March 28, 2011

The Board of Governors for the University of Northern British Columbia has approved two new degree programs:

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering (in principle; additional funding required)
• PhD in Health Sciences

The doctoral degree in Health Sciences will begin immediately and provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced understanding related to the sociological, biological, chemical, and physical processes that affect human health as well as the administration and delivery of health services.  Up to six students per year will be admitted into the program. Unique in BC, the PhD in Health Sciences has also received provincial approval to proceed. It joins two other PhD programs at UNBC, in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies and Psychology.
 
“This new PhD is a terrific complement to our expanded health science programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels,” says UNBC President George Iwama. “It will continue to establish UNBC as a destination for students interested in health particularly related to people living in rural, northern, and Aboriginal communities.”
 
The Board’s initial approval of Engineering provides the University with the opportunity to fully develop new degrees in both Civil and Mechanical Engineering. These two majors are seen by the industry in northern BC to be of the greatest immediate need. The program would be tailored to provide expertise to the engineering environment in northern BC, potentially offering specialized coursework in wood structures, renewable energy, and energy systems. These new degrees would join an existing Environmental Engineering program at UNBC, which is offered in partnership with UBC.
 
“Clearly, an expansion in Engineering education is seen to be a vital ingredient for the continued economic development of northern BC,” says President Iwama. “The University is keen to continue working with industry, our educational partners, and Government to implement Engineering in and for the North.”