Are you looking to advance your career by finishing a university degree?
It's never too late to finish what you started. UPEI's Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) gives credit to your experience—we recognize completed university credits and your work experience through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
The Bachelor of Integrated Studies program is for adult learners with university credits looking to finish a degree program, college graduates pursuing a university degree, and working professionals seeking career advancement, promotion, or leadership roles in their organizations.
"The BIS program provides an excellent opportunity for students who have work and life experience."
Meet UPEI Bachelor of Integrated Studies student Raeanne Kinch, and learn more about how she's successfully balancing her busy home and work demands while earning her degree.
Design a degree that works for you
Our degree program is designed with flexibility that aligns with your personal and professional goals, where your formal and informal education and experience is valued. Your prior learning in a college program, your completed university credits, and your on-the-job experience provide a personalized Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree path—a university degree co-designed specifically for you.
Turn your workplace experience into a degree while building the skills and knowledge that employers want—activate your future in UPEI's Bachelor of Integrated Studies program!
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What is Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) matches your completed college diploma learning, any completed university courses, and your informal work experience to the learning outcomes of individual UPEI courses (course-based PLAR), or the entire Bachelor of Integrated Studies program learning outcomes (program-based PLAR).
Students in the program create a career and learning portfolio during their coursework (University/BIS 1930), and upon full completion of the portfolio may receive up to four courses (12 credits) for the cost of one course.
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.
The Bachelor of Integrated Studies requirements include:
- 24 semester-hours (8 courses) at the senior level:
- six 3000–4000 level courses in any subject
- one 3000 level course in the concentration
- one 4000 level course in the concentration
- A grade of 65% in at least 5 of the 8 courses completed at this senior level
- Not more than 36 semester-hours (12 courses) at the preparatory (1000) level
- 6 semester-hours in English 1010 and, a writing intensive course
- Integrated Studies 1930 - Creating a Career and Learning Portfolio
- IKE 1040 - Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island
Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for more information.
"I decided that if I was going to get my degree, now was the time."
UPEI Bachelor of Integrated Studies student Lisa Holland proves it's never too late to earn your degree.
The Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree program is designed to be an accessible program for mature and adult learners. High school graduation is not absolutely required; however, each applicant must meet criteria for admission through the Registrar’s Office, including:
- be out of secondary school for at least seven (7) years
- have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status
Applicants submit official records/transcripts of any post-secondary education and high school records may be requested from applicants whose latest formal education was at that level. Each applicant is assessed for any possible transfer credit by the Registrar’s Office after admission is granted.
Turn your college certificate, diploma, and any completed university courses and credits into a degree in UPEI's Bachelor of Integrated Studies program.
Tuition (Faculties of Arts, Business, and Science)
$7,630 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($763 per 3 credit course).
For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student, visit our Tuition and Fees page.
Scotiabank Scholarship Series
The Scotiabank Scholarship Series grants $1,000 annually to five students entering the Bachelor of Integrated Studies Program (BIS) at UPEI.
Read more about the Scotiabank Scholarship Series
UPEI Scholarships and Awards
There are two specific awards for mature students:
And millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students in all faculties and programs.
Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.
