This information is intended to help you select courses, whether you are still exploring programs and courses or already have a set program goal.
- If you are undecided, taking a variety of courses of interest is advised
- If your program includes elective choices, you have many courses to choose from
New and continuing VIU students are encouraged to prepare for and complete course registration prior to their assigned registration date in May of each year. Registration opens for the following Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
How to choose courses
Browse Course Offerings Alphabetically.
- Read through the course listings and descriptions and decide what interests you.
- Pay attention to prerequisites. These are listed under each course description.
- if you meet the course prerequisites, register
- if you do not meet the course prerequisites, upgrading through Adult Basic Education at VIU may be one of your selections
Consider Foundations for Success (FNFS) Courses.
- complement existing academic courses and programs at VIU
- designed to promote student success
Consider Interdisciplinary Studies (INTR) Courses.
- usually consisting of two existing 3-credit courses to create a stand-alone 6 credit course that may meet two different requirements and gives you twice the time each week with the instructor and classmates.
- those that include English course equivalency help you fulfill your VIU Degree English Requirement
Consider courses that develop critical skills for work and life.
- Bachelor of Arts graduates are valued in the job market for their high level skills in:
- Written and spoken communication
- Careful and creative thinking
- problem-solving
- leadership and teamwork
- social and cultural awareness
- civic responsibility, and
- adaptability to shifting trends.
- These crucial skills are enhanced in all BA courses and addressed specifically in the following:
- ENGL 115 University Writing and Research
- ENGL 117 University Writing and Research: Indigenous Focus
- ENGL 125 Literature and Culture
- ENGL 127 Literature and Culture: Indigenous Focus
- ENGL 135 Literature and Criticism
- ENGL 208 Introduction to Public Speaking: Communication
- LBST 111 Love and Friendship
- LBST 112 Knowledge, Good and Evil
- MEDI 100 Introduction to Media Studies and Communication
- MEDI 205 Promotion, Persuasion and Propaganda
- PHIL 100 Critical Thinking
- PHIL 111 Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
- PHIL 112 Intro to Philosophy: Ethics
- THEA 108 Introduction to Public Speaking: Performance
Meet with an Academic Advisor to review and fine tune your selections.
Timetable and register for courses
- Watch the Web Registration tutorial
- Draft and save your schedule
- select the box to automatically register you on your date and time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Faculty?
A Faculty is a division within a university comprising one subject area, or a number of related subject areas Example: Faculty of Science and Technology.
What are Majors and Minors?
Major and Minors designate field(s) of specialization in an undergraduate program. Simply put, they are the the main subject(s) you study. Each specialization has a framework or Program Outline of requirements including a certain number of required courses and a certain number of freely chosen courses (electives). At VIU Bachelor degree must include at least one Major or two Minors. You do not have to choose a Major or Minors before or during your first year. Choosing before or early in second year is advisable. If you already know your plan for Major/Minor(s), connect with a Degree Advisor for that Faculty to 'declare' your goal and get coded in your Student Record.
How do I select a Major or Minor?
The process is different for every student and there is no particular order to follow. It is important to focus on gathering information about yourself, the Majors and Minors available and careers that interest you. Major/Minor departments have Program Homepages with great information.
Bachelor of Arts Honours, Majors, and Minors
Bachelor of Science Majors, Minors and Transfer
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Majors and Minors
How do I declare my Major?
You can declare open admission majors and minors in your online student record. Under Academics, you will find Choose Degree Program Options. This action will create a new goal in your student record Goal Planning System also found under Academics.
- some majors or minors will show as pending approval of program advisor and there may be something you must submit. Example: Visual Arts Major or Minor
- some majors are limited entry and you must apply separately for admission. Example: Criminology Major