The University Arts and Sciences Program at Northern Lights College 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 engage in personal enrichment.
The Associate of Arts Degree enables students to focus on humanities or social sciences disciplines. This provincially recognized credential provides 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 of the Associate Degree receive complete block transfer at post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Arts Degree enables Northern Lights College students to complete the first half of a degree program while remaining in their home communities.
Students transferring to a post-secondary institution may still be required to meet specific first- and second-year requirements for certain degree programs, so students should plan their course selection accordingly to meet these requirements while enrolled at NLC in the Associate of Arts Degree.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2025. (Download a PDF of the current Program Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
The Associate of Arts Degree provides introductory, university-level education for many different careers. It can also transfer to degree programs at other post-secondary institutions, provided pre-requisites are met for the chosen course of study at the receiving institution.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chetwynd* | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort Nelson* | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Tumbler Ridge* | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time |
* requires a mix of online and video-conference courses
Length
60 credits (900 hours), minimum.
This is a two year program taken over four semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,653.03 | $ 152.76 | $ 52.87 | $ 3,858.66 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,726.09 | $ 155.83 | $ 0.00 | $ 3,881.92 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 11,580.00 | $ 149.76 | $ 51.84 | $ 828.00 | $ 12,609.60 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 12,300.00 | $ 152.75 | $ 51.84 | $ 828.00 | $ 13,332.59 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix A) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.
B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements)
Note that some course options have specific prerequisites. Meeting the program entrance requirements does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAidBC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Course transfer agreements allow students to receive course-by-course transfer to other colleges, universities, and institutes in BC, as indicated in the BC Transfer Guide.
- Transfer with an Associate Degree in BC provides preferential treatment to students continuing to complete a baccalaureate degree. Students anticipating transfer to Alberta or another province should consult with an NLC Chair or the institution they are planning to transfer to.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 25% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College; note that a minimum 60% or ‘C’ grade (60%) is required for courses to be considered for transfer into this program. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA); D grade (50%) minimum in all courses |
General Requirements
- 60 credits of first-and second-year courses (normally 20 courses). These must include a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) in Arts at the second-year level, in two or more subject areas.
Specific Requirements
- 6 credits in 100-level English
- 9 credits (3 courses) in Science at the 100- or 200-level, including:
- 3 credits in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics (a Statistics course could be in a discipline other than Math, e.g., Business or Psychology)
- minimum of 3 credits in a 100- or 200-level lab science
- 36 credits (12 courses) in Arts, including:
- 6 credits (2 courses) in 100- or 200-level Humanities other than English but including the Creative/Performing Arts
- 6 credits (2 courses) in 100- or 200-level Social Sciences
- 24 additional credits (8 courses) in Arts
- 9 credits (3 courses) in Arts, Science, or other areas (ie., Business, etc.)
Note: An individual course may not be used to fulfill more than one of the specific requirements listed above.
Concentrations
Associate of Arts Degrees with a concentration or specialization require a minimum of 15 credits in a single discipline; normally, 6 of these credits must be at the second-year level.
Credential
Associate of Arts Degree