Associate Degree Programs
Columbia College offers two-year Associate Degrees. These degrees, awarded upon completion of at least 20 courses that meet specific requirements, are valuable admissions a stand-alone qualification and for admission to third year at university. These programs are offered with the consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (effective December 2024) 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 appropriate to their needs for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions.
Program Description
An Associate Degree is awarded to students who complete two years of study at the first- and second-year university levels, including specific requirements. This typically involves completing 20 university-level courses, which may be 3 or 4 credits each. While an Associate of Arts Degree may be completed with as few as 61 credits, an Associate of Science Degree may require 64 credits or more. The requirements are standardized across the province, creating a recognized credential.
This degree provides a solid foundation in a specific area of study while encouraging a broad range of courses, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Students who complete their Associate Degree can continue their studies in various bachelor’s degree concentrations at Columbia College.
Universities in British Columbia recognize Associate Degrees and accept them for admission to the third year of a bachelor's degree program. BC's public research universities guarantee the full 60 credits to students admitted with an Associate Degree, even if not all courses transfer individually. Some universities prioritize Associate Degree holders for admission.
To qualify for a Columbia College Associate Degree, students must complete at least the last 10 courses at Columbia College. Additionally, at least 4 of the required 6 second-year courses must be taken at Columbia College. All qualifying courses must be completed within 5 years before the degree is awarded. A minimum grade-point average of 2.0 ("C" average) is required for all courses counting towards the Associate Degree, including those taken at other institutions.
Admission Requirements
The Associate Degree programs are open to students who meet one of the following criteria:
Completed any of the four High School options at Columbia College or a BC Certificate of Graduation with a minimum average grade of C in four academic Grade 12 subjects, including English 12.
Completed High School in another Canadian province with equivalent results.
Overseas candidates must present Senior or High School Matriculation results with an average grade of C or
better.
Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with a grade of 5 or above will usually be granted first-year transfer credit in the appropriate subject area, so long as Columbia College offers courses in this area. Contact the Admissions office for more details.
Transfer Credit from Other Institutions
Credit towards a Columbia College Associate Degree may be awarded for courses completed at other institutions. This credit is typically assessed at the time of admission. Courses taken at recognized BC institutions (members of the BC Transfer System) that transfer to at least one of BC’s public research universities in an appropriate discipline will usually be considered for transfer credit. Students should consult the BC Transfer Guide.
The major universities in BC guarantee the transfer of 60 credits to Associate Degree holders. The granting of transfer credit by Columbia College does not suggest that these courses will transfer to all BC universities on a course by course basis.
Decisions on Transfer Credit and Appeal of Transfer Credit decisions:
- To be granted the credits, students must submit all relevant documents when applying to the College. Transfer credit decisions are made at admissions or during the first course planning session with a Counsellor. The College must be informed of any in-progress courses at other institutions at admission.
- Transfer credit decisions can be appealed on grounds such as the 5-year time limit or whether similar credit would be granted by local universities. An appeal requires at least an 80% overlap in course content with a Columbia College course, usually needing a course outline. Appeals for arrangements listed in the BC Transfer Guide or for courses rejected after formal articulation will not be accepted.
- Students wishing to appeal a transfer credit decision should first consult with a Counsellor. Appeals will be submitted in writing through the Counsellor, including the grounds on which the initial transfer credit decision is being contested.
- Appeals will be considered by the Registrar (or designate) and a final decision made within 5 working days of the appeal being submitted. The student will be informed of the final decision in writing.