New opportunities are opening for adults who have a college education, an unfinished university degree, and even unfulfilled dreams of someday beginning and attaining a degree. The Bachelor of Integrated Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island places the unique needs of adult learners in focus, with a distinct entry point, ongoing learner supports, a broad choice of courses to meet employment requirements and personal interests, and a faculty noted for its strength in teaching.
This program requires completion of 90 semester-hours (30 courses) of course work. A core of 12 semester-hours (4 courses) is required; several additional courses are recommended, and will be incorporated into learning plans in consultation with the student. Students do not complete a major, but they do complete eight courses in one subject area (termed an area of concentration). The area of concentration may be in Arts, Science, or Business Administration. A visual summary provides a snapshot of the BIS program structure and requirements.
While it would be possible for full-time students to complete the BIS in three years, it is anticipated that the program will be of primary interest to mature learners in the workforce who wish to complete a degree on a part-time basis. It is expected that potential students will request transfer credits and/or seek credits through the process of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Therefore, the period for completing the program will vary considerably from student to student.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Students enrolled in the BIS will be permitted to seek credit recognition through Program PLAR. In Program PLAR, learners must demonstrate equivalency of their learning from sources other than academics by addressing expected outcomes of an overall program—in this case the Bachelor of Integrated Studies. Learners could earn a maximum of 12 unspecified elective credit hours (4 courses) for prior learning from sources such as life learning, workplace experiences and training, or voluntary or personal pursuits. The main method of prior learning assessment is through portfolio development. The Integrated Studies 193 course provides learners with help in proper development of an assessment portfolio (the University 193 course is now called Integrated Studies 193). The assessment portfolio is used to determine how many credits a learner is awarded for his or her prior learning.
The process of developing a portfolio benefits students in ways other than receiving credit for past learning. Learners will identify goals, and discover skills and abilities of which they may have been unaware. The reflection that goes into portfolio development may prompt adjustments to the students' learning plans and, for some, even their career direction. The student's growth as a person and as a learner over the duration of BIS study is captured through a portfolio presentation in Integrated Studies 493.
For more information re PLAR, click here
Candidates must be out of high school for seven years, and may be considered under the University's Mature Student regulations at the following link, Mature Students. Please note that high school graduation is not absolutely required under the mature student policy. Candidates may be just beginning a degree, have attended college, or have an unfinished degree. Applicants will include a resume, and official records of any post-secondary education. High school records are generally not necessary for application. The admission process will also include a supplemental application and interview with the BIS Program Co-ordinator. At this time, learners will provide an overview of their previous learning and future directions. Applicants who do not fit a profile of adult learner (e.g., recent high school graduates) will not be admitted.
Learners will choose courses from the existing array of courses offered in the Faculties of Arts, Science, and the School of Business. Students in the BIS must complete 90 semester-hours (30 courses) in total. The courses are comprised of required courses, courses chosen in an area of concentration, and electives. In some instances students must have completed a stated prerequisite or obtain the instructor's permission to register in a course. Course selection will be discussed with each participant as part of a learning plan that is developed early in the student's BIS career.
Required Courses
Recommended Courses
The following courses are considered to provide a strong foundation on which to build breadth and depth of knowledge. These courses encourage verbal and written communication, critical and logical thinking, technological literacy, capacity to interpret data, and leadership skills.
The foundation of required and recommended courses is intended to prepare graduates to be:
A. Strongly recommended
B. Recommended
A Note About Academic Writing
Please note that English 101 and Global Issues 151 are designed to develop general and academic thinking and writing skills. Students who have pursued courses at UPEI prior to Fall 2008 may follow English 101. Students who enter UPEI for the first time in 2008 or subsequently will enrol in Global Issues 151 to fulfil this degree requirement.
To summarize, the Bachelor of Integrated Studies requirements include:
Applications are now being received. Click here for Admission Requirements and forms.
Fees
Usual fees for undergraduate courses apply. Click here for information on tuition and other fees, including Mature and Part-time Students (MAPUS) and parking.
Please contact the Co-ordinator, Karen Dempsey, if you wish clarification or further information.
Tel. (902) 566-0355/566-0336
Fax: (902) 566-0451
Email
Media Release, May 22, 2008—UPEI Offers New Bachelor of Integrated Studies starting in September 2008
Brochure pdf - August 2009
Centre for Life-Long Learning
