With the addition of two new degree programs, the University of the Fraser Valley continues its commitment to providing the best undergraduate education in Canada.

Following approval from British Columbia’s Ministry of Advanced Education, UFV’s new and innovative Bachelor of Arts Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS), and Bachelor of Arts Theatre majors are slated to begin in the Fall of 2017.

UFV College of Arts Dean Jacqueline Nolte says both programs satisfy growing public demand.

“These are two significant new majors developed in direct response to community and student demand, and the program learning outcomes align perfectly with UFV’s strategic direction to be a leader of the social, cultural, economic and environmentally-responsible development of the Fraser Valley,” she says.

“Students and community members have been waiting for some time for these innovative majors to be offered. At last we are able to satisfy this demand.”

UFV’s new PACS program is the only degree of its kind offered west of Winnipeg. Based on the foundation of effective communication, core courses focus on development of self-awareness and sensitivity in interpersonal and intercultural communication — pre-requisites to negotiation, mediation, and navigating all aspects of peacebuilding in conflict scenarios.

Graduates can pursue careers in civil rights, counseling, economic development, human rights, social justice, public education, conflict resolution, law, social work, religion, foreign service, civil liberties, and the empowerment of disadvantaged peoples.

PACS Teaching Chair Steven Schroeder says humanitarian organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for conflict resolution when pursuing community building through improvements in health, education, political representation, and economic participation.

“Dozens of peacebuilding organizations offer opportunities for graduates of this program,” says Schroeder.

“We’re proud to offer this exciting opportunity and help set the foundation for people who are going to make a real difference in this world.”

UFV’s new Theatre major combines opportunities for substantial applied, practical experience with the strengths of a liberal arts degree, allowing students to develop transferable skills such as professional communication, creative problem-solving, collaboration, and analytic thinking.

“These are skills that today’s employers demand,” says UFV Theatre department head Heather Davis-Fisch.

“Students can not only investigate traditional areas of theatre, such as acting and design, but also new directions in performance studies and creative practice, such as digital and intermedial performance, Indigenous and intercultural performance, and interdisciplinary connections between theatre and other areas of the creative arts.”

Unique to the Lower Mainland, UFV Theatre major builds on courses UFV has long offered, and will continue to offer, including: a two-year Theatre diploma; a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor or extended minor in Theatre; a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an extended minor in Theatre; and a two-year Associate of Arts degree.

The two new degrees follow four other degree programs approved by the government in May. They include:

– Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Horticulture Major

– Bachelor of Arts, Indigenous Studies (Major and Minor)

– Bachelor of Education

– Bachelor of Media Arts

To learn more about these programs, or UFV’s collection of more than 100 other degrees, diplomas, trades certifications, certificates and upgrading opportunities, visit ufv.ca.