Associate of Arts degrees typically have a broad and general academic focus. They often include a foundation in liberal arts and humanities. Associate of Arts degrees are often designed to facilitate the transfer credit into a four-year degree program. Many students pursue an Associate of Arts intending to transfer to a bachelor’s program to continue their post-secondary education.

Other associate degrees include the Associate of Science (AS), which tends to have a more specific focus on scientific and technical subjects, and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), which is more career-oriented and designed to prepare students for specific professions.

How can earning an AA degree benefit an individual’s career or educational goals?

Earning an Associate of Arts degree can provide several tangible benefits to individuals in terms of both career and educational goals. Here are some key advantages:

An AA degree serves as a solid academic foundation for individuals who plan to pursue higher education. Many students use the AA degree as a springboard to complete a bachelor’s degree, whether at their current institution, if it offers bachelor’s degrees, or to transfer to a four-year higher education institution.

The broad curriculum of an AA degree exposes students to a range of subjects in the arts and humanities. This diversity allows individuals to explore various fields of study before making a more specific career choice. It can be particularly beneficial for students who are undecided about their major.

The liberal arts focus of an AA degree promotes critical thinking, effective communication and problem-solving skills. These skills are highly valued in many professional settings, contributing to success in various careers.

While some careers may require a bachelor’s degree or higher, certain entry-level positions and industries accept candidates with an AA degree. This allows individuals to enter the workforce sooner and gain practical experience while potentially continuing their education.

The completion of an AA degree can enhance an individual’s employability in various industries. It demonstrates to employers that the individual has attained a certain level of education and has developed essential skills that can contribute to the workplace.

Earning an AA degree is an achievement that can boost an individual’s self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. It signifies dedication to education and the ability to set and achieve academic goals, which can positively impact personal and professional development.

The broad-based education of an AA degree equips individuals with adaptable skills that can be valuable in a rapidly changing job market. This adaptability is particularly important as the demand for diverse skill sets continues to evolve.

The two-year duration of an AA program provides a reasonable timeframe for exploration without committing to a longer educational path immediately. It allows you to take the time needed to make informed decisions about your major and career direction.

An Associate of Arts degree can be a valuable asset in a person’s educational and career journey, providing a strong foundation for further education, fostering critical skills, and opening up various opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Completing an associate degree typically takes two years. By strategically planning your courses with a university program in mind, you can transfer all 60 credits seamlessly. In many instances, earning an associate degree positions you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program. To ensure a smooth transfer process within British Columbia, consult the BC Transfer Guide

UCW’s AA program prepares students for life as an educated person and lays a solid foundation for further study. The two-year, 60-credit (20 courses) undergraduate program is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year degree in the Arts. It prepares students to transfer to research or teaching universities to complete a bachelor’s degree or serves as a credential to enter the labour market. The AA degree is accepted for transfer into bachelor degree programs at University Canada West, and all British Columbia degree-granting institutions, provided other admission requirements are met.

Graduates of the AA program will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge and skills to help you find a career.
• Become an effective oral and written communicator for the workplace.
• Develop the ability to work collaboratively.
• Prepare for entry into four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
• Prepare for entry-level positions in the industry of your choice.

The course structure for UCW’s Associate of Arts degree includes two English courses, currently Academic Writing and Critical Analysis & Writing; three Science courses, including one Quantitative Science course, one Lab Science course and one additional Science course; six first-year Arts courses, including two in Humanities, two in Social Sciences; six second-year courses; and three electives.

With the completion of 30 credits in the Associate of Arts degree, a student may transfer credits to the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree seamlessly. Alternatively, the student may continue with the Associate of Arts degree and complete the program with an additional 30 credit hours of study as per provincial Associate of Arts degree guidelines.

This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills effective July 26, 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 be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).

Entry into UCW’s Associate of Arts degree requires the following:

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

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. More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.

For students who need to upgrade to meet our English proficiency requirements, UCW offers English pathway courses in our University Access Program.

For full requirements visit our admissions page.

Please note: Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Answer: An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year undergraduate program typically offered colleges and unviersities. It provides a foundation in liberal arts and general education, covering subjects such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. The AA degree is designed to give students a well-rounded education and can serve as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits or entry-level positions in various fields.

Answer: While various associate degrees exist, the Associate of Arts degree specifically focuses on liberal arts education. It emphasizes a broad range of subjects, including literature, history, psychology and communication. In contrast, other associate degrees may have a more specialized or vocational focus, such as Associate of Science (AS) degrees, which often centre around science and technology disciplines, or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, which are more career-oriented.

Answer: Earning an Associate of Arts degree offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a solid academic foundation, enhancing critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. Secondly, it can be a cost-effective way to start higher education. Additionally, associate degree graduates can have doors opened to entry-level positions in various industries or serve as a first step for pursuing a bachelor’s degree and beyond.

Published on March 08, 2024.