Bow Valley College is situated near the meeting point of Calgary’s Bow and Elbow rivers, an area called Mohkinstsis, the Blackfoot word for “elbow.” It offers programs that lead to certificates and diplomas in business, health, community studies, creative technologies, academic upgrading and English-language learning. The college addresses growth in Alberta’s creative industries with its School of Creative Technologies, offering programs in information technology systems, software development, digital marketing, data management and analytics, as well as kitchen and bath design. Bow Valley College offers post-diploma certificates and has a post-baccalaureate certificate in data management and analytics.

The school also has regional campuses in Airdrie, Cochrane and Okotoks, and overall, it serves more full- and part-time students than any other college in the province. Though it does not have its own residence, Bow Valley students are eligible to live in student accommodation at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary.

Indigenous students have access to Bow Valley’s Iniikokaan Centre, which provides a gathering space, Elder counselling and academic support services.

Cool Options
• Post-diploma certificate programs: Students gain skills in both technology and human services, including in areas like software development, kitchen and bath design, data management and health and human service management.
• Microcredentials: Programs offer accelerated learning in various tech-related fields from data analysis to dev-ops engineering.
• Centre for Entertainment Arts, Advanced 3D Animation & 3D Modelling: Students learn the principles of animation and gain practical experience in 3D modelling, sculpting, and texturing.