32 Bachelor of Education (BEd)

NOTE:  EFFECTIVE FOR SUMMER 2025 INTAKE

(i) Introduction

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a 12-month post-degree program consisting of 60 credit hours in education with the program commencing in May of each year. This program is designed to provide the variety of courses and extended field experiences through which students can develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach in the modern classroom. It provides the opportunity for students to focus their studies in Primary/Elementary Years (K–6) or Intermediate/Senior Years (grades 7–12), and in International, Indigenous, or Adult and Workplace Education.

(ii) Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have completed the requirements for their undergraduate degree from an approved registered university and have the degree conferred before June 30.

• Applicants must have an overall average of not less than 70% (at least between C+ and B-) computed on the 20 highest grades of the last 22 courses (3 semester hour of credit). Applicants who have an average of less than 70% may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Graduate study may be taken into consideration for admission requirements.

• Applicants must have at least 6 semester hours of credit in English or equivalent (at least 3 of which are recommended to be in Composition);

• Applicants whose first language is not English must also satisfy the UPEI English Language Proficiency requirements.

• Applicants must have completed academic courses in subjects taught in the school system which satisfy the requirements for the program level (Primary/Elementary or Intermediate/Senior) into which they seek admission, as follows:

(a) Primary/Elementary (K-6)

• 3 credit hours in Math

• 6 credit hours in Social Studies (as listed below);

• 6 credit hours in Science (as listed below); (3 of which must be a lab-based science); and

• A course in Developmental Psychology or equivalent.

Note 1: Applicants are strongly encouraged to take Education 2110 or 2130 (Introduction to Education) at UPEI (or equivalent at other universities) prior to beginning the BEd program. Courses in Fine Arts or Music will also be considered assets.

(b) Intermediate/Senior (grades 7-12)

Applicants must have appropriate coursework in two defined teachable areas as outlined below:

• at least 42 credit hours of university coursework in a first teachable area as listed below; and

• at least 18 credit hours of university coursework in a second teachable area as listed below, preferably in a teachable area different from the first.

The following courses* relate to teachable areas:

English (includes Communications, Creative Writing, Drama, Journalism, linguistic, Media Studies, and Theatre);

Social Studies (includes Acadian Studies, Anthropology, Canadian Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Family Science, Geography, International and Global Studies, History, Indigenous Studies, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, Diversity and Social Justice Studies, Classics, International Development, Humanities, and Women’s Studies);

Science (includes Chemistry, Biology, Foods and Nutrition, Forestry, Geology/Earth Sciences, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Physics, and Engineering);

Mathematics (includes Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and Computer Science).  Other math-related courses may be accepted on a case-by-case basis based on course outcomes;

French; and Music (offered through the Bachelor of Music Education program in the Faculty of Arts).

*Courses not listed may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

(iii) Application Process

Applications for the Bachelor of Education Program open on June 1st of each year and will close on September 15th.  Applicants are normally notified of admission decisions in late November.

Additional Admission considerations:

The minimum entrance requirement is an undergraduate degree along with the minimum requirements to be certified as a licensed teacher by the province of PEI.

• If a potential applicant does not meet the other established entry criteria to be considered for acceptance, but has a combination of study and life/work experience that may demonstrate the potential for a successful educational career, such individuals are encouraged to apply.
• Additional consideration will be made for applicants who identify themselves as belonging to an FNMI (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) or an under-represented community.
• The required Experience Profile plays an important role in the decision-making process by the Selection Committee.
• Applicants being considered by the Selection Committee may be required to participate in an interview.

Follow UPEI’s undergraduate application process for professional programs, and submit other requirements including:

• UPEI Application Fee
• Official transcripts are required from each post-secondary institution where you have taken a course. Original transcripts are required even if transfer credits were given by another institution
• The Experience Profile and official transcripts must be received by the Registrar’s Office in order for an application to be assessed.

Send documents to:
Registrar’s Office
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 4P3

Please note:

• The successful applicant who receives either an unconditional or conditional offer must confirm his/her acceptance in writing and include a non-refundable deposit. This confirmation must be received by the Registrar’s Office (for transmittal to the Accounting Office) by the date specified in the letter.

• For students who have received a conditional offer of admission official transcripts indicating final grades and confirmation of degree completion must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by June 30th. Failure to do so will result in removal from the program before the commencement of July courses. It’s imperative to contact the Registrar’s Office if there is a legitimate reason why this June 30th deadline cannot be met.

• The Faculty of Education may request to interview any potential applicant.