Okanagan University College

What you'll study

The programme curriculum includes first-year English literature, creative writing and introductory publishing courses. Example first-year courses listed in the programme outline are:

• ENGL 150 - Critical Writing and Reading: Poetry and Drama
• ENGL 151 - Critical Writing and Reading: Short Fiction and the Novel
• ENGL 153 - Critical Writing and Reading: Narrative
• CRWR 116 - Introduction to Creative Writing I
• CRWR 126 - Introduction to Creative Writing II
• FINA 170 - Applied (publishing course title begins with this code in the source)

Across semesters students encounter creative writing workshops, web publishing labs, book design studios and professional editing classes; instruction emphasizes technical skills such as graphic design, typography and coding alongside writing craft and communications theory.

Entry requirements

Regular applicants need B.C. secondary graduation or equivalent and English 12 with a minimum grade of 60% (alternatives accepted). Applicants with a passing grade below 60% may be admitted with restrictions on first-year English course registration and must complete the English requirement within the first year (for example by completing English 12, English 12 First Peoples or TPC 12 to 60% or via equivalent courses or the College's Adult Basic Education).

Mature applicants (age 19+ who have not attended secondary school full time for at least one year) may be admitted without secondary graduation but must satisfy the English entrance requirements prior to admission or by the start of classes. Program residency requires at least 50% of the diploma to be completed at Okanagan College, including at least 18 credits at the 200-level or higher. The full diploma can only be completed at the Vernon campus; a partial program is offered in Kelowna.

Career prospects

Graduates gain practical skills for roles across print and digital publishing and related fields. Career paths noted by the programme include graphic designer, web designer, professional writer, book and magazine editor, publisher, art editor, literary agent and publicist. Graduates may also choose to transfer into related bachelor's degrees or pursue further study in creative writing, journalism, marketing and media studies.

Scholarships & funding angle

The programme page lists tuition and mandatory fees: domestic tuition is noted as $5,328 per year (approximately $10,656 for the two-year program); international total program cost is listed as $50,950. Fees shown include mandatory items such as activity, health & dental, student association and education technology fees. The college advises checking whether the program is student loan eligible and reviewing available financial aid and awards information.