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Ministry of Advanced Education

Degree Authorization

A review of the Degree Approval Process in British Columbia was launched in the fall of 2010 in order for government to review processes and criteria currently employed for evaluating and approving new degree proposals from institutions authorized to grant degrees in the Province.

An Advisory Panel was established to undertake this review that encompassed a wide consultation with institutions, organizations and individuals across the Province and make recommendations to government about how the process might be improved and redesigned. The Advisory Panel’s Report makes 35 recommendations to government on how to improve the degree approval process and the post-secondary system.

The quality of BC's post secondary institutions play a pivotal role in helping align education to government priorities and also leveraging our competitive advantage in attracting international students and delivering on regional employment needs. The Ministry is building on the outcomes of the Advisory Panel's report to expand and strengthen our quality assurance system across the entire post-secondary education sector.

The number and range of degree programs in B.C. have been increased through the Degree Authorization Act and related amendments to the College and Institute Act. This is integral to government’s commitment to access and choice in education and to a top-notch post-secondary education system.

The Degree Quality Assessment Board was appointed by the Minister of Advanced Education who established criteria, in consultation with the board, to be applied when a private or out-of-province public institution applies for consent to provide degree programs or use the word “university” in British Columbia. The same program review criteria apply to new degree programs proposed by British Columbia public post-secondary institutions.

This website has two purposes:

  • To provide post-secondary institutions with information they need about the application, quality assessment and approval processes.
  • To ensure the interests of the public are served by openness and accountability.

For information on degree programs approved prior to the establishment of the new quality assessment process on November 7, 2003, please visit the institution's website for information or refer to the Education Planner.