Location
Start Dates

  • January 09, 2025
  • September 02, 2025
Program Delivery

  • Face to Face - Synchronous
  • Online - Asynchronous
  • Online - Synchronous
  • Online - Synchronous - Asynchronous

University Transfer

Embark on an exciting academic journey by enrolling in University Transfer. Take courses at Bow Valley College and transfer them to a university. These courses can be used to meet university admission requirements, and they may also be used towards your degree goals.

You can apply to any university in Calgary and beyond after taking University Transfer courses. Bow Valley College also has an agreement with St. Mary’s University where you take your first year of university courses at Bow Valley College and then transfer into St. Mary’s University’s Bachelor of Arts – General Studies three-year degree for your second year. See FAQs below for example pathways for degrees in Arts, Business, and Science at universities here in Calgary.

Is University Transfer what I’m looking for?

There are many reasons why students enter University Transfer:

  • You are considering applying for university but aren’t sure what program to choose
  • You know what university program you want to take, but you are nervous about attending university
  • You can explore your interests while gaining transfer credits by taking a variety of arts, science, and business courses
  • You don’t have good high school marks or you don’t have a high school diploma
  • You need flexible courses that fits your schedule

University Transfer offers:

  • Smaller class sizes with an average of 25 students per course
  • Affordable tuition rates
  • A smaller and easily navigable campus
  • Faculty that are teaching- and student-focused
  • Student services to support you on your journey
  • You can enroll in as few as one course per term, with courses available in the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms
  • Many courses are offered through flexible delivery modes such as online, and during evenings

Once you complete the University Transfer program, you can apply to your university of choice as a post-secondary transfer student, making the university admission process easier for you. Some universities have specific high school courses required for admission, so we recommend you speak with your destination university to learn more about their admission requirements and procedures.

Courses Available Request More Information
Additional Resources

Financial Support

Transfer Alberta Credit Search


Welcome Centre

South Campus
345 - 6 Avenue SE
403-410-1402
Toll-free: 1-866-428-2669
info@bowvalleycollege.ca


Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

To enter University Transfer, you must demonstrate a passing mark in English 30-1 or English 30-2. You also have the option of taking the Bow Valley College Admissions and Placement test to qualify.

English language proficiency requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Courses Available Request More Information
Additional Resources

Financial Support

Transfer Alberta Credit Search


Welcome Centre

South Campus
345 - 6 Avenue SE
403-410-1402
Toll-free: 1-866-428-2669
info@bowvalleycollege.ca

Course Listing


Full tuition and fees breakdown for courses are available here.

Curriculum subject to change. 
Please note, not all courses are available every term

Courses

Placement in any of the following courses:

This course introduces learners to foundational biological concepts and mechanisms. Learners explore the organization and processes of life at the cellular, organismal, species, and ecosystem levels. These concepts are illustrated through current examples of medical and environmental issues and discoveries.

In this introductory course on bioenergetics, learners explore the use and transfer of energy in the plant and animal kingdoms from molecules to ecosystems and investigate how molecular structure determines biological function. They explore how energy is generated from metabolic reaction pathways as well as organisms' interactions with the physical and biotic components of earth.

This course examines the role of DNA in the inheritance of genetic information and identifies central concepts in evolution. Learners explore principles in DNA replication and gene expression, as well as natural selection and speciation. Learners will further investigate how genetics and evolution contribute to biodiversity.

An introduction to university chemistry from theoretical and practical perspectives, that focuses on an exploration of the fundamental links between electronic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure and the interactions of molecules using inorganic and organic examples.

An introduction to university chemistry from theoretical and practical perspectives that focuses on an exploration of the fundamental links between kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics and explores acidity/basicity and redox behaviour using inorganic and organic examples.

This course focuses on the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviours for appropriate and effective intercultural communication in diverse workplaces. Learners explore the importance of a global and ethnorelative perspective linking the concepts to their lived experiences. Areas of focus include cultural influences on communication, conflict styles, self-awareness, acculturation, and Indigenous worldviews.

This first-year composition course introduces learners to academic writing and critical thinking. They read and analyze sociopolitical, cultural, and gender issues in texts with an emphasis on experiences of people whose voices were historically silenced, particularly those of Indigenous communities in Canada. Learners develop strategies to communicate their own ideas and integrate them with those of others by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing source material. Learners present their written assignments professionally according to APA formatting guidelines.

This course will introduce classic and contemporary children's literature to provide an overview of its history and context. Learners will be given a background for understanding reading practices as responses to social context. This course explores various genres as well as theories such as narrative therapy to address issues such as social justice and identity. The course will also offer practical applications for helping children choose books that encourage them to build empathy in deeper understanding of themselves and others.

This course explores the fundamentals of film studies, including representative film theories and critical film analyses. Learners encounter English language films produced in North America that may represent issues of gender, race, identity, and sociopolitical history. Learners critically analyze different aspects of a film by applying concepts of film studies and critical thinking skills.

The central theme of the course focuses on the relationship between thinking, human behaviour, and organizational effectiveness. Opportunity is provided for learners to experience incidental learning as they evaluate their own behaviour. Learners explore how concepts and ideas pertaining to human behaviour can transform self, relationships, and the workplace.

This course provides an introduction to the diverse Indigenous Nations of Canada, while looking at the effects of colonialism in both historical and contemporary times, and from multiple perspectives. This course will orient learners to the current goals and challenges of Indigenous communities in Canada today. Learners are encouraged to situate themselves in Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action, especially as they relate to their chosen field of work.

This course examines the fundamental concepts of differential and integral calculus, and how to apply these concepts to solve practical problems. Learners gain a theoretical understanding of calculus by working with functions of one variable and apply fundamental concepts to solve problems in related rates, optimization of functions, and mathematical modeling. Learners use these techniques to solve applied problems in business, economics, natural sciences, and engineering.

A concluding treatment of single variable calculus and an introduction to calculus in several variables. Single variable calculus: techniques of integration, sequences, series, convergence tests, and Taylor series. Calculus of several variables: partial differentiation, multiple integration, parametric equations, and applications.

This course provides an introduction to systems of linear equations, vectors in IR^n space, and matrix algebra. Additional topics include linear transformations, determinants, complex numbers, eigenvalues, and applications.

The allocation of scarce resources in the face of unlimited wants and needs is at the core of economics. This course introduces the fundamentals of microeconomics and creates the foundation for economic analysis and thinking. The course starts with the study of individual choice and opportunity cost, then proceeds to introduce supply and demand and the market adjustments leading to equilibrium, and addresses the use of market price and the sources of market failure. It transitions to consumer behaviour focusing on how consumers make decisions, while creating a framework to understand how firms optimize production under different market structures. The course concludes with the application of microeconomic theory to more advanced topics such as international trade, marginal analysis and the trade-off between equity and efficiency.

Learners are recommended to complete the Business Math Skills Self-Assessment (https://bowvalleycollege.ca/schools/chiu-school-of-business/MSA) prior to taking this course.

Learners critically evaluate day-to-day economic subjects in a personal and business context. Throughout the course the economy is examined at the aggregate level with an emphasis on the determination and measurement of national income in the short and long run. The role of households, businesses, government, financial intermediaries and the international sector in influencing national income is examined. Learners analyze business cycles, money and banking, inflation, unemployment, exchange rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.

This course explores introductory statistical data analysis and interpretation techniques used in business environments. Learners develop foundational knowledge on key topics including data collection and presentation and measures of descriptive statistics. Random variables, probability and probability distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis are also covered.

This course builds upon MGMT2501 Introduction to Statistics. Learners focus on the business applications of statistics and perform statistical data analysis techniques to make decisions and conclusions. Key concepts include two-sample confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, categorical data analysis, linear and multilinear regression, and quality control. Analysis of variance, design of experiment, chi-squared tests, time series analysis, and non-parametric tests are also examined. Prerequisite: MGMT2501

Learners are introduced to concepts aimed at providing a solid foundation of marketing principles and the role marketing plays in business. Emphasizing a holistic approach, learners have the opportunity to analyze and apply the marketing mix. Key concepts include product, price, placement, and promotion (4Ps), the Integrated Marketing Communications Mix (IMC), market research, and consumer behaviour.

How do we decide what's right and wrong, or judge the outcomes of our actions? What makes an action worth doing, and what does it mean to make things go better? In this introduction to ethics, we'll explore the tools we have for deciding what is good or bad, while comparing relevant theories and arguments that help us decide for ourselves. We will delve into the appraisal of human actions, of what is good and evil, right or wrong, and what it means to be morally responsible.

This course explores the development of Canadian political institutions and political issues in Canada. Learners explore contemporary Canadian politics by examining concepts such as the evolution of federalism, the Constitution, parliament, elections, Indigenous and minority rights, and multiculturalism. Learners will apply political science terms and concepts to the analysis of contemporary Canadian political issues.

This introductory course provides learners with a basic understanding and an overview of the field of psychology. Attention is given to major psychological perspectives and the fundamentals of scientific thinking, biological factors, sensation and perception, cognitive processes, personality, social influences and human motivation. Learners will be encouraged to apply what they learn to their own lives and the world around them.

This course is designed to provide an overview of the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive developmental changes that occur during adolescence. An emphasis will be placed on individual aspects of development, the contexts and social spheres that shape adolescent development, and transitions of adolescence.
Prerequisites: PSYC1101

Learners examine the major psychological disorders, focusing on clinical description, causal factors (considering the interaction of biological, psychological, and social influences), treatment, and outcomes. Learners develop a working definition of abnormal behaviour using the DSM-5 criteria as a basis for classification.
Prerequisites: PSYC1101

This course provides an introductory overview of the discipline of Sociology. Learners explore human behavior, stratification, social institutions, and sociological theory and methods. Learners examine how social positions shape lives, and how people adjust to social and cultural environments.

In this course, learners explore how families are integrated within larger social systems; how patterns of social power and inequality shape Canadian families; as well as how and why the family is critical to the socialization process. The course culminates in the critical assessment of issues affecting families in Canada.

Aging, while an individual experience, is also an experience that is heavily influenced by social structures and social processes. Using the sociological perspective, this course explores contemporary aging by examining choices and experiences that transcend the individual and incorporate larger social groups and processes. In doing so, learners build a foundation in sociological concepts and theories to apply this knowledge to age-related issues. Learners consider demographic factors leading to population aging; the role of social structures and processes in shaping experiences of physical aging; as well as aging in relation to health systems, retirement, social engagement, and family in Canadian society.

This course explores health and illness from a sociological perspective through which learners come to understand how personal health and illness are shaped by societal factors. Learners begin by differentiating the biological and social models of health and developing sociological tools, concepts, theories, and methodologies used to explain and measure the social causes of health and disease. Sociological tools are then used to analyze health issues in society through scholarly sources and popular media. Learners will explore how health and illness are socially derived, the ways in which social factors such as age, gender, race, and ethnicity shape health experiences and outcomes, and how health inequality is a product of intersecting social and political identities, social networks, neighbourhoods, healthcare systems, and socio-political processes. Contributions of the sociological perspective to health knowledge, policy, and practice are highlighted and discussed.

The experience of death and dying is one that is personal and deeply meaningful but also constructed and shaped by social environment, varying across socio-cultural and socio-historical contexts. This course explores death, dying, and bereavement through a sociological lens. Sociological theory and methodology are applied to understandings of death and processes of dying. Learners examine narratives of dying to uncover differences in symbolic meaning, expression, and practice across time and across cultures. They delve into the ways we socially organize dying in legal, medical, familial, religious and spiritual institutions. Further topics include bereavement and grief as they apply to individuals and caregivers. In addition to reading scholarly works, learners explore death, dying, and grief through literature, art, music, film, and storytelling. This course challenges learners to explore their own personal understandings of death and journeys of dying toward seeing the social forces that shape us.

This interdisciplinary course provides an introduction to women's and gender studies. Significant historical developments of the women's movement are presented as well as the different theoretical feminist perspectives to explain and challenge the gendered nature of social relations. Through the exploration of texts and social issues, learners use an intersectional approach to critically analyze women's lives in differing social locations based on, but not limited to, race/ethnicity, religion, class, age, sexuality, and ability.

Program FAQs

Bow Valley College (BVC) has a block transfer agreement with St. Mary’s University (STMU), which means that you can complete your first year of university with us, and then move to St. Mary’s University for your second and third years.

See the following courses you would have to take at Bow Valley College.

University Transfer students can choose from a variety of courses to create a path towards a future degree at a post-secondary institution of their choice*. You can complete up to two years towards a Bachelor of Arts degree here at Bow Valley College, or one year towards a Bachelor of Science. You can also complete courses towards a Business Administration degree and more, depending on program requirements and transfer credit guidelines.

See example of a pathway.

University Transfer students can choose from a variety of courses to create a path towards a future degree at a post-secondary institution of their choice*. You can complete up to two years towards a Bachelor of Arts degree here at Bow Valley College, or one year towards a Bachelor of Science. You can also complete courses towards a Business Administration degree and more, depending on program requirements and transfer credit guidelines.

See example of a pathway.

University Transfer students can choose from a variety of courses to create a path towards a future degree at a post-secondary institution of their choice*. You can complete up to two years towards a Bachelor of Arts degree here at Bow Valley College, or one year towards a Bachelor of Science. You can also complete courses towards a Business Administration degree and more, depending on program requirements and transfer credit guidelines.

See example of a pathway.

Most universities have an admission route for post-secondary transfer applicants. They require you to have completed a specific number of courses before entering their university and a minimum GPA requirement. Some universities calculate your GPA based on your most recently completed post-secondary courses, while other institutions may calculate your GPA based on all your completed post-secondary courses.

We strongly encourage you to research the admission requirements and procedures of your university of choice. They may require you to have completed specific high school courses, and they may consider Bow Valley College courses as a substitute for their high school course requirements; please check with your university of choice for details.

Each university has its own specific requirements. Some of the universities in Calgary require a minimum of four courses before you can transfer and some require more. Check the admission requirements of your university of choice.

To transfer to St. Mary’s University, you must complete ten specific courses, which will help you fulfill your Science, Math, Electives, and Senior Electives degree requirements.

You can take 1-5 courses per term. Please note that enrolling in nine 9 credits (usually 3 courses) is considered a full-time course load.

No. You must meet all the admission requirements of the university of your choice including their minimum and/or competitive GPA requirements.

For admission to St. Mary’s University, you must have a GPA of 2.0 and a mark of C- or higher on all ten courses, and there must be space available in their Bachelor of Arts - General Studies program.

Yes. You can register in our University Transfer pathway and take courses at Bow Valley College. Many of our courses have transfer credit agreements with the universities in Calgary and throughout Alberta. You will have to apply for transfer credit for your individual Bow Valley College courses at your home university to use them towards your degree.
The courses in our University Transfer program are transferable with most universities in Alberta. You can look at the transferable credits on the Transfer Alberta website (https://transferalberta.alberta.ca/).

If you are applying to a university outside of Alberta, you will likely have to apply for transfer credit for your courses and provide the course outline and course offering information documents for each course. The university will determine which of their courses are equivalent to your Bow Valley College courses.
The cost of your program depends on the number of courses you register for and which courses you choose. Each course has a unique tuition amount. Course tuition ranges from $377 to $833. You can view individual course tuition online at www.bowvalleycollege.ca/fees.
You can access part-time and full-time government loans and grants as a domestic student in the University Transfer pathway. For more information on these opportunities and to begin your application, visit https://studentaid.alberta.ca/.

Your cart is currently empty.

Browse Available Courses

Close

  • If you are currently studying in a post-secondary program at BVC, please register for your courses via mybvc to ensure your enrolments and fees are processed appropriately.
  • Cart total based on domestic tuition rates. For information about International Tuition rates please see Additional Fees Apply
  • If you anticipate applying for a student loan, your payment will be refunded to you based on your loan award once your funding has been received by BVC.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Learn more in our privacy policy