2023-2024  Admissions, Registration and Graduation   Undergraduate Admissions  Admission Requirements  Professional Programs

Professional Programs

• BEd Consecutive – Full-time program
• BEd Concurrent
• Professional Development for Teachers (Additional Qualifications) – Part-time program
• Indigenous Professional Programs – Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma, Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language Diploma, Indigenous Teacher Education Program

Bachelor of Education (BEd) – Consecutive Two Year

How to Apply

Application for admission to the full-time two year Consecutive Bachelor of Education program is made online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). This is a full-time program and cannot be completed on a part-time basis. The Teacher Education Application Service (TEAS) application is available online beginning in September through the OUAC website: www.ouac.on.ca/teas/. The completed application and appropriate fees must be submitted to OUAC by the date specified. Applicants must apply by early December to be considered for admission for the following September.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of, and meet, all deadline dates and admission criteria for the division and teaching subjects selected. Please be advised that a teaching subject may be cancelled if there are an insufficient number of qualified applicants. Nipissing University reserves the right to cancel a teaching subject at any point. Any questions concerning this information can be clarified by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

To be eligible for admission consideration, candidates must submit the following to the Office of the Registrar by the deadline specified when applying:

1. Official transcripts from all universities attended. Applicants who have attended postsecondary institutions outside of North America must have their transcripts assessed (Credential Evaluation Report, including a Course-
   By Course Analysis) by World Education Services (WES) - www.wes.org/ca.
2. Legal proof of change of name if different from that on the transcript(s) (e.g. marriage certificate).
3. Applicants to Nipissing University’s Consecutive Education program whose first language is not English will be required to achieve the required proficiency level on one of the following tests of English language proficiency for admission consideration.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 93 with a minimum score of 20 in reading and listening and a minimum score of 22 in writing and speaking. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS): www.toefl.org.

Basic Admission Requirements for the Consecutive Bachelor of Education

Enrolment in the Bachelor of Education program each year is limited. Selection of candidates is based entirely on academic achievement at the undergraduate level.  Experiential qualifications will only be taken into consideration for those applying through the special admission criteria outlined below.  Cut-off averages will vary from year to year depending on the quality and quantity of applications.

Applicants must be graduating with an undergraduate degree by June of the year for which they are applying. Courses needed to meet teachable subject requirements, as outlined below, must be completed by April of the year being applied for. Your complete undergraduate degree program must include a minimum of 10 full university courses (not including college transfer courses) in order to be considered for admission.

The academic average for admission consideration will be calculated on the best (highest grade) 10 full university undergraduate courses not including college transfer courses. (Example, two-one semester courses are equivalent to a full course.) If an applicant presents more than 25 full university undergraduate courses, only the  25 full university undergraduate courses will be considered. Applicants with a graduate degree will have a maximum of 5 full graduate courses included in their average.  Please note that a minimum admission average of 70% is required for consideration.

The academic average for candidates who, at the time of application, have not completed 10 full undergraduate courses, or equivalent, will be calculated on those courses completed at the time of application.

Please refer to the divisions listed below for additional admission requirements.

Applicants who are offered admission to the Bachelor of Education program will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal reference check prior to beginning the program.

It is the policy of Nipissing University to encourage applications from qualified applicants who are Aboriginal, members of visible minorities and differently-abled persons.

Aboriginal or Early Childhood Education (ECE)/Child Studies Candidates

Up to 20 places are reserved for Aboriginal candidates. These candidates must follow the prescribed application procedures. Further information on this admission policy is available from the Office of the Registrar.  All applicants must still meet the minimum admission requirements to be considered for the program.

A limited number of places are available in the Primary/Junior division for candidates who hold an undergraduate degree plus an ECE diploma or hold an undergraduate degree specializing in child studies. Further information on these admission policies is available from the Office of the Registrar.  All applicants must still meet the minimum admission requirements to be considered for the program.  

Divisions

The following divisions are offered in the Bachelor of Education program:

Primary/Junior

This division prepares the candidate to teach from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Candidates do not choose teaching subjects. In addition to admission criteria outlined above, an undergraduate degree with breadth is required.

Primary/Junior - French as a Second Language

This division prepares the candidate to teach from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6. Graduates will also be qualified to teach FSL (ie. core, extended and immersion), Grades K - 12.

Primary/Junior – French as a Second Language (FSL) applicants must possess oral and written fluency in French and submit proof of at least 1 of the following credentials:

• A Certificate of Bilingualism from Nipissing University or Laurentian University, or Level C from the Federal government completed within the 2 years prior to applying to the BEd program;
• a transcript showing proof of graduation from a francophone university, with studies having been in the French language;
• a Level B2 Diploma (provided upon successful completion of the Diplôme d’études en langue française[DELF] French proficiency test) completed within the 2 years prior to applying to the BEd program; or
• three full undergraduate courses (6 one-semester courses) in French, with no more than 1 full course (2 one-semester courses) at the first-year level. Students are recommended to present a combination of French language, grammar, composition, literature and culture courses. No more than 1 full course (2 one-semester courses) in translation may be counted.

In addition to the basic admission requirements and the admission criteria outlined above, an undergraduate degree with breadth is required.

Junior/Intermediate

This division prepares the candidate to teach Grade 4 to Grade 10 with specific preparation in one teaching subject, at the intermediate level. In addition to admission criteria outlined above, candidates must have at least three full undergraduate courses, or equivalent, in the teaching subject being applied to. Teachable subjects offered at Nipissing are:

Note:

1. English – Courses presented for the teachable must be English literature courses. English remedial courses will not be considered. (e.g. Nipissing’s ENGL 1501/1502, ENGL 1551/1552 will not be considered). Cross-listed courses will not be counted for a teachable in English.
2. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies - Three full course equivalents (18 credits) from the following subject areas are required: Indigenous Studies, Native Studies ,Aboriginal Studies. No more than one half course (3 credits) in Indigenous language can be counted towards the teaching subject.
3. French as a Second Language – Teacher candidates for French as a second language at the Junior Intermediate level must possess oral and written fluency and submit proof of at least one of the following credentials to the Office of the Registrar:
   • a Certificate of Bilingualism from Nipissing University, Laurentian University or Level C from the Federal government completed within the two years prior to applying to the BEd program or
   • a transcript showing proof of graduation from a francophone university having studied in the French language or
   • a Level B2 Diploma (provided upon successful completion of the DELF French proficiency test) completed within the two years prior to applying to the BEd program or
   • three full undergraduate courses (6-one semester courses) in French with no more than one full course (2-one semester courses) at the first-year level. It is recommended that students present a combination of French language, grammar, composition, literature and culture courses. No more than one full course (2-one semester courses) in translation may be counted towards the teaching subject.
4. Indigenous Lanagues: Anishnaabemwin -  Three full course equivalents (18 credits) in Anishnaabemwin language, grammar, composition, and/or literature.
5. Instrumental Music – The prerequisite is three full (6-one semester) undergraduate performance courses, or equivalent. Candidates will be considered based on academic background and experience in the discipline.
6. Mathematics – Mathematics courses equivalent to a secondary school Mathematics course cannot be counted towards the teaching subject. At least one full course (2-one semester courses), of the three full courses (6-one semester courses) required, must be beyond the first year level.
7. Science (General) – The prerequisite is three full undergraduate courses (6-one semester courses) in a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Candidates must have two of these three disciplines.
8. Visual Arts – The prerequisite is three full undergraduate studio courses (6-one semester courses). Examples of studio courses are courses such as painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. Candidates will also be considered based on academic background and experience in the discipline.

Please Note: Cross-listed courses from a different discipline are not always counted towards the teachable subject. Please email the Office of the Registrar at admissions@nipissingu.ca for further details.

Intermediate/Senior

This division prepares the candidate to teach Grade 7 to Grade 12 with specific preparation in two teaching subjects. In addition to admission criteria outlined above, candidates must have at least five full undergraduate courses,or equivalent, in the first teaching subject being applied to and at least three full undergraduate courses, or equivalent, in the second teaching subject being applied to. The following teaching subjects are offered at Nipissing:

Note:

1. Business Studies – General – Courses must be from at least two of the following areas: Organizations/Organizational Behaviour (Human Resources), Management, Marketing, Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, and Technology Management.  Only one full course (2-one semester courses) in Economics, can count towards the requirement.
2. English – Courses presented for the teachable must be English literature courses. English remedial courses will not be considered. (e.g. Nipissing’s ENGL 1501/1502, ENGL 1551/1552 will not be considered). Cross-listed courses will not be counted for a teachable in English.
3. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies - Five full course equivalents (30 credits) for a first teaching subject or three full course equivalents (18 credits) for a second teaching subject from the following subject areas are required: Indigenous Studies, Native Studies, Aboriginal Studies. No more than one full course equivalent (6 credits) in Indigenous language can be counted towards a first teaching subject.  No more than one half course (3 credits) in Indigenous language can be counted towards a second teaching subject.
4. French as a Second Language – Teacher candidates for French as a second language at the Intermediate/Senior level must possess oral and written fluency and submit proof of at least one of the following credentials to the Office of the Registrar:
   • a Certificate of Bilingualism from Nipissing University, Laurentian University or Level C from the Federal government completed within the two years prior to applying to the BEd program or
   • a transcript showing proof of graduation from a francophone university having studied in the French language or
   • a Level B2 Diploma (provided upon successful completion of the DELF French proficiency test) completed within the two years prior to applying to the BEd program or
   • five full undergraduate courses (10-one semester courses) towards French as a second language as a first teaching subject with no more than two full courses (4-one semester courses) at the first year level or at least three full undergraduate courses (6-one semester courses) towards French as a second language as a second teaching subject, with no more than one full course (2-one semester courses) at the first year level. It is recommended that students present a combination of French language, grammar, composition, literature and culture courses. No more than one full course (2-one semester courses) in translation may be counted towards the teaching subject.
5. Instrumental Music – Candidates must present the required number of courses including a minimum of three full undergraduate performance courses (6-one semester courses). Candidates will be considered based on academic background and experience in the discipline.
6. Mathematics – Mathematics courses equivalent to a secondary school Mathematics course will not be counted towards the teaching subject. At least two full courses (4-one semester courses) towards a first teaching subject in Mathematics must be beyond the first year level. At least one full course (2-one semester courses) towards a second teaching subject in Mathematics must be beyond the first year level.
7. Social Sciences - General - Courses must be from at least two of the following areas: Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Women's Studies, Gender Studies, Child Studies, and Social Welfare and Social Development.
8. Visual Arts – Candidates must present the required number of courses including a minimum of three full undergraduate studio courses (6-one semester courses). Examples of studio courses are courses such as painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.

Please Note: Cross-listed courses from a different discipline are not always counted towards the teachable subject. Please email the Office of the Registrar at admissions@nipissingu.ca for further details.

Back to Top

Bachelor of Education (BEd) – Concurrent

Within the first four years of the Concurrent Education program, students will be required to include a set of courses and a non-credit practical experience. These courses provide students with the preparation needed for the final two years of the program during which students will focus on their Bachelor of Education courses. Please refer to the Undergraduate Admissions section of the Calendar for admission requirements to the Concurrent Education programs.

Concurrent Education students should refer to the above teachable requirements in preparation for progressing to the professional years of the program. Please be advised that a teaching subject may be cancelled if there are an insufficient number of qualified Concurrent Education students entering the profesional years and/or Consecutive Education applicants. Nipissing University reserves the right to cancel a teaching subject at any point. Any questions concerning this information can be clarified by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

Students should meet with an Academic Advisor prior to registering for courses each year to ensure that degree requirements, including the specific set of Concurrent Education courses and teaching subject requirements, are being met.

Students who are admitted to a Concurrent Education must complete all courses required for their Honours undergraduate degree and teachable subject requirements (if applicable) by May 1 of the year for which the BEd Year 5 transition is being made.

Back to Top

Professional Development for Teachers (Additional Qualifications)

How to Apply

Qualified Teachers are eligible to register for Additional Qualification courses online through My Nipissing and WebAdvisor at www.nipissingu.ca. Applicants may also register for courses in-person at the Office of the Registrar, or by fax or mail. The necessary forms for admission/registration can be downloaded from the Nipissing University Professional Development for Teachers website at www.nipissingu.ca/aq.

Admission Requirements

Each Additional Qualification course has specific pre-requisites that must be met prior to registration. Details are provided with each course description found in the Course Listing section of the Academic Calendar.

Back to Top

 Indigenous Professional Programs

• Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma
• Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language Diploma
• Indigenous Teacher Education Program

How to Apply

Applicants for admission to the Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma, the Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language Diploma, or the Indigenous Teacher Education Program can print the required application form from the Nipissing University website. The completed application form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, Indigenous Programs Admissions by the deadline specified on the Nipissing University website. 

Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program (ICADP)

After completing the program you will be qualified to work, under the professional direction of the classroom teacher and school Principal, as a classroom assistant with Indigenous and non-Indigenous school children.

Admission Requirements

ICADP Part I:

• Minimum completion of Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent. Candidates without grade 12 can be admitted if they are 20 years or older and have been out of school for two years or more;

ICADP Part II:

• Successful completion of ICADP Part I courses with a minimum of 60% in each course; and,
• Successful completion of EDUC 1010 ICADP Practicum I;

Or

• Successful completion of all components of Part I and Part II of the Aboriginal Classroom Assistant Diploma Program within four years from enrolment;

Or

• Successful completion of Part I of the Aboriginal Classroom Assistant Diploma Program within four years from enrolment;
• Successful completion of the following courses:

1. EDUC 2012 Working with Indigenous Children with Special Needs I  (minimum 60% average);
2. EDUC 1063 Information Technology in Classrooms (minimum 60% average);
3. EDUC 1124 Introduction to Numeracy Strategies (minimum 60% average)
4. EDUC 1023 Introduction to Literacy Strategies (minimum 60% average)

Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language (TILSL)

After completing the Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language (TILSL), you will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Qualification and Registration from the Ontario College of Teachers, in an Indigenous language from Kindergarten to Grade 12. 

Admission Requirements

• Minimum completion of Ontario Grade 12 or equivalent. Candidates without grade 12 can be
  admitted if they are 20 years or older and have been out of school for two years or more;
• A one-page statement outlining why you wish to be a teacher of Indigenous Languages;
• Two letters of reference of which one letter is from an individual (not a family member) in a
  professional capacity who can attest to your level of fluency (Chief and Council, Education
  Director, Education Authority Board member, Cultural Committee member, etc.)

Indigenous Teacher Education Program

After completing the Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) you will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Qualification and Registration from the Ontario College of Teachers, in the Primary and Junior division. As a qualified elementary school teacher, you will acquire the necessary pedagogical skills and knowledge combined with a strong personal understanding of Indigenous traditions, culture and heritage to build strong learning environments for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet each of the following requirements to be considered for admission:

1. One of the following completed certifications from an accredited university or college:
   • Early Childhood Education (ECE);
   • Aboriginal/Native/Indigenous Classroom Assistant Diploma Program;
   • Native Special Education Assistant Diploma Program (NSEADP);
   • Native Language Teaching Certificate (NLTC);
   • An undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
2. Proof of Indigenous ancestry
3. A one-page, typed statement that outlines the reasons for applying to the Indigenous Teacher Education Program.

Back to Top