Program

  • Program Length
    4 Years
  • Credential
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options
    Honours, Major, Minor
  • Fully Available at
    Nanaimo
  • Partially Available at
    Cowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

Enrich your understanding of the past to help prepare for the future with VIU’s History program. The Bachelor of Arts (BA), History degree program takes students on a journey through time in specialized areas of study examining a wide array of topics, as broad as politics, war and genocide and social movements and as narrow as European film and the place of hockey in Canadian culture.

Whether you choose a history major or history minor as part of your BA program, you will gain historical context to serve you in your chosen field. History degree students excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpreting data - all vital and valued skills in every career and post-graduate program. History degree graduates have gone on to excel in careers in a range of different fields, including education, law, heritage, journalism, marketing, public service, and the film and video game industries.

Program Overview

The study of History is a vital component in the creation of an innovative, humane, prosperous and free civic society in which individuals can participate as active, informed citizens. Throughout their studies, History students read primary and secondary texts designed to impart knowledge and critical understanding of their areas of study, and which expose them to different methodologies, approaches and historical perspectives. Students also explore historical context and different interpretations of texts, thereby further honing their critical thinking skills. Much more than just a dialogue with the past, the study of History enables students to better engage with the present and to prepare for the future.

The History department offers undergraduate course work at two levels: 100/200 (foundational/introductory) and 300/400 (advanced thematic studies). Courses numbered in the 300s and the 400s may be taken for either third or fourth year credit. Students should generally complete 100/200-level courses before undertaking advanced courses in the same area.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2: Minimum “C” average in 18 credits of 100- or 200-level History courses. Of these 18 credits, 6 credits must be earned in foundational Canadian courses, the options being: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 113, one of HIST 114 or HIST 115, and HIST 116. An additional 6 credits must also be earned in foundational non-Canadian courses, the options being: HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 119, HIST 120, HIST 121, HIST 122, HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 140, and HIST 141.

Years 3 and 4: Minimum 30 credits in History courses numbered 300 and above.

Students may take a double Major in History and another subject, as long as they satisfy the degree requirements for both Majors.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Years 1 and 2: Minimum 12 credits of History courses at the 100/200-level.

Years 3 and 4: Minimum of 18 credits of History courses numbered 300 or above. Students are encouraged to consult with the department before selecting courses.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year* Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) 4,992.00
Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) 159.76
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) 176.40
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) 220.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Total 7,333.96
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year* Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) 23,993.10
Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) 159.76
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) 176.40
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) 220.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Total 26,335.06
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus