An Associate Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year university degree. Universities in British Columbia will guarantee 60 transfer credits to holders of an Associate Degree.
Students must meet the grade point average (GPA) established by each university for admission. Upon completion, students qualify to apply for a post-graduate work permit in Canada.
Program Overview
- The Associate of Arts Degree in Political Science prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science or a related field and provides them with an understanding of political systems and behaviour.
- Students will explore concepts and structures of power, human interaction, local and global challenges, and international relationships.
- Students will be able to analyze and understand the principles of power relations that influence the lives of those around them.
Skills Gained
- Strong knowledge of various political systems and cultures.
- Understanding of current social, organizational, and global issues.
- Excellent critical thinking abilities to explore various ideologies and political systems
- Effectively communicate ideas through verbal and written channels
Accelerated Associate Degree: Tri-mester system
- Students benefit from the tri-mester system with intakes in January, May, and September. This means students can take more courses over a 12-month period and can complete an Associate Degree in 16 months or two years.
- Students take a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 courses per semester.
- Students who do not wish to accelerate can complete an Associate Degree in 2 years.
Program Curriculum Framework
Must include: All requirements of an Associate of Arts Degree
20 courses (minimum 60 credits) of 1st & 2nd year courses, to include at least 6 courses (minimum 18 credits) in Arts at the 2nd year level, taken in two or more subject areas.
1st Year Courses
| PSCI 100 Introduction to Political Science |
| PSCI 101 Introduction to Canadian Government |
2nd Year Courses
| PSCI 240 Introduction to Political Theory |
| PSCI 251 Introduction to Public Administration |
Together with One of:
| PSCI 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics |
| PSCI 210 Introduction to International Relations and Global Politics |
One of:
| PSCI 202 or 210 (if not already included) |
| PSCI 252 Introduction to the Politics of the City |
| PSCI 253 Introduction to Public Policy |
| PSCI 260 Decolonizing Development: The Politics of Progress |
Career Possibilities
Approximately 748,500 job openings in British Columbia within the next 10 years will require some forms of post-secondary education
(British Columbia Labour Market Report Outlook: 2023 Edition, p. 4)
#1 in Canada, B.C. has the highest salary increase for 2023 for all industries compared to all over provinces.
(www.hrreporter.com)
Who Should Apply?
Students Who:
- Wish to acquire career-ready skills that will translate over to the competitive business world.
- Have goals of managing and operating a business.