Associate of Arts

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides you with a broad foundation of knowledge. This 60-credit (20 courses) program prepares you for additional post-secondary education or to enter directly into the workforce.

The AA degree is accepted for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at University Canada West (UCW) and all British Columbia degree-granting institutions, provided other admission requirements are met.

Why an Associate of Arts degree?

• Learn to think critically and solve problems
• Become an effective oral and written communicator
• Develop the ability to work collaboratively
• Acquire research and evaluative skills
• Apply theoretical understanding to practice

Class profile

All University Canada West degree programs are offered on campus and online. UCW is home to students from more than 42 countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.

Course Structure:

The Associate of Arts program is an interdisciplinary set of courses designed to provide core skills in writing, communication and research as well as team performance. UCW Academic Advisors can help with your course selection to meet your post-secondary education goals.

Tier 1: University Foundation 1

Tier 1 courses establish the basic university skills of research and writing while introducing you to a variety of disciplines and topics. Our experienced instructors will prepare you for continued academic success.

• Two first-year English courses
• One Science course
• One Mathematics or Computing Science course
• Two Humanities courses
• Two Social Science courses
• Two Arts elective courses

Tier 2 University Foundation II

Tier 2 courses build a broader academic exposure and deeper exploration in a variety of subject areas. You have the opportunity to further demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, quantitative and communication skills.

• One (1) Lab Science course
• Six (6) second-year Arts courses
• Three (3) general electives

Experienced faculty

Our faculty are experienced in both education and industry – professionals who have excelled in their field – and who use this to your advantage. They will provide you with case studies, a context for your study, even stories about their time on the job – anything and everything that will give you a more complete understanding of the industry you wish to enter.

Our faculty are superb teachers who are able to nurture new talent by developing strong relationships with their students, and proficient in real-world applications.

They are more than teachers: they also have extensive first-hand experience in business and maintain strong ties to Canada’s leading companies in order to provide you with real-time insight.

Student Services

At UCW, we pledge to support you every step of the way with student services staff who will answer any questions you may have. They’ll provide you with resume advice and even help you prepare for job interviews.

Through Student Services, students can access:

• Writing and Numeracy Coaches
• Academic Advising
• Campus Information Sessions
• Workshops and Seminars
• Student Life and Student Committee Events, such as holiday parties, end of term socials, movie nights, and much more.

Entry Requirements

Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)

OR

Twenty-one (21) years of age or older and out of high school for at least two years

Documented success through academic, professional or volunteer activities

AND

For students whose first language is not English, academic IELTS - 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent.

Duration and fees:

Start dates: Fall (October), Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (July)

Duration: Two years

Fees:

Winter, Spring, Summer 2019

• $13,920* (Domestic)
• $34,800 (International)

*10% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans