Bachelor of Education
About the Bachelor of Education
Make a difference in young lives with a career in education. The four-year Bachelor of Education degree program focuses on building relationships, social responsibility and inclusion, foundational knowledge, and bridging theory to practice. These foundational principles are central to developing the competencies required to teach in Alberta.
Upon completion of first-year courses, students join a cohort and specialize in Early Years (K - 4), Middle Years (5 - 9) or Secondary (10 - 12) Education. All students also choose one of 11 minor subject areas. Secondary students also choose one of five teachable subject majors.
In this program, students engage in interactive learning activities, create presentations, develop classroom-ready teaching materials, and work collaboratively with their peers. Graduates will enter the teaching profession equipped with the knowledge and skills to design high-quality, equitable, and authentic learning opportunities that meet learner needs.
Work-integrated Learning
Students will have field experience in different school settings in each year of the program, including a full-term practicum in the final year. These observation and practicum experiences help students turn theory into practice and develop the skills needed to teach in today’s classrooms.
Further Study
Red Deer Polytechnic offers up to two years of coursework in Bachelor of Education programs transferable to the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge. Some routes and majors in the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge programs may require transfer after one year if RDP does not offer all needed courses.
Before planning your program and registering for courses, decide on which university you wish to attend, the grade level you want to teach, and the subject area in which you will specialize. (See details under University Transfer Programs.) Detailed information regarding course selection and transfer admission requirements for the University of Alberta and The University of Lethbridge are provided by the Red Deer Polytechnic School of Arts and Education before you register.
Universities accept a limited number of students to the Bachelor of Education program. Successful transfer admission is based on proper course selection, credit hours completed, grade point average (GPA) and other requirements. The requirements vary depending on which university, route and major/minor you choose. Some routes and majors are more competitive than others and may require a higher grade point average to gain admission. If you plan to transfer to a university other than the University of Alberta or The University of Lethbridge, you are advised to contact your destination university for program planning and transfer admission information.
For the most current university program and transfer information, contact the Student Connect Centre.
Bachelor of Education – University of Alberta
Years 1 & 2 at RDP
After completing one to two years at Red Deer Polytechnic, students can apply to transfer to the University of Alberta (U of A) Edmonton campus to complete their Bachelor of Education degree. A variety of programs are offered, as well as a wide selection of majors and minors.
5-year combined Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education degree - – up to one year (30 credits) of coursework may be available at RDP
4-Year Bachelor of Elementary Education - up to two years of coursework completed at RDP
4-Year Bachelor of Secondary Education - up to two years of coursework completed at RDP, depending on teachable subject major
2-Year After-Degree in Elementary or Secondary Education – a degree in a specific teachable subject is required for admission
Bachelor of Education – University of Lethbridge
Years 1 & 2 at RDP
Students can take up to two years at RDP before transferring to the University of Lethbridge to complete a 5-year combined degree in one of the following areas:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education,
Bachelor of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Education,
Bachelor of Management/Bachelor of Education,
Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education, or
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Education – Burman University
Burman University provides RDP students with the opportunity to transfer into the Bachelor of Education (4-year) program. To meet the core, cognate, minor, specialization and major requirements for transfer into these programs, you should consult with the School of Education at Burman University.
Bachelor of Education – University of Calgary
University of Calgary offers three routes to a Bachelor of Education:
5-year Concurrent (Direct-Entry) Program in Elementary or Secondary Education – up to one year (30 credits) of coursework may be available at RDP
4-year Community-Based Pathway – up to two years (60 credits) of coursework may be available at RDP; preference for admission to this program at University of Calgary is given to students who meet the Werkland School of Education’s definition of “rural”; contact the Werkland School of Education at University of Calgary for information
2-year (After-Degree) Consecutive Education Program in Elementary or Secondary Education – a degree in a specific teachable subject is required for admission
Related Careers
While the focus of the proposed Education degree is preparation to teach in the K-12 sector, not everyone with a Bachelor of Education degree will seek employment as a classroom teacher in Alberta.
Labour demand data does indicate a demand for employees in other sectors that would hire employees with Bachelor of Education degrees. This can include working with community organizations, in corporate training, or in childcare, as home support workers, as education assistants, coaches, referees or tutors. Pursuing a graduate degree and working within a post-secondary setting are other possibilities, as is teaching in other provinces or internationally.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 - Waitlisted
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Waitlisted
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note:
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Program CIP code: 13.0101
To review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility click here.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Education program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Education must have a minimum overall average of 65% with no mark below 65% in:
- ELA 30-1
And no mark below 50% in:
- Math 30-1, or 65% in Math 30-2, or equivalent
- SS 30-1 or 65% in SS 30-2, or equivalent
- One course from Group C
- One course from Group A, B or C or Physical Education 30
Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)
Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.
Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE)
Additional Requirements
Casper Test
The Casper test requirement has been waived for the Fall 2025 intake.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Eligibility for Certification as a Teacher in Alberta
Applicants should be aware that all Bachelor of Education graduates who apply for certification as a teacher in Alberta will be subject to the following restrictions on eligibility:
a) Evidence of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
b) Evidence of proficiency in English or French
c) Except where the Minister of Education decides otherwise, the Registrar (Teacher Development and Certification, Alberta Education) shall not issue a teaching certificate to:
a person who has been convicted for an indictable offense under the Criminal Code; or
a person whom the Registrar has reason to believe should not be issued a certificate
The Registrar shall refuse to issue a teaching certificate to any applicant possessing an indictable criminal conviction. The Registrar may refuse to issue a teaching certificate to an applicant possessing a criminal conviction of a nature deemed unsuitable for teaching children or for any other reason. Applicants may appeal the decision of the Registrar to a Certification Appeal Committee established by the Minister. Appeals must be made in writing within 30 days of being advised of the Registrar's decision not to issue a certificate.
For additional information please contact the Registrar, Teacher Development and Certification, Alberta Education at 310.000 and then 780.427.2045 or see: www.alberta.ca/teacher-certification.aspx
Practicum Requirements
While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Police Information Check or Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. Students should be prepared for approximately $50 to $75 in extra expense to acquire these documents annually.
The existence of a criminal record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check.
Prior Learning and Transfer
A maximum of 30 credits from other recognized institutions may be transferred toward this degree.
Indigenous Learners
Information for Indigenous Applicants
The Bachelor of Education program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated 13 seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, any such designated seats which have not been taken allocated to Indigenous learners will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Métis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
All Bachelor of Education students will take a common set of courses. Students will enter their specialization cohort (Early Years, Middle Years or Secondary Years) in Year 2. Although the course outcomes remain the same, the curriculum focus, strategies and resources are geared toward developing specialization to teach at specified grade levels.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of all degree requirements, obtaining 120 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Early Years (K-4) and Middle Years (5-9) specializations:
42 credits in non-Education courses (including 3 credits in Canadian Studies, 3 credits in Science, 3 credits in Math and 6 credits in English Literature and Composition).
Successful completion of 18 weeks of supervised practicum; 78 credits in Education courses.
Secondary Years (10-12) specialization:
33 credits in teaching subject major
18 credits in teaching subject minor
6 credits in English Literature and Composition.
Successful completion of 18 weeks of supervised practicum; 63 credits in Education courses.
Continuation Requirements
Admission into Bachelor of Education program specializations (Year 2) requires successful completion of Year 1 requirements and a minimum GPA of 2.5 from the five required Year 1 Education (EDUC) courses.