NEW DEGREES OFFER MORE CHOICES FOR B.C. STUDENTS

VICTORIA – The Province continues to provide access to a quality post-secondary education for students to study closer to home in B.C. by introducing three new degree programs, announced Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

“B.C. has built a solid reputation for providing excellence in post-secondary education that is second to none,” said Coell. “Approval of new degrees provides greater access for students, helping them achieve their educational goals without leaving the province or, in many cases, their home town or city.”

The new degree programs are:

· Bachelor of arts degree in geography with a major in public administration and community development at the University of Northern B.C.

· Bachelor of commerce with a major in human resources management at the University of Northern B.C.

· Bachelor of performing arts degree conferred jointly by Capilano University, Douglas College, Langara College and Vancouver Community College.

The geography degree provides graduates with the skills needed by local governments and other organizations in northern, rural, and small town communities. UNBC plans to accept the transfer of credits from the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology diploma programs in Aboriginal community economic development and in First Nation public administration. The commerce degree will initially be delivered at the University of Northern B.C.’s Prince George campus and its graduates will help to build organizations that are productive and satisfying to employees.

The performing arts degree is a four-year interdisciplinary program, primarily in music, dance and theatre, offered on a rotating basis at Capilano University, Douglas College, Langara College and Vancouver Community College. Capilano University will host the first program. The degree is designed for those who intend to practise as professional performing artists, or managers.

Since 2001, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development has approved more than 160 new undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including 23 other bachelor’s degrees at the University of Northern British Columbia, Capilano University, Douglas College, Langara College and Vancouver Community College. The new degrees are helping B.C. improve its competitiveness and productivity through education and skills training.

At the same time, the number of trades apprentices and trainees in B.C. has more than doubled to 39,307 as of July 2008, supported by a 36 per cent increase in annual funding, from $74 million in 2001 to $100 million this year. New apprenticeship spaces continue to be added – by 2009, an additional 5,000 apprentices will be learning trades skills in B.C. The Province is committed to increasing the number of apprenticeship seats to 7,000 by 2010.

“The increase in the number of new degrees offerings for post-secondary students, combined with historical investments in trades apprenticeship spaces, means students have better choices and better access to a post-secondary education, closer to home so they can continue to succeed in B.C.’s booming economy,” said Coell.

-30-


Media contact:	Richard Chambers Communications Director 250 952-6508 250 361-7241 (cell)

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.