Calgary, AB – St. Mary’s University (StMU) and Bow Valley College (BVC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement enabling a seamless block transfer pathway for students graduating from Bow Valley College’s Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma program. This agreement, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030, allows eligible graduates to transfer directly into St. Mary’s University’s Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in General Studies, receiving 45 credits toward their 90-credit degree. Completion of this degree will also create further pathways to St. Mary’s University’s Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program.
This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to creating clear pathways for continued higher education, offering students an opportunity to build upon their foundational knowledge and advance their careers in early childhood education and related fields.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Block Transfer Credit: Graduates from BVC’s Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma program will receive 45 transferable credits toward StMU’s Bachelor of Arts in General Studies.
- Guaranteed Pathway: Students meeting all academic and admission requirements, will be guaranteed admission to the program, subject to space availability.
- Comprehensive Support: Both institutions will collaborate on student advising and provide information sessions to help students navigate the transition.
Dr. Sandy Vanderburgh, Vice President Academic at St. Mary’s University, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to collaboration and providing accessible, high-quality education for students. By establishing this block transfer pathway, we are fostering opportunities for continued higher education and supporting students in achieving their long-term academic and professional goals.”
Michael Crowe, Vice President Academic at Bow Valley College shares, “This new transfer agreement between Bow Valley College and St. Mary’s University is a significant step for students. By creating seamless pathways to further education, we are not only empowering students to achieve their academic goals, but we are also expanding career opportunities for our graduates.”
The agreement is subject to review and renewal after five years, ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving needs of students and both institutions.
For more information, prospective students can visit St. Mary’s University or Bow Valley College.
About St. Mary’s University:
St. Mary’s University is an innovative teaching and research university located on a historic site in Calgary, Alberta. Established in 1986, it provides affordable, accredited and highly valued degrees in the Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education. Firmly rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, St. Mary’s inspires students to combine academic excellence with a passionate commitment to ethics, service, social responsibility, and respect for diversity of opinion and belief.
About Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College is Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students. We launch our students by preparing them for in-demand jobs through high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance our graduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts, social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolve our students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling. Proud to be named one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, our applied research focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation. Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary’s first esports arena, and the Bears varsity team, Bow Valley College is celebrating 60 years of student success. Learn more about the opportunities we create at bowvalleycollege.ca.