Programs

Program Description

The University Arts and Sciences program serves individuals and communities by providing university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the Arts and Sciences.  A wide variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and to engage in personal enrichment. 

The Associate of Arts Degree enables students to focus on disciplines in the humanities and/or social sciences.  This provincially recognized credential is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for work, citizenship, and further study.

For students intending to pursue further studies, the Associate of Arts Degree comprises the first two years (60 credits) of a four-year degree program (120 credits). All 60 credits comprising the Associate Degree receive full block-transfer at universities throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Arts Degree enables students to complete half of a degree program while remaining in their home community.

Students transferring to universities may still be required to meet specific first- and second-year requirements for certain degree programs, so advance planning  is recommended. Where viable, Associate Degree students are encouraged to select courses that also satisfy Flexible Pre-Majors.

Career Prospects

All universities and university-colleges in BC guarantee 60 transfer credits to holders of an Associate Degree, even if all of the courses taken towards the degree do not transfer individually to that institution.

Additionally, at some institutions, Associate Degree holders may be offered priority admission over other students in the college transfer admission category, subject to GPA criteria developed by the receiving institution.

Note that transferring students must still meet all 100- and 200-level course requirements for specific degree programs. Accordingly, students are encouraged to check the specific degree requirements of the individual receiving institution. For more information on the advantages of an Associate Degree, see the BC Transfer Guide.

Details

Location: Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, and Fort St. John campuses (NOTE: all courses are not available at each campus)

Length: 60 weeks (depending on intake start date)

Start: September, January, May

Fees: Current Fee Schedule 

Admission Prerequisites

Provide British Columbia secondary school transcripts or equivalent or post-secondary transcripts.

For students who wish to enroll in 100-level English courses, transcripts should indicate successful completion of:

• Grade 12 English, or English Literature 12, or English 12 First Peoples, or Career and College Preparation ENGL050 (Provincial/Grade 12), or ENGL099: Foundational Writing, with a B or higher;

OR

• Any university-level English course with a C or higher.
• Note: Students who do not meet one of the above English require­ments must write the NLC Writing Assessment. Performance on the Writing Assessment is used to make recommendations about appropriate course placement.

AND

• Any other specific prerequisites for individual courses and programs closely related to University Arts and Sciences (Business Management, Social Services Worker Diploma, Visual Arts, etc).

Important Notes

1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online.
2. Students anticipating transfer to Alberta or another province should check with a recruiter regarding out-of-province regulations, quotas, etc.
3. Associate of Arts Degrees with a concentration or specialization require a minimum of 15 credits in a single discipline; normally, six of these credits must be at the second-year level.
4. The information on the page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. Download a PDF of the Program Completion Guide.

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Program Chair: Lisa Verbisky