The University of British Columbia

Admission

You are reading the 2022/23 Academic Calendar. The 2021/22 version remains in effect until 31 August 2022 and is available here

The Faculty admits students on the basis of merit and is committed to admitting qualified candidates who reflect the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of British Columbia. Applications are encouraged from persons of Aboriginal ancestry (see Canadian Aboriginal Students), visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women in subject areas in which they are under-represented, and men interested in primary school teaching. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

A criminal records check will be required of all teacher candidates admitted to the B.Ed. program.

Elementary & Middle Years Teacher Education

The Bachelor of Education, Elementary & Middle Years Teacher Education option prepares students to teach Kindergarten to Grade 8. Applicants must have completed a minimum three-year degree (academic equivalent to a UBC Bachelor's degree) at an accredited post-secondary institution. The applicant must present the following 30 credits of specific coursework, which may be included within the initial degree.

• 6 credits of English literature and composition, or equivalent. Applicants applying to the French specialization (core French, intensive French, French immersion or Francophone programs) may complete 6 credits of French literature and composition.
• 3 credits (minimum) of a laboratory science (laboratory science courses are normally selected from the life sciences, chemistry, physical geography, earth and ocean studies, geology, astronomy, or physics).
• 3 credits (minimum) of mathematics (not statistics or business mathematics).
• 6 credits of Canadian content of which at least 3 credits must be Canadian history or geography.
• 12 senior-level credits (third- or fourth-year level) from non-Education coursework.

In addition, applicants must present a minimum average of 65% on the most recently completed 60 credits.

Applicants to the French specialization must pass an oral and written French diagnostic test at an appropriate level prior to admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have taken university-level coursework in French grammar and composition.

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.

Individuals interested in Middle Years Teacher Education apply through the Elementary & Middle Years Teacher Education option.

Secondary Teacher Education

The Secondary Teacher Education option prepares students to teach Grades 8 through 12. Applicants must have completed a minimum three-year degree (academic equivalent to a UBC bachelor's degree) at an accredited post-secondary institution. In addition to the requirements noted below, the applicant must present required coursework in specific teachable subjects as stipulated in the Teachable Subject Requirements below, which may be included within the initial degree. For additional information please refer to the self-assessment worksheets provided on the Teacher Education website (Teacher Education Office).

1. 6 credits of English literature and composition or equivalent. Applicants applying to the French specialization (core French, intensive French, French immersion or Francophone programs) should have completed 6 credits of French literature and composition;
2. A minimum of 30 credits in each of the teachable subject area(s) an applicant wishes to be considered for. Within these 30 credits are specific credits as defined on self-assessment worksheets (Teacher Education Office) within at least one widely taught teachable subject (see table below).
3. A minimum average of 65% on the senior courses, normally numbered 300 or higher, as defined on the self-assessment worksheets.

Applicants to the French specialization for teachable subjects other than French must have completed, in addition to the above requirements, a minimum of 9 credits (or equivalent) of French at the second-year level, including 3 credits in each of French literature, French grammar, and French composition. Applicants to the French specialization and applicants presenting French as their teachable subject must also demonstrate oral and written French proficiency at an appropriate level prior to admission.

Please refer to French subject area worksheets on the Teacher Education Office website.

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.

Secondary Teachable Subject Requirements

The following is a list of secondary teachable subjects. At least one must be a subject widely taught in BC secondary schools. Because certain subjects are not widely taught in BC secondary schools, students preparing to teach a subject marked with an asterisk (*) must prepare to teach at least one without an asterisk.

Secondary Teachable Subject Requirements

Field
Art
Biological Sciences
Business Education
Career Preparation (CHEF Education)
Chemistry
Mandarin Chinese*
Computer Science*
Earth Science
English
English Language Learner Education*
French
Geography
German*
History
Home Economics
Italian*
Japanese*
Korean*
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Physics
Punjabi*
Russian*
Social Science*1
Spanish*
Technology Education
Theatre
1 A social science other than history or geography.

The teachable subject requirements for admission to the B.Ed. (Secondary) are listed below. A teachable subject normally consists of 18 credits of senior courses (numbered 300 or higher and taken in years three and four) in addition to specified junior courses (numbered below 300). Students preparing for secondary teaching should have completed all junior and senior requirements for their intended teachable subjects(s) before seeking admission to the teacher education program.

As indicated below, a number of schools and departments of the University have designed undergraduate degree programs for prospective secondary teachers; the detailed requirements of such programs are listed in the faculty and school entries. Graduates of equivalent programs at other recognized universities are, of course, eligible for consideration.

Art Education

For Art as a teachable subject, students must have completed at least 6 credits in Art History (non-studio coursework), and 12 credits of first- and second-year visual art in at least three studio art areas; 18 credits of third- and fourth-year art, including a minimum of 12 credits of visual art in at least two different areas. Applicants with at least 3 credits in Indigenous ways of knowing, History, or politics are preferred. The majority of coursework must cover 2D and 3D studio art areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, graphic/communication design, ceramics, and textiles. The remaining 6 credits may include courses in areas such as digital arts, photography, animation, film/video/TV production and socially engaged art.

Business Education

For Business as a teachable subject, students must have completed introductory courses in economics and mathematics and also 18 credits of specialized courses in accounting, marketing, commercial law, and management information systems.

Computer Science Education

For Computer Science as a teachable subject, students must have completed first- and second-year courses in computing and mathematics; 18 credits of third- and/or fourth-year level courses in computer science and/or computing or computer-related topics such as programming, computer applications, computer information systems/technology, and/or the impact of technology on society.

English Education

For English as a teachable subject, students must have completed coursework showing breadth and depth of study as follows: 1) 6 credits of first- and second-year English; and 2) 24 credits of third- and fourth-year English, including the following: 3 credits of English language, and 6 credits each of English literature before 1900, and English literature after 1900. Courses that fulfill the English language requirement include those focussing on the history of structure of English, rhetorical theory, or approaches to discourse; however, the admissions committee will consider extensive coursework in English beyond the minimum 30 credits in lieu of this requirement. It is recommended that prospective applicants also complete courses in Canadian literature and composition.

English Language Learner Education

For English Language Learner as a teachable subject, students must have completed a minimum of 6 credits in World Literature or Literature in a language other than English. 6 credits in Linguistics at the third- and fourth-year level or English Linguistics, and 6 credits in the study of the English language at the third- and fourth-year level.

French Education

All applicants to the French specialization must submit proof of French language proficiency, oral and written. Applicants who have acquired and use French as an additional language will be required to submit results of the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) or Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) exam. Applicants whose education was conducted in French are advised to contact the Teacher Education Office to obtain further information regarding French language competency.

For French as a teachable subject, students must take first- and second-year courses in both the language and the literature of French; 18 credits in French at the third- and fourth-year level, at least 6 of which must be French grammar and French composition and must be completed with second class or higher standing.

Home Economics Education

Applicants normally hold one of the following degrees: a Bachelor of Applied Design, a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies, a Bachelor of Home Economics or Human Ecology, or a Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health. Students holding other degrees will also be considered if they have met the following admission requirements.

For Home Economics as a teachable subject, applicants must have completed 12, preferably 18, credits of first- and/or second-year level courses in at least two areas from family studies, food studies, and/or textiles studies. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 credits at third- and/or fourth-year level. These 18 credits must include 9 credits in one area from family studies, food studies, and textiles studies, and 9 credits in one of or a combination of the two remaining areas.

Family studies must include courses in family resource management, family relationships, and human development. Food studies must include courses in food and nutrition. Textiles studies must include courses in textiles, apparel construction, and social/cultural aspects of clothing.

Applicants may, at the discretion of the Faculty, be required to provide a statement indicating what they have done in formal and informal settings which has contributed to enhancing their skill levels in apparel construction or food preparation or both.

Mathematics Education

For Mathematics as a teachable subject, students must have completed 30 credits of mathematics (at least 18 credits of which must be at the third- and fourth-year level) including at least one course in three of the following five areas: algebra, probability and statistics, geometry and topography, discrete math, and number theory.

Modern Languages Education (Other than French)

Languages include Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, and Spanish. Applicants will be required to demonstrate oral and written proficiency in their selected language(s) either prior to admission or early in the program. However, there is no proficiency test required for these languages.

For Modern Languages as a teachable subject, students must take first- and second-year courses in both the language and the literature of the selected language; 18 credits in the selected language at the third- and fourth-year level, at least 6 of which must be language study and must be completed with second class or higher standing. Applicants who present a language other than French as one teaching field must present a second teaching field which is not one of the languages listed above; French and one such language is an acceptable combination as is English and one such language.

Music Education

Applicants normally hold a Bachelor of Music with a Major in General Studies (Secondary Education). Applicants must have completed 4 credits of classroom instrumental techniques in three of the following areas: brass, woodwinds, percussion, and bowed string instruments taught in a group situation. A minimum of 3 credits in instrumental or choral ensembles or comparable experience is also required.

Physical Education

Applicants will normally have completed the Physical and Health Education Option within the Bachelor of Kinesiology program.

Teachable subject must include:

1. 18 credits of foundational kinesiology courses or equivalent. Credits must include 15 credits from active health (fitness), anatomy; physiology; growth and motor development ; and human motor learning/behavior, and 3 credits from kinesiology courses in the following areas: biomechanics; sport and exercise psychology; and exercise physiology.
2. 9 credits of third- and/or fourth-year level kinesiology courses, from the following areas: leadership and instruction, applied methods, and adapted physical education.
3. 9 credits of third- and fourth-year level courses from the following areas: coaching theory, health education, program planning and administration and athletic injuries.
4. Four performance areas. Must include alternative environments (aquatics or outdoor education, orienteering), rhythmic movement (gymnastics, dance etc), individual and dual activities (target, track and field, combatives, fitness) and games (e.g. invasion, net/wall, fielding).

Students holding a Bachelor of Kinesiology, a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, a Bachelor of Physical Education, or an equivalent degree from other institutions, who have completed courses equivalent, or similar to, the above may also apply for a teachable subject.

Science Education

Areas include biological sciences, chemistry, earth science, and physics.

All science applicants must have completed 6 credits of introductory courses in each of chemistry (at least one course with a lab component), mathematics (one or preferably two courses in calculus), physics (at least one course with a lab component), biology, and geology. Applicants presenting a science other than a biological science or an earth science may complete an appropriate course to satisfy the biology requirement and the geology requirement respectively within the program.

Applicants must have completed an additional 6 to 12 credits of first- and second-year level courses and 18 credits of third- and fourth-year level courses in the selected science. The set of courses for each selected science must include both lecture and laboratory studies.

Teachable Subject Requirements

• Biological Sciences: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed courses covering a minimum of 4 of the following areas: ecology, genetics, human physiology, evolutionary biology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, non-vascular and vascular plant biology, and microbiology. Courses in these areas must be completed at the second, third, or fourth year level. No introductory biology course will be accepted as satisfying any of these areas.
• Chemistry: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed courses covering at least two of the following areas: organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
• Earth Science: Courses must include geology, covering mineralogy and petrology. Geophysics, physical geography, atmospheric science, and oceanography are also recommended. Astronomy is strongly recommended; students will be required to complete an appropriate course within the program if they have not completed astronomy prior to admission.
• Physics: Preference will be given to applicants who have completed courses in all of the following areas: mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, acoustics, quantum mechanics, and atomic and nuclear physics.

Social Studies Education

Emphasis on geography, history, or a social science. Applicants may present more than one social studies teaching field. Social science applicants must present a second teaching field (either geography, history, or another subject widely taught in BC secondary schools).

For Social Studies as a teachable subject, students must have completed 6 credits of introductory or survey courses in each of geography, history, and a social science; a further 6 credits of first- and second-year courses and 18 credits of third- and fourth-year level courses in the discipline of emphasis. The total program must include 6 credits with a significant Canadian content. An applicant's program should satisfy the following conditions for the chosen discipline of emphasis:

• Geography: Both physical and cultural geography with courses in regional and environmental studies.
• History: Canadian, European, and history of any region other than Canada or Europe.
• Social science: A grouping of courses from any acceptable social science discipline related to history, geography or social science taken in anthropology, economics, political science, Canadian studies, regional studies, criminology, gender studies, aboriginal studies, religious studies of a non-doctrinal nature, classical studies, urban studies or sociology).

Technology Education

For Technology Education as a teachable subject, students must have completed 60 credits of recognized technical courses¹, including:

• 30 credits Arts and/or science, including 6 credits of English literature and composition.
• Normally an applicant has completed the two year BCIT Technology Teacher Education diploma.

Please see Technology Education Program Option.

¹The University does not itself offer these technical courses but recognizes certain courses offered by the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Theatre Education

For Theatre as a teachable subject, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits of junior theatre courses and 18 credits at the third and fourth-year level. The total program must cover acting, directing, theatrical production, and history of theatre.

Dual Degrees

Dual degrees are not open to students with a previous degree. Students have the opportunity to begin teacher education at the secondary level while concurrently enrolled in specific bachelor's degree studies at UBC in:

• Biological Sciences
• Food, Nutrition and Health
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physics

All students will initially be accepted on a provisional basis. Admission will be confirmed only after successful completion of both Year 2 and the in-school practicum in May following the second year of their undergraduate program.

For more details please see information posted on the Pre-Admission Advising page of the Calendar.