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Associate of Science Degree

2-year associate degree

Starts: September, January
  • Complete the first two years of your university degree at NIC.
  • Choose general science or focus your studies in biology, chemistry, physics, or math. The Associate of Science is a great choice for anyone considering a future degree in any science-related field.

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 approx. $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 of Science 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. Thanks to a special province-wide agreement, 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 Science degree as the program name.
  2. There are no formal admission requirements for the Associate of Science degree. However, courses will have specific entry requirements, called prerequisites, which are listed under each course description.

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 Science 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, or if you want to refresh your math and science skills.
  • 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 Science 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 Science Degree - General Requirements

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

  • 6 credits in first year English
  • 6 credits in mathematics, which shall include at least 3 credits in calculus
  • 36 credits in Science, which shall include at least 3 credits in a laboratory based science and must include a minimum of 18 credits at the 200 level taken in two or more subject areas
  • 6 credits in Arts other than English (excluding mathematics and laboratory-based science courses)
  • 6 credits in Arts, Science or other academic areas

Sample Study Plans*

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

Biology
Consider including: BIO-102/BIO-103, BIO-200, BIO-202, BIO-211, BIO-215 and BIO-230.

Chemistry
Consider including: CHE-103 LAB, CHE-104 LAB, CHE-110 LAB, CHE-111 LAB, CHE-200 LAB, or CHE-201 LAB.

Physics
Consider including: PHY-100 LAB, PHY-101 LAB, PHY-120 LAB, PHY-121 LAB, or PHY-141.

Math
Consider including: MAT-102, MAT-115, MAT-133, MAT-151, MAT-162, MAT-163, MAT-181, MAT-182, MAT-190, MAT-191, MAT-200, or MAT-210.

Please note* Always check website for course offerings as some Math/Sciences courses are offered on a rotational basis.

Eligible Associate Degree Courses

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

Arts (includes both Humanities and Social Sciences)

Humanities

Social Sciences

Sciences*

Business

Please Note* Always check website for current offerings as some Math/Sciences courses are offered on a rotational basis.

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!

Bob Minkler Memorial Bursary
Comox Valley Horticultural Society Bursary
Grieg Seafood BC Ltd Bursary

Apply Now