Frequently Asked Questions: Bachelor of Education

Whether you’re interested in applying for the Bachelor of Education for the next cohort, or in the future, here are a few tips based on frequently asked questions to help guide you along the way. We recommend reviewing the admissions requirements and application components early to ensure you have time to submit all the required documents.

Academic Requirements

I have an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate OR I have an Education Assistant Certificate (CEA – certified education assistant). Can I apply to the BEd Program? 

An EA Certificate or Diploma can give you great hands-on classroom experience, but it does not shorten the pathway to becoming a teacher. The Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a post-degree program, so you must complete an undergraduate degree before applying. 

Admission to the BEd is based on the BC Ministry of Education requirements for a Certificate of Qualification (teaching certificate). This includes having a four-year 120-credits of post-secondary studies (or equivalent) as well as specific academic coursework. As such, a certificate/diploma does not meet the requirements.  In addition, EA courses are generally not transferable into the BEd, but working as an EA can strengthen your application and help you gain valuable school-based experience. 

If your goal is to become a certified teacher, the most direct route is to complete a bachelor’s degree and then apply to the BEd. 

My degree did not require a [Mathematics, Science Lab or Canadian Studies] course, can I have this course requirement waived?  

Course requirements for the Bachelor of Education are based on the post-secondary coursework required to receive a Certificate of Qualification from the Ministry of BC. Therefore, we can not waive these course credits.  

Supplemental application and references

For frequently asked questions about the supplemental application and references, please visit our Applying to the Bachelor of Education page.

International Student

Can I apply as an international student?

Yes, the admission requirements remain the same. Please review the admission requirements on our Bachelor of Education page.

Admissions

When will I hear back after applying? 

Our admissions process is thorough, and each application receives careful review — this takes time regardless of when a completed application was submitted. Prospective students may be notified of an admission decision any time between February and June of the same year.

I have received an evaluation from the Teacher Regulation Branch and need to complete select education courses and/or the practicum. Can I take select BEd coursework or the practicum through UBCO?

We are unable to accommodate your request at this time. The UBCO Bachelor of Education program is only able to offer courses and practicum placements to those who are enrolled in the full 11-month Bachelor of Education program. 

Program schedule

Can the Bachelor of Education be completed online?

Our Bachelor of Education is in-person at the UBC Okanagan campus. If you are seeking a Bachelor of Education that is offered hybrid, you could consider UBC’s Rural and Remote Teacher Education Program.

How long are the classes each day? What is the schedule?  

Teacher candidates should plan to be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the program until the course schedule has been posted on Workday Student. There will be full or partial days without scheduled coursework. There may be days that the scheduled time goes beyond 4:00, but we will give you advance notice.

You can view the current BEd schedule on our website to provide an idea for course times and breaks.

Field Experiences

Are field experiences limited to public schools, or can they also include private schools?

We have partnerships in place with School District 53, 67, 23, 22, 83 and independent schools, including faith-based schools.

How are placements assigned in terms of location? Do students have any input or choice in their placement locations?

Field experience placements are determined by the Field Advisor team supervised by the Director of Undergraduate Programs. Surveys go out to teacher candidates prior to placements to seek their input, including their age and setting preferences and geographic factors. As much as possible, the team works together to find the best fit possible. Efforts are made by the team to ensure each candidate has a variety of experiences.

How am I assigned to a mentor? 

Your field advisor will place you with a mentor teacher.

Advisors will consider:

  • Your teachables
  • Your pathway
  • Conflicts of interest (e.g. family members working at or attending the school, whether you were a student at the school previously)
  • Your location
  • Your learning goals
  • Your strengths and growth opportunities

The personalized approach of mentor selection is one of the highlights of our program.

Careers and Outcomes

Does the Bachelor of Education lead to Teacher Certification?

As an approved BC Teacher Education Program, the program does lead to Teacher Certification in BC.

Can I teach in a province outside of BC after receiving my Bachelor of Education?

Under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, teacher qualifications are transferable. You will need to apply for teacher certification in the province or territory you wish to teach in. We have also had alumni teach internationally.