Program_Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Education

Interested in inspiring the next generation? Teaching is a rewarding career and a great choice for those who enjoy learning and working with children. After first year, students choose a specialization in early years (K - 4), middle years (5 to 9) or secondary (10 -12) to complete their four-year degree. Transfer options also available.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Degree
4 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus Blended

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 and 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 to 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 University of Alberta and The University of Lethbridge. Some routes and majors in 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 in 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 University of Alberta or The University of Lethbridge, you are advised to contact your destination university for program planning and transfer admission information. An Advising and Recruiting Specialist can assist you with this process. 

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 

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

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.    

International Students: 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 is a situational judgement test that provides information about applicants who are interested in people-orientated professions such as teaching. This standardized online test takes between 60 and 90 minutes and assesses the personal and professional attributes that are needed to be successful students and future teachers. 

Applicants are required to first submit their application to Red Deer Polytechnic, then register for a Casper test on the Casper website. 

Casper test results are sent directly to Red Deer Polytechnic on the applicant’s behalf and will inform the admission decision. It can take two to four weeks for Casper results to be released. Applicants with incomplete or missing Casper scores will not be considered for admission. The deadline to write Casper and be considered for admission to the program is February 5.  If you write Casper after February 5, you will be considered for the waitlist. 

Applicants are only permitted to do the Casper assessment once per annual admission cycle. Applicants who have taken the test in previous years will be expected to retake it.  

Taking the Casper test requires a computer with audio capabilities, a webcam and a reliable internet connection on the selected test date. 

Further information about the Casper test is available at: https://takealtus.com/casper/. 

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. 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

Designated Seats for Qualified Indigenous Applicants

In order to facilitate greater participation of Indigenous learners in the Bachelor of Education degree program, 10% of total seats are designated for qualified Indigenous applicants. Unfilled designated seats will be released on June 1st to qualified applicants on the program waitlist, if one exists. 

In accordance with the Constitution Act, 1982, Part II, Section 35(2) the applicant must meet the definition of Indigenous as an Indian, Inuit, or Métis person of Canada, or a person who is accepted by one of the Indigenous peoples of Canada as a member of their community. 

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 (one of the following): 

  • Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis 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

Students from Canada
Year 1
$8,536.00
Year 2
$9,336.00
Year 3
$8,796.00
Year 4
$8,331.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$24,206.00
Year 2
$27,006.00
Year 3
$24,966.00
Year 4
$23,501.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

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 Canadian Studies, 3 credits Science, 3 credits 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.