Portage College has reached a historic milestone after receiving approval to offer its first-ever bachelor’s degree, giving students in Northeastern Alberta the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Education closer to home.

The new program, which begins in Fall 2026, marks the first time in the College’s history that it has been authorized to grant a bachelor’s degree. College officials say the approval significantly expands access to degree-level education while helping address Alberta’s growing demand for qualified teachers.

Applications for the inaugural class are now open.

A first for Portage College

The Bachelor of Education is designed to prepare students for careers in elementary education through a combination of classroom learning and practical teaching experience.

Unlike many traditional degree programs, Portage College’s offering has been designed with working adults and rural learners in mind. The flexible, multi-access delivery model allows students to complete many courses online while attending in-person classes for subjects such as Fine Arts and Physical Education. Students will also complete practicum placements in schools to gain hands-on teaching experience.

Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers as K-12 educators or in related education fields.

Keeping students in the region

Portage College President Dr. Steve Price said the program represents more than just a new credential.

“This is a defining moment in Portage College’s history,” said Price. “By designing a pathway that allows students to continue working while completing their degree, we are removing barriers that have historically limited access for some potential learners. This is about growing our own educators, people who are already rooted in this region.”

Vice President Academic and Research Donna Feledichuk said the new degree builds on Portage College’s longstanding commitment to providing education opportunities close to home.

“Whether someone is taking their first step through academic upgrading, developing new job skills, earning a certificate or diploma, or now pursuing a degree, our commitment has always remained the same: to provide meaningful opportunities that help people reach their educational and career goals without having to leave their communities.”

Government support

The College credited the Government of Alberta for supporting post-secondary education in Northeastern Alberta and acknowledged local MLAs for advocating on behalf of regional learners.

Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said the program will help meet the province’s growing need for teachers.

“Our government is proud to support more pathways to Bachelor of Education programming, helping meet the urgent need for qualified teachers in classrooms across Alberta.”

Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides called the approval “a major milestone” for both Portage College and Alberta’s education system.

Local MLA Scott Cyr said offering the degree in Northeastern Alberta will help strengthen schools and communities across the region by developing more locally trained educators.

Local school divisions welcome the announcement

Northern Lights Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Jimmi Lou Irvine said the program creates a seamless pathway for both graduating students and current education support staff who want to become teachers without leaving the region.

Lakeland Catholic School Division Superintendent Sheldon Germain described the new degree as a “game-changing opportunity” that will strengthen K-12 education while creating more opportunities for graduates to build careers in the communities they already know.

Looking ahead

The Bachelor of Education is the first bachelor’s degree to be offered by Portage College and represents a significant expansion of the institution’s academic offerings.

College officials say the program reflects their commitment to expanding educational opportunities in Northeastern Alberta while helping address workforce needs by preparing more locally trained teachers to serve communities across the region.