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Associate of Arts Degree

2-year associate degree

Tuition: $2,635 approx per year + books/supplies
Where: College Wide
Starts: September, January
  • Complete the first two years of your university degree at NIC.
  • Choose general arts or focus your studies in anthropology, First Nations studies, modern languages, creative writing, criminology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, North American studies, political science, or women's studies.

Transfer possibilities: Thanks to a special province-wide agreement, associate degree graduates are eligible to receive two full years (60 credits) of transfer credit at any BC university, including Vancouver Island University (VIU) and the University of Victoria (UVic).

Why Choose North Island College?

  • Same degree, save $20,000. University transfer students completing an associate degree will spend approximately $20,000 less for the first two years of their studies (tuition, fees, books, transport, housing and food) compared to students attending an urban university.
  • Keep your options open. Since associate degrees transfer unconditionally as a two-year block of credit at any BC university, you can expect full credit for all your coursework no matter where you choose to continue your studies.
  • Freedom to follow your interests. Associate degrees offer direction and flexibility, allowing you to concentrate your studies for a specific degree or explore your interests.
  • In good company. Graduates tell us that NIC classes feel like interactive work groups, where everyone has a chance to contribute their opinions and ideas, and you get to know instructors and classmates well.
  • Be advised, every step of the way. Student Advisors are dedicated to helping you make the most of your course choices. With one-on-one personal advising, you can be assured that your classes at NIC will help you get where you want to go.

Program Highlights

Associate degrees are offered at many colleges and universities throughout BC. They recognize successful completion of 60 credits of study, which is approximately 20 courses. With full-time study, students can complete an associate degree within two academic years. Part-time study options are also available.

University transfer students who want to keep their university and degree options open will find that an associate degree is definitely the way to go. Associate degrees transfer unconditionally as a two-year block of credit at any BC university. This guarantees students full credit for their coursework regardless of their eventual transfer destination.

Associate degrees also offer a great deal of flexibility. Students can choose their preferred courses from a specific list of eligible courses, making it possible to focus their studies in one specific area or explore a variety of subjects.

Course subjects may include: anthropology, biology, business, chemistry, criminology, economics, English, equity and social justice, fine arts, First Nations studies, French, geography, history, mathematics, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, space science and astronomy, Spanish, or women’s studies. 

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete and submit the NIC Application for Admission form, writing Associate of Arts degree as the program name.
  2. There are no formal admission requirements for the Associate of Arts degree. However, the following courses are recommended to meet course prerequisites: C in English 12, and a C in Principles of Math 11, Applications of Math 12, Foundations 11, or Pre-Calculus 11).

To Be Successful

  • Your first and most important step as a university transfer or associate degree student is to call, email, or visit a Student Advisor at your nearest NIC campus or centre. Student Advisors have extensive knowledge of programs, funding options, career paths and post-secondary transfer agreements, and will help you get started on the right track.
  • Students are responsible for selecting only courses that are eligible for the Associate of Arts degree. Always review your study plan with a Student Advisor before registering in courses.
  • NIC also offers high school-level upgrading options if you need help meeting prerequisites for entry into individual courses.
  • Students who intend to transfer their associate degree as credit towards a four-year degree are advised to review the Steps to University Transfer on the NIC website.

The following overview describes the general requirements for an Associate of Arts degree. However, choosing the right combination of courses will depend on a number of factors. Our Student Advisors will work with you to personalize these general requirements to meet your goals.

Associate of Arts Degree - General Requirements

Students are responsible for selecting only courses that are eligible for the Associate of Arts degree. See "eligible associate degree courses" below.

  • 6 credits in first year English
  • 9 credits in Science, including:
    • 3 credits in mathematics, computer science or statistics
    • 3 credits in a laboratory science
    • 3 additional credits in Science
  • 36 credits in Arts (which must include a minimum of 18 credits at the 2nd year level in two or more subject areas) including:
    • 6 credits in the Social Sciences
    • 6 credit in Humanities (excluding English)
    • 24 additional credits in Arts
    • 9 credits in Arts, Science or other areas

Sample Study Plans

Students may complete a general Associate of Arts degree, or work with a Student Advisor to develop a study plan focused in one of the following subject areas: 

Creative Writing
Consider including: ENG-107, ENG-108, ENG-109, ENG-115, ENG-117 and ENG-160. Two of ENG-207, ENG-208, ENG-209, or ENG-214.

Anthropology
Consider including: ANT-150, ANT-151, and 9 credits of 200-level anthropology courses.

Criminology
Consider including: CRM-101, CRM-131, CRM-135, CRM-230; HIS-260, MAT-115; one of PHI-100 or PHI-150; POL-151, PSY-130, PSY-131, PSY-260; SOC-110, SOC-111, SOC-220, SOC-230.

First Nations
Consider including: BIO-170, BIO-171, BIO-241; ENG-125, ENG-126; FNS-160, FNS-200; MAT-190, MAT-191; SOC-130, and WST-110.

History
Consider including: 6 credits of 100–level history courses, and 9 credits of 200-level history courses.

Modern Languages
Consider including: 6 credits 100-level French and/or Spanish courses, and 9 credits 200-level French and/or Spanish courses.

North American Studies
Consider including: HIS-112, POL-109; 6 credits of French or Spanish; BUS-152 or BUS-162.

Philosophy
Consider including: 6 credits of 100-level Philosophy courses, and 9 credits of 200-level Philosophy courses.

Political Science
Consider including: 6 credits of 100-level political science courses, and 9 credits of 200-level political science courses.

Psychology
Consider including: PSY-130, PSY-131, and 9 credits of 200-level psychology courses.

Sociology
Consider including: SOC-110, SOC-111, and 9 credits of 200-level sociology courses.

Women’s Studies
Consider including: WST-100, WST-101, HIS-250, HIS-251, and 6 credits chosen from ENG-224, ENG-225, PSY-245, WST-260.

Eligible Associate Degree Courses

The following university transfer courses are eligible for credit towards completion of the Associate of Arts degree:

Arts (includes both Humanities and Social Sciences)

Humanities

Social Sciences

Sciences

Business

Completion Requirements

  • Students must achieve an overall average grade of C (cumulative GPA of 2.0) calculated on all courses counting towards the associate degree. No course may be used to meet more than one of the specific associate degree requirements.

Questions?

Contact:

Student Services
1-800-715-0914
questions@nic.bc.ca

Financial Awards Available!

Michael Pallan Memorial Scholarship
Pythian Order Academic Program Bursary
Terry & Phyllis Ryan Humanities Bursary

Apply Now