Following a thorough evaluation process conducted by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB), the Minister of Advanced Education granted Columbia College the authority to award both Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees. Associate Degrees recognize the completion of specific academic requirements that are standardized at all degree-granting colleges and universities in B.C.

What is the Value of an Associate Degree?

The Associate Degree stands as a credential in its own right. The attainment of this credential demonstrates to other academic institutions and to potential employers that the holder has achieved a solid foundation in one particular area of study, while also having completed a wide range of courses, thereby ensuring real breadth of post-secondary education.

As Associate Degrees may be awarded after two full years of university level studies, they appeal both to student who prefer not to complete a four-year degree and to those who desire a meaningful academic credential prior to completing their baccalaureate degree.

Since Associate Degree programs are standardized throughout B.C., they simply transfer between educational institutions. British Columbia's universities recognize the value and rigour of Associates Degrees, and accept them as a basis for direct admission to third year baccalaureate programs. B.C.'s public universities (and TWU) guarantees a full 60 transfer credits to students admitted on the strength of an Associate Degree (though specific course requirements for baccalaureate degree programs must still be fulfilled if not completed as part of the Associates Degree). Some universities give admission priority to Associate Degree holders.

Associate of Arts Degree
General Requirements

60 semester credits of first- and second-year courses. These must include a minimum of 18 credits in Arts at the second-year level taken in two or more subject areas.

1. 6 credits in first-year English, including 3 credits in Writing/Composition and 3 credits in Literature; and
2. 9 credits in Science which shall include at least:
   1. 3 credits in Mathematics or Computer Science or Statistics. (Statistics courses taught in subject areas such as Business, Commerce, Economics, and Psychology may be used to meet this requirement.)
   2. 3 credits in a laboratory science; and
3. 36 credits in Arts which shall include:
   1. 6 credits in the Social Sciences;
   2. 6 credits in Humanities (including the Creative and Performing Arts) other than English;
   3. 24 additional credits in Arts; and

4. 9 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas.

Associate of Science Degree
General Requirements

60 semester credits of first- and second-year courses, These must include a minimum of 18 credits in Science at the second-year level taken in two or more subject areas.

Specific Requirements

1. 6 credits in first-year English, including 3 credits in Writing/Composition and 3 credits in Literature; and
2. 6 credits in Mathematics which shall include at least 3 credits in Calculus; and
3. 36 credits in Science, which shall include at least 3 credits in a laboratory science; and
4. 6 credits in Arts other than English (excluding Mathematics and Laboratory-based Science courses); and
5. 6 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas.

Further Information on Associate Degrees is available on the website of the B.C. Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT): http://www.bccat.bc.ca/otg/associate/transferwith.html

In summary an Associate Degree is:

• A credential widely recognized within B.C. and other Canadian provinces.
• A credential that can improve the prospects of employment.
• A solid foundation in one area of study that provides the basis for more advanced studies.
• Sixty guaranteed university transfer credits toward a full baccalaureate degree when the holder is admitted to a B.C. university.

Columbia College graduates will also be pleased to hear that Associate Degrees are well-known in the United States and may facilitate transfer to an American university. Associate Degree recipients may also apply for permission to work in Canada for a 12 month period after they graduate,

This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education effective September 7 th, 2004, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to prospective employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).