OVERVIEW

In the General Arts program, learners will study a combination of the social sciences, humanities, science and academic elective courses. This provides learners with an understanding of social environments, perceptions of world issues and the confidence to generate informed decisions and ask intelligent questions.

The Associate of Arts in General Arts program is a versatile two-year degree designed for students seeking a broad academic foundation and the flexibility to explore various fields of study. This 60-credit program provides a well-rounded education, fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills applicable across diverse disciplines.

Students engage in coursework across multiple subject areas, including English composition, modern fiction, computer systems and applications, statistics for the social sciences, and academic strategies for success. Elective options allow learners to tailor their studies to personal interests and goals while ensuring credits remain fully transferable to recognized universities.

The program emphasizes the development of foundational skills valued in various academic and professional settings, such as problem-solving, research proficiency, and adaptability. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, or other disciplines.

By offering a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, the Associate of Arts in General Arts degree keeps future opportunities wide open, empowering students to define their academic and career paths with confidence.

If a learner plans to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, they can enroll in this program to accumulate the 60 credits of coursework required for entry into the BSW program.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12 graduation or Mature Student status;
• C+ minimum in English 12 or ENGL 060;
• C+ minimum in Foundations of Math 11 or MATH 057.

NVIT is committed to ensuring education is accessible to all people. Students who do not meet program requirements should contact the Department Coordinator or an NVIT Academic Planner regarding upgrading opportunities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The Associate of Arts Degree includes a broad range of courses that meet provincial transfer standards. Learn more about the structure and requirements of Associate Degrees in BC through the BC Transfer Guide.

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.

Specific Requirements

A. 6 credits in first-year English; and

B. 9 credits in Science which shall include at least:

• 3 credits in Mathematics, or Computing Science or Statistics (Statistics courses taught in subject areas such as Business, Commerce, Economics, Psychology, etc. may also be used to meet this requirement);
• 3 credits in a laboratory science, and

C. 36 credits in Arts which shall include:

• 6 credits in the Social Sciences;
• 6 credits in Humanities (including the Creative and Performing Arts) other than English;
• 24 additional credits in Arts, and

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

CAREER PATHWAYS

Career pathways for graduates of the Associate of Arts in General Arts program include:

Entry-Level Roles

• Administrative roles in various sectors
• Marketing, public relations, and communications
• Human resources and recruitment
• Customer service and client management
• Sales and retail management
• Community outreach and non-profit work

Further Education

• Further studies in a wide range of fields, such as business, education, social sciences, and the arts.

The program provides a versatile foundation for diverse career opportunities and further academic pursuits.