CFAA - ARTICULATION

Articulation of Applied Academics
Courses for Post-Secondary Admission in BC

Guide to University & College Prerequisites

Applied Academics and Post-Secondary Admission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Applied Academics?

In British Columbia, Applied Academics forms a part of the high school graduation program. It is used to describe four provincial curriculum areas: Technical and Professional Communications 12, Applications of Mathematics 9 to 12, and Applications of Physics 11 and 12. By showing concrete applications of how academic theories are used in everyday situations – to solve problems at home or in the workplace – Applied Academics offers you a broader picture of what you are learning and why. By emphasizing applications of theory, problem solving and critical thinking, Applied Academics provides you with the skills (literacy, numeracy, computing and technology) post-secondary institutions recognize as a necessary foundation for further study in most fields.

What do I use this guide for?

This guide answers the question: If I successfully complete this Grade 12 Applied Academics Course, which post-secondary institution am I eligible to enter, directly or indirectly?

What do you mean by "directly?" You may wish to go directly from completion of Grade 12 to a diploma or certificate-granting program at a college or institute in BC. Or, you may wish to enroll for a degree at one of BC’s universities or university colleges. These are considered direct routes.

And, "indirectly?" You can also apply to enter one of the province’s universities or university colleges after completing a two-year University Transfer program at another institution. This is an indirect route. Because most universities do not currently accept Applied Academics courses for direct entry from Grade 12 but most of the province’s other institutions do, this is an important option for those of you interested in taking Applied Academics courses.

What are my options when I graduate from high school?

	Colleges	Universities	University Colleges	Institutes	Open Learning Agency
Apprenticeship Programs
Vocational Programs (Certificates/Diplomas)
Career/Technical Programs
Applied/Professional Degree Programs (Undergraduate Degrees)
Academic Programs (Undergraduate Degrees)
University Transfer Programs (Associate Degrees)

Post-Secondary Programs by Institution

When you graduate from high school, you have five main options for continued schooling at post-secondary institutions. They are:

Colleges – Colleges offer general instruction in a wide range of diploma or vocational programs. They do not grant bachelor degrees but do grant associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a range of programs. All colleges offer courses in academic, career, technical, vocational and adult basic education, as well as a variety of community education programs.
Universities – Universities offer degree-level education in a wide variety of disciplines at the bachelor and graduate levels. As well, research is a major part of the mandate of universities.
University colleges – University colleges are different than both universities and colleges. Like universities, they offer degree-granting programs. However, they are only offered in a limited range of program areas. And, like colleges, they offer career technical, vocational and adult basic education.
Institutes – Institutes offer diploma or vocational programs. Like colleges, they grant Associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a range of programs. Two institutes, BCIT and Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, also offer degree programs in some areas. Institutes provide specialized instruction in areas such as technologies and trades, art and design, and law enforcement.
Open Learning Agency– The Open Learning Agency offers learning opportunities for people who are unable to attend regular classes at institutes, colleges, university colleges, or universities. It is made up of Open University, Open College, Open School, and the Knowledge Network. Open Learning Agency provides university degrees, enrolment in a variety of college programs, and workplace training.

These are your five main options. So as not to limit your future options, it is important that you keep the distinctions between these post-secondary institutions in mind.

What programs of study are available at BC’s post-secondary institutions?

Post-secondary institutions offer different programs of study. There are six main types of program:

Apprenticeship programs involve trades training that takes place primarily on-the-job along with several months of classroom instruction each year. They include both traditional trades and emerging technologies. Check out the Secondary School Apprenticeship program as offered at your school. This program allows you to gain one year of Apprenticeship credit while you finish high school.

Career or Technical programs provide applied training for specific employment in a variety of fields. Want to study Business Administration? Electronic Engineering Technology? Computer Information Systems? These are some of the two-year Career or Technical programs offered.

Vocational programs are typically short, applied programs of one year or less. Some examples of vocational programs are Welding, Culinary Arts, Automotive Mechanics, and Legal Secretary.

Applied or Professional Degree programs are offered at some institutes and university colleges. These programs balance theory and practice differently than traditional arts or science degrees. Examples are degrees in computer information systems, business, environmental planning and assessment, and health areas. These programs aim to graduate people ready to practice in their chosen field.

Academic programs are offered by universities, university colleges, and the Open Learning Agency. Do you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry? Nursing? Economics or Commerce? These are just a few of the programs offered in both general and applied studies in arts and science.

University Transfer (Associate Degree) programs are one or two-year arts and sciences programs offered at many post-secondary institutions.

If I take one or more Applied Academics courses, how do I enroll in:

an Apprenticeship, Career/Technical, or Vocational Program?

First decide which institution offers the program in which you are interested in enrolling.
Then, refer to the institution in this summary guide to find out if the Applied Academics course you have taken or are thinking about taking meets the program’s admissions requirements.

an Undergraduate Degree?

To attend an Applied/Professional or Academic program at a degree-granting institution, you have two options.

Direct route – attending degree-granting institution directly from high school.

First decide which degree-granting institution offers the program in which you are interested in enrolling.

Then, refer to the institution in this summary guide to find out if the Applied Academics course you have taken or are thinking about taking meets the program’s admissions requirements. Keep in mind that there are limitations to how many students can be accepted into degree programs. Competition is fierce. The best way you have of enhancing your chances of being accepted is by achieving good grades.

Indirect route – attending a degree-granting institution after first successfully completing a University Transfer Program.

Students who successfully complete a minimum number of credits of appropriate university-transferable courses, with a GPA of C or equivalent, can apply for admission to the program of their choice at a degree granting institution. The minimum number of credits varies by institution (from 15 to 30). Check the institutional calendar for exact numbers. Up to date information can also be found in the BC Transfer Guide, available in high school libraries, or online at www.bccat.bc.ca and at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/cfaa.

Students who successfully complete an Associate Degree or a two-year College Diploma program can also apply for admission to many degree programs. Such degree completion arrangements are not necessarily available at all institutions or for all programs. Check the institutional calendar or the BC Transfer Guide for specific details.

In both these cases, admission is based on performance in the post-secondary transfer courses regardless of what high school courses have been taken. However, you should remember that:

entry is often competitive - your college GPA counts!

specific courses may have prerequisites you have not yet completed in either Grade 12 or through your Associate Degree, College Diploma or University Transfer courses. Check the calendar for every course you intend to take.

Most University Transfer programs accept Applied Academics courses when considering student eligibility.

If you are interested in enrolling in a University Transfer program:

First determine which post-secondary institution offers the University Transfer program in which you are interested in enrolling.

Then, refer to the institution in this summary guide to find out if the Applied Academics course you have taken or are thinking about taking meets the program’s admissions requirements.

I’m not sure which option I want to pursue yet. Is there anything I should keep in mind while I am making up my mind?

Yes! If you are planning on going on to any post-secondary education, you must consider the following two important points:

Each of these institutions has its own admissions requirements. Courses that will get you into one institution will not necessarily get you into another.

It is important to maintain good grades in all of your courses so that you increase your chances for admission eligibility. For example, there are seven universities in BC. If you want to go directly to one of these universities after Grade 12, there are certain specific courses you need to have, with good marks.

Additional Notes Regarding Applied Academics Courses

Grade 11 Courses: Applications of Mathematics 11and Applications of Physics 11 meet prerequisites in a limited number of post-secondary vocational, career-technical programs. Colleges may offer upgrading courses to meet higher course prerequisites.

Prerequisites: Colleges and universities frequently offer courses at the first year level to enable students to complete prerequisites for specific courses (e.g. Pre-calculus, Academic Writing, etc.). Applications of Physics 12 is accepted on the basis that students have completed Applications of Physics 11 as well.

<<BACK CONTENTS NEXT>>