Mission Statement
We are a teaching-focused university offering a wide range of
programs and services that enable students to succeed in their current
studies, in their ongoing education, in their chosen careers, in their
lifelong pursuit of knowledge, and in their contribution as responsible
citizens in a rapidly changing and diverse global community.
General Information
Capilano University has earned an international reputation for
quality teaching, programs and services. We strive to instill the
knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable our
students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute
effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Capilano is well known for providing a solid academic foundation and
is committed to developing new and innovative programs in response to
market demand. We offer a complete range of preparatory courses, arts
and sciences courses, business and management studies, creative and
applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range
of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials
awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate
diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.
Our main campus is in North Vancouver, located in a natural
environment on the slopes of the North Shore and only a 20-minute drive
from downtown Vancouver. The beauty of the campus and the quality of
education attract students from around the world. Capilano University
also has regional campuses in Squamish and Sechelt that serve the
communities of Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast. The total number of
students enrolled in credit programs totals approximately 7,500. An
additional 7,000 students register in non-credit courses each year.
At Capilano University, students are safe, comfortable and
challenged, and find the individual attention that can make a difference
to their achievements. It is our goal to ensure that our students come
first — not only at Capilano, but in all of their pursuits.
Degree Programs
Capilano has a growing number of degree programs in various disciplines, including the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behaviour Analysis – Autism
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Care and Education
- Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal)
- Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts
- Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies
- Bachelor of Music Therapy
- Bachelor of Performing Arts
- Bachelor of Tourism Management
Transfer Options
Capilano University provides a solid academic foundation that can
lead to many educational and career opportunities, including lower-level
courses for some degrees not offered at Capilano University. Our
academic courses are transferable to universities in British Columbia
and elsewhere in Canada. We offer a range of options to meet your
educational goals, including:
- Associate degrees in Arts or Science
- Engineering Transition
- Engineering Transfer
- Music Diploma
Career and Employment-Oriented Programs
Capilano offers a variety of employment-oriented programs leading to
certificates, diplomas and degrees. These are constantly reviewed to
ensure that you are taught the latest techniques and skills required in
today's workplace. Advisory committees, composed of business and
community leaders and employers, review and recommend the content of all
career and vocational programs.
Preparatory Courses
Capilano University offers a full range of preparatory courses to
assist you in meeting your educational and career goals, such as Adult
Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Special
Education, and Alternative Career Training. After upgrading or
refreshing your skills, you may seek employment or move into a career or
university transfer program of study.
International Students
Currently, 703 international students from 52 countries are
studying at Capilano. International students may select from any of our
programs for which they are qualified.
Continuing Studies & Executive Education
Continuing Studies & Executive Education offers lifelong
learning opportunities to thousands of students who enrol each year in
non-credit courses for personal and professional development, or pure
enjoyment. Innovative programming is available for all ages beginning
with Community Music School through to ElderU, and a wide variety of
programs in between, such as arts, career development, film studies,
computer training, business and finance, communications, languages,
adult music and natural history. Capilano also offers short-term
language training programs that can be combined with recreational and
cultural activities. For more information, call 604.984.4901.
Student Profile
Of the approximately 7,500 students enrolled in credit programs during the fall of 2009:
- 34% are enrolled in arts and sciences; 56% in applied programs; 10% in preparatory programs
- 72% are full-time; 28% part-time
- 59% female; 41% male
- 40% are residents of the North Shore; 26% are residents of Vancouver
and Burnaby; the remaining 34% come from the rest of the Lower
Mainland, British Columbia, Canada and around the
world.
History
Capilano was founded by the school boards and residents of North
Vancouver, West Vancouver and Howe Sound through referendum in 1968.
Classes that first year were held in a small building on the grounds of
West Vancouver Secondary School.
Initial enrolment that first year was 784 students. Today, Capilano
has blossomed into a publicly-funded learning institution that serves
7,000 credit and 7,000 non-credit students annually. It has
approximately 785 employees.
In 1973, Capilano opened its permanent 13.76 hectare (34-acre) campus
in the Lynnmour area of North Vancouver. That same year, it also
established a regional centre in Squamish to serve the Howe Sound
communities of Squamish, Whistler, Mount Currie and Pemberton. In 1977,
Capilano opened the Sunshine Coast campus in Sechelt to serve the
communities of the Sunshine Coast.
In 2008, the provincial government changed Capilano College's designation to Capilano University.
Learn more at Pivotal Moments at Cap. (PDF)
University Growth/Campus Development
A master site plan outlines the most recent development of the North Vancouver campus:
- Construction of a new Film Centre began in March 2010 with completion scheduled for March 2011.
- Capilano's new Child Care Centre was completed in 1996. At 7,100
gross square feet, it can accommodate 79 children, from infants to five
year olds.
- The Birch building was completed in 1996. It houses a 380-seat
performance theatre, classrooms and student services, and also provides
teaching space to accommodate 400 full-time students.
- In September 1994, Capilano's Squamish campus held a ground-breaking
ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of a new campus, which
opening in May 1995.
- The new Library building opened in 1993, tripling the size of the existing library space.
- The Sportsplex was completed in the fall of 1991. This marked the beginning of the development of the south campus.
- Construction of the Cedar building was completed in 1991.
It added three floors of classroom and faculty office space, plus a
90-seat lecture theatre.
