PEI Colleges and Universities
There are only two degree granting institutions in Prince Edward Island. This includes the University of Prince Edward Island and the Maritime Christian College. The province only has one university, two colleges and the Collège Acadie l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard that offers French post-secondary education. However, there are about 20 private training schools for individuals who opt for post-secondary vocational training that will prepare them for future employment. These schools are provincially regulated and registered under the Private Training School Act.
PEI students who are unable to attend college or university may also enroll in distance or open learning format programs that Holland College and UPEI offer. Moreover, Eastern College has also expanded its programs in PEI and built an extension in Charlottetown. There are also some off-shore colleges and universities that offer online programs for potential students in PEI.
University of Prince Edward Island
The University of Prince Edward Island was founded in 1969 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. This is the only university in the province that was established after Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan’s University merged. However, UPEI still stands in the former St. Dunstan’s Campus while Holland College occupies the home of Prince of Wales. UPEI has undergone a lot of changes in both their programs and structure over the past decade. At present, the university is adding many buildings to the campus.
UPEI has approximately 4,600 students. Over 4,270 are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and 324 study in post-graduate programs. English is the primary language of instruction used at UPEI. Baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral level programs are available at the school.
The following are the faculties and departments at UPEI.
- School of Business
- School of Nursing
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Office of Graduate Studies
- Centre for Life-Long Learning
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is one of the newest UPEI departments. It offers courses and programs for biomedical science, health management, companion animals and pathology and microbiology. Master’s and doctoral degree programs can be obtained through the Atlantic Veterinary College. The schools of business and nursing are also among the recently opened programs.
Some programs and courses of study at UPEI include Global Issues, International Development Studies, Island Studies, Kinesiology, Modern Languages, Radiography, Religious Studies, Theater Studies, Wildlife Conservation, Women’s Studies and Writing Intensive.
Holland College
Holland College was founded in 1969. There are about 3,300 students enrolled at Holland College in PEI and programs in China. In addition, a total of 5,200 students are taking continuing education and adult education courses at the college. However, about 30 percent of them are from off-island. Eligible students may take advantage of the scholarships and bursaries available. Potential students may choose from more than 65 full time programs and other short courses that include the following.
• Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Education and Certificate in Adult Education
• Business
• Computer Studies
• Culinary
• Health and Community Studies
• Marine Training
• Media and Communications
• Policing or Law Enforcement
• School of Performing Arts
• Sport and Leisure
• Tourism Program
• Trades and Industrial Technology
Holland College offers these programs in different centres including their West Prince Campus, Aerospace Centre, Atlantic Police Academy, Prince of Wales Campus, Dalton Centre, Georgetown Centre, Marine Training Centre, Montague Centre, Motive Power Centre, Royalty Centre, Souris Centre and Tourism and Culinary Centre.
Maritime Christian College
Maritime Christian College was established in 1960. It is located in Charlottetown. It is one of the two institutions allowed to offer degrees in PEI as stipulated in the University Act. MCC is a coeducational, private, four-year undergraduate institution. MCC offers the following degrees and programs.
• Bachelor of Arts with Bible specialization
• Bachelor of Arts with Child and Youth specialization
• Bachelor of Arts with General Studies specialization
• Bachelor of Bible Ministry
• Associate of Arts
• Biblical Studies Certificate
• Ministerial Diploma
Collège Acadie l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard
Collège Acadie l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard provides Prince Edward Island francophones with access to training programs and adult education. The college offers French training for professional development, leadership, literacy and personal interest.
Eastern College
Eastern College was not originally established in Prince Edward Island. However, it has expanded its campus in Charlottetown with approval and registration from the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning for Prince Edward. The Charlottetown College campus offers programs in business and accounting, health care, information technology, social science and criminal justice, art and design, medical, law and executive office administration and tourism, travel and hospitality.
Online Colleges and Universities Accepting Students from PEI
Some off-island colleges and universities also offer their programs for students in Prince Edward Island through online education. The following schools aim to provide more options for potential students who are unable to attend on-campus programs from PEI colleges and universities.
- South University
- Baker College Online
- Argosy University Online
- Strayer University
- Ashworth College – Canada
- The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
- Stratford Career Institute
- The University of Liverpool