A full range of courses is available to complete a program of studies leading to a B.A. degree in Child and Youth Care at Vancouver Island University. The Child and Youth Care degree program is a four-year course of study (120 credits), which prepares students to enter a variety of child and youth care employment settings. These range from early intervention programs to youth corrections programs, child protection and guardianship work, community-based programs such as day-care, schools, family support and group homes. The program is designed in response to increasing demand from employers for skilled child and youth care practitioners who are able to work in an integrated, multidisciplinary way. Some of the topics that students will be required to study are child welfare, abuse and neglect concerns, human and family development, theories of practice; and activity-based interventions. Aboriginal ways of knowing and cultural competency skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. The program is offered on a full-time, as well as a part-time basis to accommodate practitioners working in the field.

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care Program builds upon your Diploma studies and deepens your knowledge and skill bases in working with children, youth, families, and community. Additionally, you will learn research skills and participate in practicum placements that focus on your area of interest. With a degree, you are able to take on greater responsibilities in your professional child and youth care work. The degree program offers, a Child Protection Specialization as well as the opportunity to focus studies in select areas of interest.