Changes are proposed to clarify second-degree regulations and to permit wider access to the second-degree program, as follows.
| Current | Proposed |
|---|---|
Second Bachelor's DegreesA student who already holds a bachelor's degree(s) from an approved institution may complete a second or subsequent bachelor's degree at the University, subject to the following conditions and regulations. The basic requirement for a further bachelor's degree is the completion of the upper division requirements associated with a first bachelor's degree (except for the BEd degree - see "Faculty of Education" on page 190). Prior completion of lower division prerequisites may also be required or may be waived at the discretion of the department or program in which the further degree is being sought. A student may not enrol in a further bachelor's degree program in a subject in which she/he already holds a degree. A student who has a minor (or equivalent) in a particular subject may enrol in a further degree with a major or honors program in that subject. Credit earned towards a previous degree or diploma may not be used toward a further bachelor's degree. Transfer credit may be given for additional courses taken beyond the previous credential but prior to SFU admission. However, the normal upper division residency requirement applies: at least two thirds of the upper division course work for the degree must be completed at Simon Fraser University. Some faculties may have additional residency requirements. |
Second Bachelor's DegreesA student who already holds a bachelor's degree(s) from an approved institution may complete a second or subsequent bachelor's degree at the University, subject to the following conditions and regulations. The basic requirement for a further bachelor's degree is the completion of the upper division requirements associated with a first bachelor's degree (except for the BEd degree - see "Faculty of Education" on page 190). A general degree typically requires completion of 45 credits of upper division work including the upper division requirements of a major. Prior completion of lower division prerequisites may also be required or may be waived at the discretion of the department or program in which the further degree is being sought. Credit earned towards a previous degree or diploma may not be used toward a further bachelor's degree. Transfer credit may be given for additional courses taken beyond the previous credential but prior to SFU admission. However, the normal upper division residency requirement applies: at least two thirds of the upper division course work for the degree must be completed at Simon Fraser University. Some faculties may have additional residency requirements. |
The principal change proposed here is the deletion of the prohibition on earning a second degree in a subject in which a prior degree was granted. This increases the accessibility of the second degree program to include those students who have international credentials that may be unrecognized by Canadian industry and to those who have may have outdated credentials in evolving areas.
New immigrants to Canada frequently face the prospect of being unable to find employment in their chosen profession without a recognized Canadian credential. While industry may not recognize some international credentials, universities frequently and rightfully do. However, when that recognition invokes exclusion of earning a Canadian credential in a subject, new immigrants face the classic catch-22: an international credential unrecognized for employment prevents them from earning the Canadian credential they need. The proposed change removes this barrier, allowing SFU to offer new immigrants a potential solution to the problem of unrecognized international credentials.
One additional change is to give an example directly stating the second degree requirements for the typical case of a general degree, i.e., 45 upper division credit hours including the upper division requirements of a major. This is merely an interpretation of the general rule that a second degree requires "the completion of the upper division requirements associated with a first bachelor's degree." The general rule also covers cases such as honors degrees, degrees with higher credit hour requirements (e.g., B.A.Sc.) and so on. However, the general rule is abstract and requires knowledge of overall first-degree requirements. Providing a concrete instance serves as a useful example and also covers its most common application.