Academic Courses and Programs (VIU and NIC)

Vancouver Island University (VIU) and North Island College (NIC) Programs

SD47 is excited to sponsor students wishing to pursue a micro-credential, certificate or diploma program for up to 8 months of that program. If a non graduated school aged student applies and is accepted into program SD47 will sponsor (pay tuition), so long as all pre-requisites are met (MOE and AMOE pre-requisites). For more information on how to apply and what program are available please see your school counsellor or contact Mrs. Larkin Tanya.Larkin@sd47.bc.ca 

Possible VIU Programs include but are not limited to:

Health Care Assistant
Educational Assistant and Community Support Worker
Early Childhood Education and Care

All VIU 100 level courses are available for sponsorship for the 2023-24 school year. See Mrs. Larkin for more information and please review course options using the VIU search tool. 
Face to face and online courses being offered through the PR VIU campus:

Fall 2024

ENGL 115   f2f Mon/Wed 9-10:30 am OR online asynchronous
INDG 103   Mon/Wed/Fri, noon-1, online synchronous
PSYC 121   f2f Wed 1:30-2:30 plus online modules OR online asynchronous
SOCI 112    Mon 1-4 pm blended synchronous (in person or online)

 Spring 2025

ENGL 125   f2f Mon/Wed 9-10:30 am OR online asynchronous
INDG 104   Mon/Wed/Fri, noon-1, online synchronous
PSYC 111   f2f Wed 1:30-2:30 plus online modules OR online asynchronous
SOCI 290   Mon 1-4 pm blended synchronous (in person or online)

May Intersession 2025

INDG 300    one-week place-based intensive delivery in May 2025

Course Descriptions of Powell River VIU courses:

Eng 115 University Writing & Research

This course will provide an introduction to critical thinking and reading, academic writing, and research skills, consistent with the conditions and expectations you will encounter as a reader and writer at university. 

Eng 125 Literature and Culture: Telling Stories on the West Coast  

This course will provide an introduction to the concept of literary genres and explore the relation between literature and its historical and cultural contexts. It will offer a sampling of literature from coastal B.C. and beyond ranging from first nations myths to contemporary short stories, poetry, and novels.

Sociology 112 Canadian Society in the Contemporary World 

An introduction to Sociology through the study of Canadian society and its global context. In addition to theoretical perspectives, social class and inequality, topics may include education, family, religion, science and technology, environment, globalization, work, economy, politics, health and medicine, social movements and social change.

GLST 100 Global Studies: Through the Global Lens 

An introduction to interdisciplinary learning offering different ways of seeing and explaining contemporary human experiences. Learners study diverse human experiences through the lenses of Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science and Sociology. Possible topics: religion and world politics; refugees and human rights; cultural diversity; economic sectors and globalization; green consumerism.

Psych 121 Developmental Psychology

An investigation of the main processes of development, emphasizing cognition, perception, emotion, language and personality. 

Psych 122 Developmental Psychology

A continuation of Psych 121, including social factors in development, development according to ages and stages, and problems in development. (Psych 121 is a pre-requisite). 

Indigenous Studies 103

A multidisciplinary introduction to Indigenous studies, drawing on readings, seminar discussions, and writing to explore essential themes. Special emphasis will be given to historical, cultural, and socio-political processes that shape Indigenous experiences and realities. Selected case studies will be used to illustrate these processes. 

Indigenous Studies 104

A continuation of Indigenous Studies 103 including a focus on the BC Indigenous, especially peoples of the North Pacific Coast. 

Dual Credit Academic Courses NIC      

SD47 and NIC have a partnership that provides students with additional transitioning opportunities. In order to register students must see Mrs. Larkin for a registration package. All application must run through Brooks for sponsorship to be valid. 

For all course offerings please review the NIC Dual Credit webpage.  

Early Assist will support students with wellness, health and all other support services. 

DAL will support students with Individualized Education Plans, DAL needs to be contacted one month prior to program start date. 

There is a new application process for NIC, for all courses starting on or after Sept 2024, please follow these instructions to apply:
Applying for DC at NIC - Step by Step Application Instructions.pdf All required applications and further details can be found in the resources link below. 

Students who would like assistance with timetabling can book an appointment with an NIC educational advisor here or book an apt to chat with Mrs. Larkin Tanya.Larkin@sd47.bc.ca 

Continuing Education and Adult Basic Education courses 

Continuing Education courses are available to students who are 21 years or younger through SD47, please connect with James Hanson James.Hanson@sd47.bc.ca for more information.  ABE courses are available through VIU to graduated students, or students 21+ yrs old, wishing to upgrade or take an academic course. ABE courses are not dual credit, but are high school equivalency courses, these do count towards meeting entrance pre-requisites for post secondary entrance.