Overview

The Faculty of Education is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion within its programs. A top priority is to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action in a concrete manner by encouraging First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals to apply to the Bachelor of Education.

The Bachelor of Education (BEd) is a 12-month post-degree program beginning in May consisting of 60 credit hours in education courses. 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 is the opportunity for students to direct their studies in Primary/Elementary (K–6) or Intermediate/Senior (7–12) and also pursue optional additional study through a focus in International, Indigenous, Early Learning, or Adult Education.

We asked our BEd students why they decided on UPEI for their BEd degree. The responses fell into three main categories:

  • The ability to complete the degree in 12 months
  • International, Indigenous, Early Learning, and Adult Education study foci
  • Program reputation and quality

These responses illustrate the strengths of our BEd program and the multiple options available to our students. One student stated, "UPEI is one of the most forward-thinking universities in Canada offering a BEd... choosing UPEI is a no-brainer," and we tend to agree.

Students in the Faculty of Education are encouraged to think critically and creatively about the purpose and practice of education in local communities and global society. Our professors recognize that a supportive and inclusive learning environment cultivates a healthy spirit of enquiry in our students. The close rapport between students and professors is often cited as the most valued aspect of a student’s experience in the UPEI education program.

"Living and studying on PEI has created great practicum opportunities!"

Nicole at UPEI Convocation talking to the dean of education
UPEI education graduate Nicole in a Main Building student lounge
UPEI education graduate Nicole in the new residence building
UPEI Viewbook 2024
UPEI education graduate Nicole in the new residence building

Meet Nicole, Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Indigenous education graduate (Class of 2023). Nicole plans to return to her position as an Indigenous school social worker in Fort St. James, British Columbia.

Need more information about Bachelor of Education?

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Course Structure
Required Courses

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


PRIMARY/ELEMENTARY CONCENTRATION (K–6)
INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR CONCENTRATION (7–12)

  • ED 4030 The Arts and Social Transformation
  • ED 4110 Learners and Learning
  • ED 4150 The Diverse and Inclusive Classroom
  • ED 4200 Teaching for Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering (STEM) 
  • ED 4490 Introduction to Indigenous Education
  • ED 4640 Educating for Global Citizenship
  • ED 4660 Principles and Practices of Teaching English as Another Language
  • ED 4820 Assessment and Evaluation
  • ED 4961 Preparation for the Teaching Profession I
  • ED 4962 Practicum I
  • ED 4971 Preparation for the Teaching Profession II
  • ED 4972 Practicum II

PRIMARY/ELEMENTARY CONCENTRATION (K–6)

  • ED 4220 Mathematics for Teachers
  • ED 4230 Primary/Elementary Mathematics I
  • ED 4245 Inquiry-Based Methods in Science and Social Studies
  • ED 4280 Primary/Elementary Mathematics II
  • ED 4320 Primary/Elementary language and Literacies and Multiliteracies I
  • ED 4330 Literacy and Multiliteracies in the Early Years II
  • ED 4336 Developing Learning and Play in the Early Years (Ages 0-8)
  • ED 4480 Social Emotional Learning and Children’s Mental Health

INTERMEDIATE/SENIOR CONCENTRATION (7–12)

  • ED 4130 Multiliteracies Across the Curriculum
  • ED 4420 Adolescent Social & Emotional Health
  • ED 4530 Curriculum and Pedagogy 
  • ED 4630 Perspectives on Culture and Society in Education

Students take 4 of:

  • ED 4260 Intermediate/Senior Mathematics I
  • ED 4270 Intermediate/Senior Mathematics II
  • ED 4360 Intermediate/Senior English I
  • ED 4370 Intermediate/Senior English II
  • ED 4460 Intermediate/Senior Science I
  • ED 4470 Intermediate/Senior Science II
  • ED 4560 Intermediate/Senior Social Studies I
  • ED 4570 Intermediate/Senior Social Studies II
Focus Areas
Study Foci

Students may complete a study focus in International, Indigenous, or Adult Education by completing a five- to six-week practicum in the relevant focus area and one course beyond the 20 required for the BEd as outlined below:

International Education
ED 4620 International Education

Indigenous Education
ED 4510 Integrating Indigenous Themes in the Curriculum K-12

Adult Education
(one of the following courses based on availability)

  • ED 3630 The Adult Learner
  • ED 3640 Assessment of Adult Learning
  • ED 3680 Curriculum Development
  • ED 3730 Inclusion and Differentiation in Adult Learning

Decisions regarding completing an additional focus area are made after entering the program.

Pre-service teachers work with high school students
Pre-service teachers work with high school students
Admissions Criteria
What's Required for Admission to the BEd Program?

All applicants must meet the provincial prerequisites for certification as written in the PEI Education Act. As per section 2(c)(ii), all applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (90 or 120 hours) and, for those applying to the Intermediate/Senior stream of study, a major and/or minor in two distinct teachable subject areas.

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.

Common 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. Graduate study may be taken into consideration for admission requirements. 

  1. 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 hours of credit). Graduate study may be taken into consideration for admission requirements. 
  2. 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); 
  3. Applicants must have completed 3 semester hours in Mathematics;
  4. Applicants must complete an Experience Profile which will be uploaded as a supplemental document to the application. 
  5. Applicants whose first language is not English must also satisfy the UPEI English Language Proficiency requirements.
  6. Applicants must have completed academic courses in subjects taught in the school system which satisfy the requirements for the program level into which they seek admission. 

Primary/Elementary (K–6)

  • 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
  • 3 credit hours in Developmental Psychology or equivalent.

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;
  • at least 18 credit hours of university coursework in a second teachable area as listed below, 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); 
    • Note: UPEI Courses UPEI 1010, UPEI 1020, and UPEI 1030 are deemed as equivalent to one another and will only qualify as one three-credit course. 
  • 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.

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

Application and Assessment process 

Applications are accepted from June 1 to September 15. All completed and eligible files are forwarded to the Faculty of Education. Each file will then be assessed by a Faculty Committee on the following areas outlined in the applicant’s Experience Profile:

  • Experience in Instructional Settings
  • Experiences with Children and Youth
  • Academic History and Other Training

Those to whom offers will be extended are informed by early December and given a confirmation deadline. After this time offers will be given to applicants on the waitlist.

UPEI Bachelor of Education Experience Profile form

UPEI Bachelor of Education Course Requirement Checklist - Primary/Elementary
UPEI Bachelor of Education Course Requirement Checklist - Intermediate/Senior


Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

Fees and Funding

Tuition

Bachelor of Education Tuition - $13,656
International students pay $11,862 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Education, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.  

Faculty Members
Your mentors. Our professors.

UPEI has about 250 faculty—exceptional scholars, teachers, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the quality of our people. Award-winning faculty from around the globe have made UPEI home. Here, you’ll learn directly from these world-class professors and researchers in small classes where you’ll have easy access to them.