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University Studies Program

University level courses you can take for transfer or general interest

Tuition: $258 approx. per course + books/supplies
Where: College Wide
Starts: September, January
  • Same course content, same quality as university - for nearly half the cost* 
  • Take as many or as few courses as you want
  • Explore a wide range of subjects, from anthropology and political science to English, psychology, and much much more

Transfer possibilities: Universities, colleges, and institutes across Canada and around the world give transfer credit for North Island College programs and courses. If you work closely with Advisors at both NIC and your destination institution, your transfer options are virtually limitless.

* When comparing NIC student costs (tuition, fees, books, transport, housing, food) to those of urban university students

Why Choose North Island College?

  • No plan? No problem. With University Studies, you have the freedom to explore your interests and keep your options open. You can take as many or as few courses as you want.
  • In good company. Students tell us that classes at NIC feel like interactive work groups, where everyone has a chance to contribute their ideas and you get to know your instructors and classmates well.
  • Earn transfer credit. Whether you have a goal in mind or no idea at all, you'll earn transfer credit toward programs, including associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees at NIC and beyond.

Study Options

The University Studies program offers students a full range of first- and second-year courses to explore in over 20 subject areas, including anthropology, business, biology, chemistry, criminology, economics, English, equity and social justice, fine arts, First Nations studies, French, geography, history, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, space science and astronomy, Spanish, and women’s studies.

University Studies offers a great deal of flexibility and virtually limitless transfer possibilities. Students can take as many or as few courses as they want, choosing from a wide range of subjects available on campus or by distance learning. Courses transfer in part or in full to other institutions and may be customized as a transfer plan and/or applied towards diplomas, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees at NIC and beyond.

Students working toward a specific area of study or degree can focus their studies to finish their degree faster. Our student advisors can help you customize a transfer plan for a decided program or university of choice – potentially minimizing study time and costs. Choosing a suitable combination of courses, however, may depend on a number of factors, including your area of study and university of choice. Our student advisors will work with you to personalize an educational or transfer plan to meet your goals.

Admission Requirements

  1. There are no formal admission requirements for the University Studies program. However, courses will have specific entry requirements, called prerequisites, which are listed under each course description.

To Be Successful

  • Students wishing to use their University Studies courses as transfer credit toward another program or degree are encouraged to 1) review the Steps to University Transfer online and 2) contact a Student Advisor. They have extensive knowledge of programs, funding options, career paths, and post-secondary transfer agreements, and will help you get started on the right track.
  • NIC also offers high school-equivalent Upgrading options if you need help meeting prerequisites for entry into individual courses.

How to Search Courses

  1. Search courses online under the following areas of study as 100 (first year) and 200 (second year) course levels: anthropology (ANT), business (BUS), biology (BIO), chemistry (CHE),criminology (CRM), economics (ECO), English (ENG), equity and social justice (ESJ), fine arts (FIN), First Nations studies (FNS), French (FRE), geography (GEO), history (HIS), mathematics (MAT), philosophy (PHI), physics (PHY), political science (POL), psychology (PSY), sociology (SOC), space science and astronomy (SSA), Spanish (SPA), and women’s studies (WST). Search courses by subject, level, keyword, or by transferability, and check the BC Transfers link undercourse descriptions

    AND
  2. Have a Student Advisor at NIC and your receiving institution check your study plan before registering in courses.

Transferable Courses

The following courses in the University Studies program were transferable to AT LEAST ONE other BC post-secondary institution at the time of publishing. Since post-secondary transfer agreements and degree requirements change frequently, students are strongly encouraged to check www.bctransferguide.ca AND speak to a Student Advisor before registering in classes. 
 
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSES

BUS-112 Introductory Financial Accounting I
BUS-113 Introductory Financial Accounting II
BUS-132 Mathematics of Finance
BUS-150 Administrative Principles
BUS-152 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
BUS-162 Basic Marketing Principles & Practices
BUS-170 Computer Applications for Business
BUS-211 Intermediate Financial Accounting I
BUS-212 Intermediate Financial Accounting II
BUS-217 Management Accounting
BUS-221 Commercial Law
BUS-223 Taxation 1
BUS-232 Quantitative Methods
BUS-244 Finance
BUS-255 Human Resources Management
BUS-260 Consumer Behaviour
BUS-264 Professional Sales
BUS-290 Management Information Systems
BUS-293 Business Simulation
BUS-318 Advanced Cost Accounting
BUS-323 Taxation II
BUS-350 Organizational Behaviour
BUS-355 Managing for Pub. & Non-profit
BUS-361 E-Business
BUS-362 Market Research
BUS-368 Advertising and Marketing Communications
BUS-380 Globalization and International Business
BUS-390 Directed Field Studies I
BUS-419 Advanced Financial Accounting
BUS-420 Introduction to Auditing
BUS-421 Accounting Theory
BUS-430 Business-to-Business Marketing
BUS-450 Project Management
BUS-452 Advanced Topics in Entrepreneurship
BUS-490 Directed Field Studies II
BUS-492 Strategic Management

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COURSES

CPS-100 Computer programming I
CPS-101 Computer programming II
CPS-109 Computer & Information Systems
CPS-146 Database Fundamentals
CPS-151 Systems Analysis & Design
CPS-160 Integrated Software Tools
CPS-165 Web Design Tools
CPS-208 E-Commerce
CPS-212 Discrete Mathematics & Computer Science
CPS-215 Unix Utilities & Unix System Administration
CPS-221 Application & .NET programming in C#
CPS-235 Advanced Java programming
CPS-236 Internet programming
CPS-246 Database Security & Administration
CPS-262 Data Communications & Computer Networks
CPS-268 Systems & Network Security
CPS-270 Software Engineering
CPS-300 Nursing Informatics

ENGLISH

ENG-107 Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction & Non-Fiction
ENG-108 Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry & Drama
ENG-109 Introduction to Creative Writing: Journalism
ENG-115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis
ENG-120 Introduction to Literature: Short Stories and the Novel
ENG-121 Introduction to Literature: Poetry and Drama
ENG-125 Composition & Indigenous Literature I
ENG-126 Composition & Indigenous Literature II
ENG-160 Effective Organizational Writing
ENG-202 Survey of English Literature I
ENG-203 Survey of English Literature II
ENG-207 Creative Non-Fiction
ENG-208 Creative Writing: Poetry
ENG-209 Creative Writing: Fiction
ENG-212 An Introduction to Canadian Literature I
ENG-213 An Introduction to Canadian Literature II
ENG-214 Scriptwriting Workshop
ENG-215 Advanced Composition
ENG-216 Travel Writing
ENG-224 Women's Literature & Theory I
ENG-225 Women's Literature & Theory II
ENG-230 Introduction to Narrative 
ENG-260 Advanced Communications and Professional Writing
MCS-110 Media & Communication Studies
MCS-130 Explorations in Mass Communication
MCS-200 Digital Video Production
MCS-280 Communication: Gender & Culture
 
FINE ARTS COURSES

FIN-100 Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture I
FIN-101 Introduction to Art History and Visual Culture II
FIN-110 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language I
FIN-111 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language II
FIN-115 Introduction to Printmaking
FIN-120 Colour & Perception
FIN-121 Colour Applications
FIN-130 3-Dimensional Materials & Form
FIN-131 Introduction to 3-Dimensional Design
FIN-135 Introduction to Ceramics
FIN-140 Creative Processes
FIN-145 Introduction to Photography
FIN-206 Graphic Arts Production
FIN-210 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language III
FIN-211 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language IV
FIN-215 Intaglio Printmaking
FIN-217 Serigraph Printmaking
FIN-220 Painting Applications I
FIN-221 Painting Applications II
FIN-235 3-Dimensional Applications (Ceramics I)
FIN-236 3-Dimensional Applications (Ceramics II)
FIN-245 Photography II
FIN-246 Photography III
FIN-247 Introduction to Digital Photography
FIN-250 Modern Art History

HUMANITIES COURSES

EDU-101 Teaching: the Human Interaction
EDU-102 Teaching: Making an Informed Decision
FNS-160 First Nations Education: Traditional and Contemporary
FNS-200 Pre- & Post-Contact First Nations of Canada
FRE-100 Motifs I
FRE-101 Motifs II
FRE-120 Motifs III
FRE-121 Motifs IV
FRE-145 Intermediate French I
FRE-146 Intermediate French II
FRE-265 Advanced French I
FRE-266 Advanced French II
FRE-280 La Traduction: Translation (A)
FRE-281 La Traduction: Translation (B)
HIS-111 Canadian History: Pre-confederation
HIS-112 Canadian History: 1867 - Present
HIS-120 World History to 1000
HIS-121 World History of the Last Millennium, AD 1000-2000
HIS-122 World History Since 1945
HIS-130 World Religion
HIS-135 World Mythology
HIS-205 Travels in Time
HIS-210 Modern England 1688-1950
HIS-215 History of Modern Europe I
HIS-216 History of Modern Europe II
HIS-220 War, Memory, Myth and History
HIS-225 History of British Columbia
HIS-231 United States History To 1877
HIS-232 United States History Since 1877
HIS-250 History of Women in Canada, 1600-1920
HIS-251 History of Women in Canada, 1920-Present
HIS-260 Historical Reactions to Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
IMG-110 Web Tools I
PHI-100 Introductory Philosophy: Knowledge & Reality
PHI-101 Introductory Philosophy: Values & Society
PHI-150 Critical Thinking
PHI-211 Philosophies of Existence
PHI-220 Philosophy of Love and Sex
PHI-230 Contemporary Moral Issues
PHI-240 Philosophy of Art
PHI-260 Business Ethics
SPN-100 Introductory Spanish I
SPN-101 Introductory Spanish II
SPN-200 Intermediate Spanish I
SPN-201 Intermediate Spanish II

MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE COURSES

BIO-102 Principles of Modern Biology I
BIO-103 Principles of Modern Biology II
BIO-110 Concepts in Biology I (Inhabiting the Human Body)
BIO-111 Concepts in Biology II (Inhabiting the Earth)
BIO-160 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO-161 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO-170 Foundations of Ethnobotany
BIO-171 Applied Ethnobotany
BIO-200 Cell Biology
BIO-201 Cell Biology II: Introduction to Biochemistry
BIO-202 Principles of Genetics
BIO-211 Invertebrate Biology
BIO-215 Introductory Microbiology
BIO-230 Principles of Ecology
BIO-240 Applied Ecology: Human Impact on the Environment
BIO-241 Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
BIO-260 Pathobiology I
BIO-261 Pathobiology II
CHE-110 Chemical Principles I
CHE-111 Chemical Principles II
CHE-200 Organic Chemistry I
CHE-201 Organic Chemistry II
GEO-105 Physical Geography I
GEO-106 Physical Geography II
GEO-206 Introduction to Geomorphology
MAT-100 Precalculus
MAT-102 Calculus for Life Sciences
MAT-115 Introduction to Statistics
MAT-133 Matrix Algebra
MAT-151 Finite Mathematics
MAT-162 Math for Elementary Education I
MAT-163 Math for Elementary Education II
MAT-181 Calculus I
MAT-182 Calculus II
MAT-190 First Nations Perspective: Math for Elementary Education l
MAT-191 First Nations Perspective: Math for Elementary Education ll
MAT-200 Linear Algebra
MAT-210 Calculus III
PHY-100 Introduction to Physics I
PHY-101 Introduction to Physics II
PHY-120 Principles of Physics I
PHY-121 Principles of Physics II
PHY-141 Mechanics I (Statics)
SSA-100 Space Science and Astronomy:
Intro. to Solar System Exploration
SSA-101 Space Science and Astronomy:
Intro. to Deep Space Astronomy

SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSES

ANT-150 Cultural Anthropology
ANT-151 Physical Anthropology & Archaeology
ANT-250 Ethnology of North America
ANT-251 Principles of Archaeology
ANT-252 Northwest Coast Prehistory
ANT-253 Seacoasts in Prehistory
ANT-290 Archaeology Field School
ANT-291 Archaeology Field School
ANT-292 Archaeology Field School
ANT-293 Third Rock Archeology CRM-101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM-131 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
CRM-135 Introduction to the Canadian Law & Legal Institutions
CRM-230 Criminal Law
CRM-220 Research Methods in Criminology
CRM-241 Introduction to Corrections
CRM-251 Introduction to Policing
ECO-110 Principles of Microeconomics
ECO-111 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO-245 Money & Banking
ECO-270 Environmental Economics
ESJ-100 Equity & Social Justice in Contemporary Canada
ESJ-101 Global Changes to, and Movements for Social Justice
GEO-105 Physical Geography I
GEO-106 Physical Geography II
GEO-111 Introduction to Human Geography I
GEO-112 Introduction to Human Geography II
GEO-200 Geography of Canada
GEO-205 Geography of British Columbia
GEO-206 Introduction to Geomorphology
GEO-210 Natural Resources Management I: Introduction
GEO-211 Natural Resources Management II: Wildlife
GEO-214 Biogeography
GEO-215 Society and the Environment
POL-109 Canadian Government
POL-111 Political Ideologies
POL-119 Canadian Politics
POL-151 Law and Politics
POL-200 Introduction to Political Theory
POL-201 Comparative Politics
POL-203 International Relations
POL-209 Government in America
PSY-130 Introductory Psychology I
PSY-131 Introductory Psychology II
PSY-202 Health Psychology
PSY-204 Research Methods in Psychology
PSY-215 Biological Psychology
PSY-235 Abnormal Psychology
PSY-245 Psychology of Women
PSY-250 Human Development from Conception through Childhood
PSY-251 Human Development from Adolescence through Adulthood
PSY-260 Psychological Explanations of Criminal and Deviant Behaviour
SOC-110 Introduction to Sociology I
SOC-111 Introduction to Sociology II
SOC-130 First Nations Sociology
SOC-210 Ethnic Relations
SOC-212 Issues in Canadian Society
SOC-220 Introduction to Sociological Research Methods
SOC-230 Sociological Explanations of Crime & Deviance
SOC-240 The Sociology of Love and Sex
WST-100 Global Perspectives on Women
WST-101 Issues in Women's Health
WST-110 First Nations Women's Studies
WST-260 Empowered Caring & Feminist Practice 
  1. I have no idea what I want to do with my life. Can I just take a few courses and decide later?
    Absolutely! Deciding which career path to choose is a difficult decision, and students are often unaware of all the options available to them. Taking a selection of courses that interest you can be a great way to get started on your education. The courses you choose will never be a waste as they are a great learning opportunity and will most likely be transferable to your program of choice.
     
  2. How much less will I spend by taking my first year of studies at NIC?

    Approximate budget per person for one academic year—September to April:

                                  NIC           URBAN UNIVERSITY

    Tuition & Fees*.......$2,500.......................$5,200
    Books*..................$1,000.......................$1,700
    Housing **.............$0 (live at home)..........$6,000
                   
    Food....................$0 (live at home)..........$1,600
    Fees....................$50............................$300

    TOTAL COST
    FOR ONE YEAR    .......$3,550......................$14,800

    * Based on 10 courses
    ** Based on a one-bedroom apartment, plus utilities

    Students who complete the first two years of their degree at NIC can graduate with over $20,000 less student debt, while earning the exact same degree.
     
  3. Do all NIC courses transfer to all universities and colleges?
    Not all NIC courses transfer to all post secondary institutions. Some courses are program specific and only apply to students in that program. To ensure you are choosing the right courses for your program of study, please speak with a Student Advisor or consult the BC Transfer Guide at www.bctransferguide.ca.
     
  4. What does “prerequisites” mean?
    Many courses require some form of previous study for success. Entry requirements for a program or individual course are called prerequisites. You will find them listed in the course descriptions.
     
  5. What is a “sending” and “receiving” institution?
    Your sending institution is the college where you start taking university transfer courses. Your receiving institution is the university which you plan to eventually attend. For example, you are starting at North Island College (your sending institution) and plan to transfer to the University of Victoria (your receiving institution).
     
  6. What is a transfer plan?
    A transfer plan is a sample list of University Studies courses that can be further customized for transfer to a specific program or university of choice. Our Student Advisors can develop a transfer plan with you from NIC to just about anywhere. Simply call, email, or visit a Student Advisor today.
     
  7. What is an Associate degree?
    Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are offered by most colleges and regional universities. They recognize successful completion of 60 credits which is approximately 20 courses. If you study full-time, you should be able to complete an associate degree within two academic years.
     
  8. Why would I choose an Associate degree?
    Besides enjoying the lower cost of living and tuition for two full years, here are a few other reasons why students think completing an Associate degree at NIC is a smart choice: 1) It’s easiest to transfer. Thanks to a special agreement between BC universities and colleges, Associate degree graduates receive 60 credits towards their university degree. 2) It’s achievable. Taking a break from academic studies for financial or family reasons is not uncommon. With an Associate degree, you’ll have something to show for your hard work in case you don’t finish your degree right away, not to mention the convenience of guaranteed transfer credit when you’re ready. 3) It means more. A completed Associate degree is an achievement that means more on your resume than a list of individual courses from an unfinished degree.
     
  9. What is a Bachelor’s degree?
    Bachelor’s degrees are offered by universities and some colleges. They recognize successful completion of a program of studies (120 credits which is usually about 40 courses), often with a specific major. If you study full-time, you should be able to complete a Bachelor’s degree within four to five years.
     
  10. I took some post-secondary courses years ago. Will they still transfer?
    That depends on how many years ago, and on the institution and program you want to transfer to. Many institutions consider that knowledge acquired more than ten or so years ago may no longer be current, but there are plenty of exceptions. Check with your receiving institution to be sure.
     
  11. How many courses should I take?
    It’s up to you. If college is your only commitment and you would like to study full time, taking five courses (15 credits) per term is typical. If you are balancing your studies with work or family commitments, taking one to 3 courses (3 to 9 credits) might be a more realistic choice. Keep in mind; taking 3 to 5 courses will classify you as a full-time student which may be important for tax purposes or to retain health and funding benefits.
     
  12. How many courses can I transfer into my Bachelor’s degree?
    This depends on your program and receiving institution. Usually universities will only accept 20 transfer courses maximum (60 credits).

 

Questions?

Contact:

Student Services
1-800-715-0914
questions@nic.bc.ca

Financial Awards Available!

Dyer Family Bursary - Comox Valley
Simo Nurme Memorial Scholarship
University Women's Club of Campbell River - Ann Elmore Haig-Brown Memorial Bursary

Apply Now