This information is intended to help you select courses, whether you are still exploring programs and courses or already have a set program goal.
Ahead of your official course registration date/time, you need to select courses for both the Fall and Spring semesters of your first year at VIU.
How do you know which courses to pick?
Read through the course descriptions and determine what interests you. Pay attention to prerequisites. These are listed under each course description. As you read, if you meet the course prerequisite and you find yourself interested in the subject then make note of the course name and number. The idea is to generate a list of courses so that you have lots to choose from when it comes time to register.
Foundations for Success (FNFS) courses are meant to complement existing academic courses and programs at VIU. These transitional elective courses augment current Adult Basic Education and University offerings and are designed to promote student success. Students may take as many of these courses as they wish, but a maximum of six academic credits (two Foundations for Success courses) may be used towards a credential at VIU.
Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
These 6-credit “Inter-disciplinary” (INTR) courses, either combine two existing 3-credit courses or are created as stand-alone 6 credit “super-courses”. They provide university credit in common 100-level courses in humanities and social sciences counting towards your degree. Those that include English course equivalency help you fulfill your VIU Degree English Requirement as well.
Critical Skills for Work and Life
BA graduates are prized 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 (3) University Writing and Research: Indigenous Focus
- ENGL 125 Literature and Culture
- ENGL 127 (3) 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 (3) Promotion, Persuasion and Propaganda
- PHIL 100 Rhetoric and Reasoning
- PHIL 111 (3) Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
- PHIL 112 (3) Intro to Philosophy: Ethics
- THEA 108 Introduction to Public Speaking: Performance
Meet with a general Educational Advisor in the Advising Centre
Once you have done this research and have some ideas, we welcome you to visit, call or email an Advisor to review and fine tune your selections.
Timetable and Register for Courses:
Once you have a clearer picture of the courses you want to select, visit our web registration tutorial online or attend a Web Registration & Course Selection Session.
We look forward to being a partner in your educational journey.
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. Every subject Major/Minor has a Program Homepage link with great information.