five weeks)
• Developing Curricular Vision for a Democratic Society: Educational Purposes, Policies and Practices Part 2 (EDUC 437), Mar. to Apr.

Summer Term 1 (Year 1, May & June)

• Community Field Experience (EDUC 442), May
• Educating the Whole Person (EDUC 438), June

Summer Term 2 (Year 1, July & August)

• Summer Institute in Education: Students must complete elective courses that focus on personalized professional learning goals

Winter Term 1 (Year 2, September to December)

• Field Experience: Final Practicum/Internship (EDUC 444), Sept. to Dec. (15 weeks)

Browse all Education courses and descriptions.

UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) program includes a wide variety of courses that encompass experiences at the elementary, middle and secondary levels.

Once enrolled, you will work with classmates both within and across each pathway. You will also personalize your studies by choosing a community-based field experience and elective courses in the Summer Institute.

Sample courses:

• EDUC 403 – Becoming a Scholar Practitioner
  The cultivation of knowledge and understanding regarding the interdisciplinary foundations of educational principles, policies and practices, all of which are examined through large group contexts, seminars and field experiences.
• EDUC 438 – Educating for the Whole Person
  Teaching and learning theory and practice relating to a holistic approach to well-being. Examining and interpreting the research on philosophical, psychological, physiological and political aspects of wellbeing.
• EDUC 441 – Field Experience: Formative Practicum
  Working collaboratively in a school context, mentor teachers and teacher candidates co-plan, co-teach and co-assess. Insight into the significance of personal practical knowledge by engaging in dialogue, observation, and reflection concerning why the mentor teacher orients practices in particular ways, using specific strategies, resources, and lesson sequences.

Browse all Education courses and descriptions.
Please note, the BEd program only consists of EDUC 403, 431, 440, 436, 441, 437, 442, 438 and 444.

self-assessment worksheet

This self-assessment worksheet can assist you in reviewing academic admission requirements for your admission pathway.

Download worksheet

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Education program, students must have completed a four-year (minimum 120-credit) bachelor’s degree or equivalent at an accredited post-secondary institution.

In addition, applicants must have a minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with young people, preferably at the age range they are proposing to teach.

View the “Apply to UBC” section below for the Supplemental Application Form and two Reference Reports detailed instructions as these will need to be submitted with your application.

The following admission criteria must be met:

• Admission average: a minimum average of 65% in the last 30 credits of transferable post-secondary coursework passed, failed, and/or repeated;
• English requirement: 6 credits of English literature and composition with a minimum average of 65%. A minimum of 3 of the 6 English credits must be English literature. The 6 credits of English literature and composition may be satisfied with coursework at the 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 level. Courses in creative writing, technical or business writing, or communication are not acceptable;
• Canadian Studies: 3 credits that have significant Canadian content. Note: the Teacher Regulation Branch defines Canadian content requirements as the following: “The focus of a Canadian studies course must be on understanding the Canadian experience. The Canadian content must be central to the conceptual thesis of the course rather than existing only in exemplar supporting concepts of another academic discipline”;
• Lab science: 3 credits in a laboratory science. Note: lab science courses are normally selected from the following:
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Physical Geography
  • Physics

  A 3-credit lab science is typically scheduled for three hours of lecture and two or three hours of labs per week.

• Mathematics: 3 credits of Mathematics. Note: Statistics and Business Math courses are not accepted. EDUC 160 is an acceptable course and the equivalent to Math 160.
• 15 credits of 300- and/or 400-level coursework in one or a combination of the following subjects taught in BC public schools:
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Economics
  • English
  • Environmental Science
  • French
  • Geography
  • Health Studies
  • History
  • Human Kinetics
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Theatre
  • Visual Art

Students wishing to have coursework considered in a discipline not listed should consult with an Education Academic Advisor.

All required coursework must be completed by April 30, prior to commencement in the program.

Information posted is from UBC’s Academic Calendar. In the event of a discrepancy, the Academic Calendar shall be held to be correct.

self-assessment worksheet

This self-assessment worksheet can assist you in reviewing academic admission requirements for your admission pathway.

download worksheet

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Education program, students must have completed a four-year (minimum 120-credit) bachelor’s degree or equivalent at an accredited post-secondary institution.

In addition, applicants must have a minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with young people, preferably at the age range they are proposing to teach.

View the “Apply to UBC” section below for the Supplemental Application Form and two Reference Reports detailed instructions as these will need to be submitted with your application.

The following admission criteria must also be met:

• Admission average: a minimum average of 65% in the last 30 credits of transferable post-secondary coursework passed, failed, and/or repeated;
• English requirement: 6 credits of English literature and composition with a minimum average of 65%. A minimum of 3 of the 6 English credits must be English literature. The 6 credits of English literature and composition may be satisfied with coursework at the 100, 200, 300, and/or 400 level. Courses in creative writing, technical or business writing, or communication are not acceptable;
• Canadian Studies: 3 credits that have significant Canadian content. Note: the Teacher Regulation Branch defines Canadian content requirements as the following: “The focus of a Canadian studies course must be on understanding the Canadian experience. The Canadian content must be central to the conceptual thesis of the course rather than existing only in exemplar supporting concepts of another academic discipline”;
• Lab science: 3 credits in a laboratory science. Note: lab science courses are normally selected from the following:
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Physical Geography
  • Physics

  A 3-credit lab science is typically scheduled for three hours of lecture and two or three hours of labs per week.

• Mathematics: 3 credits of Mathematics. Note: Statistics and Business Math courses are not accepted. EDUC 160 is an acceptable course and the equivalent to Math 160.
• 24 credits of academic coursework in any one of the following teachable subjects taught in BC public schools. Note: Preference will be given to applicants with academic coursework in two teachable subjects. Teachable subjects are:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Environmental Science
  • French¹
  • General Science²
  • Geography
  • History
  • Indigenous Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Music³
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Social Studies⁴
  • Theatre³
  • Visual Art³

Students wishing to have coursework considered in a discipline not listed should consult with an Education Academic Advisor.

¹If the teachable subject is French, students must also successfully complete an oral and written French language competency assessment to the level specified for French as a second language. Please see the French Language Competency Assessment for more information.

²If the teachable subject is General Science, the 24 credits of academic coursework can be a combination of Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics courses. Other science courses may be included in the 24 credits upon approval.

³If the teachable subject is Music, Theatre, or Visual Art at least 6 of the required 24 credits must be studies in theory (i.e., non-studio).

⁴If the teachable subject is Social Studies (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, or Sociology) the 24 required credits must include the following:

• 3 credits of Canadian Studies (already required for the Teaching Adolescents stream),
• 3 credits of Geography,
• 3 credits of History, and
• 15 credits of academic coursework in one or a combination of the following disciplines:
  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

Coursework relating to the disciplines above in the areas of Canadian Studies, Cultural Studies, Asian Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Indigenous Studies, Religious Studies (of a non-doctrinal nature), Classical Studies, Urban Studies, or Environmental Sciences may be considered provided an examination of the course syllabi reveals such a relationship.

All required coursework must be completed by April 30, prior to commencement in the program.

Information posted is from UBC’s Academic Calendar. In the event of a discrepancy, the Academic Calendar shall be held to be correct.

There is a growing demand for French teachers all across Canada.  Read Make a Future’s three tips about teaching French in B.C.

To apply for the French pathway, you’ll need:

• To meet the admission criteria for either the Teaching Children or Teaching Adolescents Pathway. Please see the criteria above.
• Admission into the cohort also requires:
  • Successful completion of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) (see additional DELF information in the French Language Competency Assessment section below) OR
  • Provide a written assessment by faculty of the French Department of a Canadian university that you have demonstrated knowledge  of the French language to indicate you are capable of conducting all French language teaching OR
  • Demonstrate completion of all of your education in the French language OR
  • Provide a letter from a Francophone Education Authority indicating your proficiency

French teachers Kindergarten (K) – Grade 9+  may teach French in:

• French Immersion: Teach French language and subject content (e.g. Math, Science, P.E.) in French.
• Core French: Teach French language.
• Francophone Schools: Teach subject content in French within the Conseil Scolaire Francophone.

BC French Teacher Bursary

Teacher candidates who complete 55 per cent or more of their coursework in French may qualify to receive up to $1,600 to offset tuition fees from the BC Ministry of Education Bursary.

Review the eligibility criteria, guidelines and application on the BC Ministry of Education website.

French Language Competency Assessment

Prospective applicants to the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program who wish to teach French-as-a-Second-Language (FSL) either in Core French or French Immersion are strongly encouraged to complete the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) and/or Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) prior to applying to the program. Ideally, this competency test should be taken in the third or fourth year of undergraduate studies.

DELF/DALF results are normally submitted as part of the application to the BEd program. If the DELF/DALF is taken after applying, please email your test results to the Education Office at: education.ubco@ubc.ca.

Exam Centres – Canada

Please note: There are limited seats and dates available.

Potential candidates to the French Pathway may be contacted by the Education Office in regards to their French proficiency during the application review process. 

Questions related to the French Pathway may be directed to the BEd Coordinator, French, Carl Ruest, at carl.ruest@ubc.ca or (250) 807-8196. 

BEd students must earn 60 credits in order to graduate.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 

UBC Okanagan’s fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre. See Financial Planning for helpful resources, and add up your first-year costs with our Cost Calculator.

In addition to the tuition costs, Bachelor of Education students have program fees and require accident insurance.

Program fees

Program fees are paid at the beginning of each term or you have the option to pay a one-time fee of $400 for the entire program at the beginning:

Fee Schedule:

Winter Term 1: $100
Winter Term 2: $100
Summer Terms 1 & 2: $100
Winter Term 1: $100

These fees cover general program expenses, including, but not limited to:

Field Experience Kits

The Field Experience Kit will be used for various field experiences (e.g. site-based coursework, school visits and practicum) and consists of: a teacher candidate identification lanyard and a binder for confidential information. Field Experience Kits will be distributed in September.

Field Trips & Community Building events

Workshops and special sessions (e.g. Art/Music/IT explorations, Maker Day, Indigenous learning experiences)

Students are also required to have Accident Insurance, if you do not have your own insurance, please visit the Student Resources section for details on purchasing the insurance through UBC.

For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.

* Fees, including tuition, program, course, special, and student society fees, are approved by the Board of Governors following consultation with students and are subject to change.

To be eligible for admission to the 16-month Bachelor of Education post-degree program, you must have completed a four-year (minimum 120-credit) bachelor’s degree or equivalent at an accredited post-secondary institution. For details, please review the academic requirements for each pathway under “Admission Requirements” above.

SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKSHEETS

These self-assessment worksheets can assist you in reviewing academic admission requirements for your admission pathway: Teaching Children and Teaching Adolescents.

Additional Requirements

In addition, applicants must submit:

a) A summary of experience working with school-age children and/or youth. A minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with young people is required;
b) A one-page essay indicating what they have learned from their experience with school-age children and/or youth that will help them in their teaching career; and
c) Two confidential reference reports

You will provide your summary of experience and essay in the Supplemental Application Form. Details can be found in Step Three.

You will send a link to your chosen references for them to submit a confidential reference report. Details can be found in Step Four.

Admission to the Okanagan School of Education is competitive and the Bachelor of Education program has limited enrolment. Satisfying the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Applicants’ teachable subject(s) will be considered when determining admissibility.

Apply according to the online submission option that best applies to you:

• Current UBC Students – apply online through the Student Service Centre(SSC). Login, click the “Registration” tab, and select “Change of Degree Program/Campus.”
• Former UBC Students – apply online through the Student Service Centre(SSC). Login, click the “Admissions” tab, and select “Re-Admission.”
• Non-UBC Students – The UBC Okanagan application for the 2022/2023 academic year is available through EducationPlanner BC (EPBC).

• • View UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions Steps to Apply for more information on applying.
  • Please note: You do not have to fill out the Personal Profile as you will be filling out a supplemental application (see step 3).

The online UBCO application deadline is January 15 of the application year.

The Supplemental Application Form offers you the opportunity to share your practical experiences and explain your educational goals.

Experience requirements

To meet the admission requirements, you must have a minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid), preferably at the age level you wish to teach. Although we consider all relevant experiences, we strongly recommend current experiences within the last two years.

A range and variety of instructional experiences is encouraged to better prepare for the program. Typical experiences for applicants include but are not limited to working in school classrooms as a volunteer or assistant, teaching dance, coaching team sports or working as a summer camp counselor. While we recommend classroom experience, it is not required.  Experience in international settings is valuable, but we recommend experience in Canadian settings.

Normally an applicant without experience with school-aged children and/or youth will not be admitted to the program.

You may provide us with information on up to three experiences in the supplemental application.

Personal essay

Recognizing that you may want to plan, write, and/or polish your personal essay before pasting it into the form. The essay question is provided below for your convenience.

Becoming an educator opens doors to many opportunities to teach, learn, and contribute in a variety of contexts including but not exclusive to schools. What are your goals as an educator? Highlight and provide examples of the qualities and experiences you bring to the challenge of becoming an educator? (Maximum 500 words)

The Supplemental Application Form is due by January 31 of the application year.

Submit Supplemental

Please note: If you are applying to UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan you will be required to submit your experience summaries and personal essay to each campus

You must arrange for the submission of two (2) confidential references to be sent on your behalf. The School of Education will not accept more than two reports. Letters in lieu of these report forms are also not acceptable.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have provided your references:

• your name as it appears on your UBC Admissions Application
• teaching pathway preference
• UBC student number
• primary email address.

Further, it is your responsibility to ensure that your references understand the importance of including those pieces of information accurately when submitting their reference.

Your references must be directly associated (e.g., your supervisor) with the activities you list on the Supplemental Application form which comprise the minimum 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with young people (preferably the age-range you wish to teach).

They must have personally observed you working in a face-to-face or an online context where your primary role was to instruct or interact, in group or individual settings, with children and/or youth.

The references must be credible authorities who can speak to your abilities, experiences, and interests relevant to the teaching profession. They cannot be a family member or a personal friend.

Examples of appropriate references include:

• An Individual who has personally observed you in a face-to-face or online context where your primary role was to instruct or interact with children and/or youth
• School administrator (e.g., principal, vice-principal)
• Teacher at an elementary, middle, or secondary school
• Camp director
• Daycare program coordinator
• TA-supervising professor

Examples of inappropriate references:

• An Individual who has NOT personally observed you in a face-to-face or online context where your primary role was to instruct or interact with children and/or youth
• Family members (including in-laws, stepfamily, extended family, etc.)
• Friends

Your experience with children/youth and your personal character and qualities as reflected in the reference reports are essential selection criteria.

Qualities appropriate to the profession of teaching that referees are asked to judge include: motivation for teaching; enthusiasm; leadership potential; dependability; initiative; flexibility and adaptability (including the ability to deal with change and/or stressful situations); oral and written communication skills; ability to interact appropriately with children and/or youth and with adults; ability to identify problems and pose possible solutions; and ability to access feedback and respond to suggestions. 

References must be completed and submitted online by January 31 of the application year.

Reference Form

Send the link to your references: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8l9yTbgF0opTwlo

Please note: If you are applying to UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan your references will be required to submit a confidential report to each campus

Submit your official transcripts for any post-secondary studies at institutions other than UBC.

SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS

Please note: If you are applying to UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan you will be required to submit your transcripts twice. 

Status

You can check the status of your application through the Student Service Centre.

Prospective students will be notified of an admission decision any time between March and June of the same year. Welcome packages will be sent by the end of July of the same year, although the information is available through our BEd resources.

Help with Applying

If you have questions about your application or need assistance please visit the Student Advising Services webpage to contact them or book an appointment.

Please note that all communication and interactions with the Okanagan School of Education are considered part of the admissions process and are taken into account when considering applicants for admission. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate in an unprofessional manner or who act in an inappropriate manner during the admissions process, regardless of academic standing.

• Elementary/Secondary Schools
• International schools in Canada and abroad
• School boards and trustees
• Governmental departments and organizations
• Community, social, and correctional services
• Regional health authorities
• Advertising, human resources, marketing, and research organizations

Positively impact your professional career and learn alongside faculty conducting research and contributing educational scholarship through our Professional Development opportunities like our Summer Institute in Education or Certificates & Diplomas, and our Graduate Programs offering Master and Doctorate level degrees.

• Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
• Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
• Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
• Attend an orientation that’s tailored to your needs as an aboriginal student, domestic student, international student, or a student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.
• Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
  * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 

• UBC’s Okanagan Library is the go-to place for books and media, databases, journals, public computers, printing and scanning, writing and research services, and much more.
• Familiarize yourself with resources designed to help you succeed. Student Services offers a variety of academic supports, from study sessions to tutoring and writing workshops.
• Peer mentors are a great resource — ask questions and learn from students who’ve been there, done that.

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) program offers the following scholarships and awards:

• Madeline Korfman Memorial Scholarship
  This scholarship has been endowed through a bequest by Madeline Betty Korfman to honour her love for teaching. Korman taught school in southwestern Saskatchewan before relocating to the Okanagan in the mid-1900s.
  Prize description: $2,500 in scholarship funds are available each year.
• Maxwell A. Cameron Memorial Award
  The Maxwell A. Cameron Award is given annually by the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation to students completing the final year of the Bachelor of Education degree in elementary and secondary school teaching. The recipients of the award are those students who are considered to be an outstanding student in the graduating class.
  Recipients of this award receive $250 and a silver pin. This is awarded to one Teaching Adolescent and one Teaching Children student in their graduating year.
• Head of Class Award
  Each year the Okanagan School of Education awards a student with the University of BC Medal for the head of the graduating class. This is awarded to a top BEd student in their graduating year based on their academic performance throughout their program.

For more information on awards for Okanagan School of Education students, visit Awards & Scholarships.

Students should also review UBC Okanagan’s Awards, Scholarships and Prizes page for other opportunities.

Sports

Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.

Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.

Clubs and Associations

Branch out, get involved in student life, and have fun by joining various campus clubs.

Living on or near campus you will find yourself immersed within a learning culture, close to academic supports, and surrounded by hiking and biking trails, and sand beaches and lakes.

Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.  UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, features a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.  Find out more about living in residence.

Living off campus is an exciting way to explore Kelowna’s dynamic, growing community. Students who commute to campus have access to campus collegia—gathering places specially designed for commuters.

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Explore the Okanagan lifestyle.