Skip to main content

Associate of Science Degree


Location(s): ​Dawson Creek, and ​Fort St. John

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 variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and engage in personal enrichment.

The Associate of Science Degree enables students to select various science courses. 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 Science 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 postsecondary institutions throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Science Degree enables Northern Lights College students to complete the first half of a degree program while remaining in their home communities.

Students transferring to other post-secondary institutions may still be required to meet specific first-year 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 Science Degree. 


Career Prospects

The Associate of Science Degree provides introductory, university-level training for many different careers, but is primarily designed for transfer to the third year of a science degree.


Details

Intakes

LocationStartingType
Dawson CreekFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time
Fort St JohnFallFull-TimePart-Time
WinterFull-TimePart-Time
SpringFull-TimePart-Time

Length

60 credits (1050 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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
Total
Year 1$ 3,653.03$ 152.76$ 158.63$ 3,964.42
Year 2 (estimated)$ 3,726.09$ 155.83$ 0.00$ 3,881.92

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
International
Medical Insurance
Total
Year 1$ 11,580.00$ 149.76$ 155.52$ 828.00$ 12,713.28
Year 2 (estimated)$ 12,300.00$ 152.75$ 155.52$ 828.00$ 13,436.27

Still have questions?

Contact:


Admission Requirements

English Requirement

For domestic applicants, one of the following:

  • English Language Arts 12 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
  • ENGL 050 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
  • ENGL 099 with a grade of B or higher, or equivalent
  • Any university-level English course with a grade of C or higher
  • NLC Writing Assessment with placement at the college level (100)

For all other applicants, one of the following:

  • IELTS result with an overall score of 6.5 or higher with no band less than 6.0*

Math Requirement

One of the following:

  • Pre-calculus 12 with a C+ grade or higher, or equivalent
  • Principles of Mathematics 12 with a C+ grade or higher, or equivalent
  • MATH 050 with a C+ grade or higher, or equivalent
  • Calculus Readiness Assessment with a score of 26 (65%) or higher

Science Requirement

A minimum of two courses from two different subject areas as follows with a C grade or higher:

  • Anatomy and Physiology 12
  • Biology 12
  • Life Sciences 11
  • BIOL 040 or equivalent
  • BIOL 050, or equivalent
  • Chemistry 11
  • Chemistry 12
  • CHEM 040, or equivalent
  • CHEM 050, or equivalent
  • Environmental Science 11
  • Environmental Science 12
  • Earth Sciences 11
  • Geology 12
  • Physics 11
  • Physics 12
  • PHYS 040 or equivalent
  • PHYS 050, or equivalent
  • Specialized Science 12

Notes

* Students with a writing band of 6.0 or less are required to complete ENGL 099 with a ‘B’ grade or higher before or during the first semester of their program. The necessity for upgrading can extend the length of the program
** Some Associate of Science Degree course options have specific pre-requisites. Meeting the entrance requirements for this program does not ensure course requisites have been met for all available science courses.


Important Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Transfer with an Associate Degree in BC provides preferential treatment to students continuing to complete a baccalaureate degree.

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement25% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College.
Minimum Grade Requirements2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA)

General Requirements

  • 60 credits of first-and second-year courses (normally 20 courses). These must include a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) in the Sciences at the second-year level, in two or more subject areas.

Specific Requirements

  1. 6 credits in 100-level English
  2. 6 credits in Mathematics which shall include at least 3 credits in Calculus
  3. 36 credits (12 courses) in the Sciences, including:
    • at least 6 credits (2 courses) in a 100- or 200-level Lab Science
    • at least 18 credits (6 courses) in the 200-level Sciences, in two or more subject areas
  4. 6 credits (2 courses) in Arts other than English (excluding Mathematics and Laboratory-based Science courses)
  5. 6 credits (2 courses) in Arts, Science, or other areas at the undergraduate level (ie. ECON, EDUC, MGMT, SOWK, etc.)

Note: An individual course may not be used to fulfill more than one of the specific requirements listed above.

Concentrations

Associate of Science 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 Science Degree