- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
-
Partially Available attiwšɛmawtxʷ (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.
The History (BA) Program
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 (4% of tuition) |
199.68 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit) |
220.50 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,397.98 |
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 (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester) |
23,993.10 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester) |
926.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) |
220.80 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
26,905.70 |
Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 per credit beyond 15 credits.
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.
UpdatedThe Program
The Honours History program allows students to further enrich their understanding and practice of History. This is accomplished primarily through their participation in two specialized Honours courses. The first, History 490 (Honours Historiography and Research Methods), provides students with an in-depth examination of the diversity of theoretical approaches and research strategies employed by past and present historians. This course also sees students read a significant number of historical works designed to provide them with valuable context in preparation for the second specialized course: History 491 (Honours Thesis). Working under the direction of an agreed upon faculty supervisor, History 491 gives students the opportunity to undertake a level of research, and produce writing, that will anticipate standards at the Masters level. Honours History graduates will thus leave VIU with a skill set and a depth of knowledge that will prepare them well for graduate study and/or professional situations in the field.
Program Outline
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements as outlined in the Calendar, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
Years 1 and 2: Eighteen credits of History, six of which must be earned in foundational Canadian History, the options being: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 113, one of HIST 114 or HIST 115, and HIST 116. Six credits must also be earned in foundational non-Canadian History, the options being: HIST 101, 102, 119, 120, 121, 122, 131, 132, 140, and 141.
Years 3 and 4: Forty-two credits of History numbered 300 or above, including HIST 490 and HIST 491.
Recommended Electives: First Nations Studies, Liberal Studies, Women’s Studies, Political Studies, Art History, Sociology, Anthropology, Creative Writing, English, Media Studies, Philosophy, Psychology.
Completion Requirements
Honours students need an average GPA of 3.67 (A-) on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.
Residency Requirement
Students are expected to complete all additional 12 credits at Vancouver Island University. With the approval of the appropriate Dean and under exceptional circumstances, this amount may be reduced.
Admission Requirements
Students may apply after completion of 60 credits. Along with meeting the GPA requirement of a minimum "A-" (3.67 GPA) that is earned for the last 45 credits taken, students are required to submit a written statement of interest to the History department Chair prior to admission into the Honours program. The department chair, in consultation with the intended supervisors will vet applicants for admission as required.
Start Date and Application Deadline
Students apply through the Program Chair, who will notify the Degree Advisors of successful applications.
Students may apply throughout the academic year, once they complete 60 credits with the required 3.67 GPA on the most recent 45 credits taken. However, it is strongly advised that applications be submitted at least three months prior to enrollment in HIST 490.
Career Opportunities
The study of History provides excellent preparation for a number of professional careers, including those in fields such as education, at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels, public service, law, journalism, heritage, marketing, research, library/archives, and politics.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2024 | Ongoing | Partially Available | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 3, 2024
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
|
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
Partially Available | |
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Aug 10, 2025
|
||
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Sep 2, 2025 | Ongoing |
tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Partially Available
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 |
Oct 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025
|
||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Erica Greenup
“I work very hard to do well in my degree, and having such a close relationship with my professors through small class sizes ensures that I have gotten a lot of recognition and that is very encouraging, and pushes me to always succeed.”
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements.