Frequently Asked Questions

As students move on to their next stage in their educational careers, they often have questions. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions received by students over the last few years. These are not meant to be exhaustive and you should feel free to contact Brian Dick, the Engineering Advisor, if your question is not answered on this page (or even if it is!)

Q: I would like to go into civil engineering, but I do not see it on your website. Are there any courses I can take at VIU that can be applied to a civil engineering degree?

A: VIU offers UBC's first year engineering program which is common for all engineering disciplines at UBC. After successfully completing your first year of studies at VIU, you will apply to UBC and state your program preference (i.e. Civil engineering). Acceptance is based on your average grade in 1st year.

Q: Do students who start at UBC or UVic have an advantage getting into second year?

A: No! There is a province-wide policy that transfer students should not be disadvantaged compared to those already at the institution. All students who make the qualifications for second year are put into the same pool and compete based on GPA.

Q: Why should I go to VIU for first (or second) year instead of directly to UBC or UVic?

A: VIU offers students the benefits of:

• Small class sizes: Our first year classes are typically around 50 students, and for engineering classes this number drops to closer to 25). Compare this number to first year classes at UBC or UVic that can number to several hundred.

• Cost: Tuition costs at VIU are about 75% of that at either UBC or UVic. In addition, you likely can live at home during your studies which could save an additional $5,000 to $10,000 per year.

• Attention: VIU is primarily a teaching institution. Your classroom professors will mark all your assignments, projects, and labs and are available for individual consultation outside of their teaching duties.

• Facilities: Due to the small class size, students have easier access to project equipment and facilities including a machine shop. First year students have participated in the construction of a nanotube research facility, wireless projects, and robotics.

• Co-Op: Started in Jan/08, students can now participate in co-op program for placement during the summer following their first year of studies. These co-op placements are local and paid, and, in most cases, can be applied towards the required number of co-op terms needed for graduation at either UBC or UVic.

• Scholarships/Bursaries: Several scholarships/bursaries have been set-up specifically for students entering their first and second year of studies within engineering at VIU. The opportunities to be awarded these scholarships/bursaries are much greater than at either UBC or UVic due to the smaller number of students that are able to compete.

Q: Can I stay at VIU for my first two years of engineering studies?

A: Currently, VIU only offers a two year transfer for the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at UVic. Students may also take a partial course load of the second year Mechanical Engineering program at UVic although the transfer of these courses would ultimately be dependent on their being accepted into that program at UVic.

Q: Is there a difference between taking my second year in Electrical or Computer Engineering at Malaspina instead of at UVic?

A: The second year ECE program at VIU has been set-up so that students transition smoothly to UVic for their third year. Indeed, the intent is for students to be essentially enrolled in the UVic ECE program, but simply take their courses at VIU. The application process is given here: 2nd year application.  Students who are accepted into the second year transfer program at VIU are guaranteed admission into third year ECE at UVic provided that the minimum continuing student GPA requirement is met (the same requirement as if you had taken second year at UVic and were going into third year).

Q: Are there any benefits then for taking my second year in ECE at VIU instead of at UVic?

A: Many of the benefits for taking your second year courses at VIU are similar to those mentioned for earlier question. That being said, the classes' sizes in second year are much lower than in first year (no more than 10 to 15 students) and students have space in their curriculum to participate in up to eight months of co-op between May and Dec after their second year of studies (run through the UVic co-op office).

Q: What are my options if things do not go well for me in my courses?

A: You have many options.

• If you still wish to proceed into engineering you may simply need to take more time to complete your courses. You are usually best off to put your efforts into the Math and Physics courses (and, of course, the Engineering courses) and delay your other courses until your second year.

• If you want to get into Engineering as soon as possible, you can try and concentrate on your core science courses and try applying to Engineering from General Science

• If you are finding that you are not interested in any of the Engineering specialties, you may want to consider a related field. Wood Products processing at UBC, for example, is not an Engineering discipline but is very similar in its requirements. It also generally has a lower GPA entry requirement. Your first year of studies also contains most of the first year science program, and you can usually complete a Chemistry, Math, or Physics degree in three more years.