KEY FACTS

Program length:

2 years

Program Tuition Fees:

Domestic Fees*

International Fees

*30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans

Intakes:

Fall (October), Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (July)

Delivery:

On-Campus

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree prepares students for life as an educated person and lays a solid foundation for further study.

This 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 (UCW) 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.

Courses are provided in face-to-face learning environments.

With the completion of 30 credits in the Associate of Arts degree, a student may transfer to the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree seamlessly. Alternatively, the student may continue in 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. Please refer to the Course Descriptions section for detailed information on the actual courses.

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).

92% of UCW Associate of Arts graduates are very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of education.

According to data collected in Spring 2023 from graduates who participated in the survey.

Class Profile

UCW is home to students from more than 100 countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.

96% of UCW Associate of Arts graduates consider the quality of instruction to be very good or good.

According to data collected in Spring 2023 from graduates who participated in the survey.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts program is an interdisciplinary set of courses designed to provide core skills in writing, communication, research and team performance. UCW Academic Advisors can help with your course selection to meet your post-secondary education goals.

NSO 098 – Student Orientation

Through this mandatory orientation students come to understand their academic expectations, requirements, and rights and responsibilities at University Canada West. Students learn how to access university services and systems that they need for success in their studies. Orientation includes practices of information literacy, academic integrity, critical thinking and academic writing.

  • ENGL 100—Academic Writing
  • ENGL 102—Critical Analysis & Writing

Choice of one Quantitative Science course:

  • MATH 106—Pre-Calculus

Choice of one Lab Science course:

  • GEOG 101—Physical Geography
  • PHYS 101—Introductory Physics

Choice of one additional Science course:

  • BIOL 100—Modern Biology
  • ECOL 100—Introduction to Ecology
  • or a Lab Science or Quantitative Science course listed above

Choice of two Humanities courses:

  • COMM 102—Mass Media & Society
  • COMM 150—Current issues in Communication & Media
  • PHIL 102—Moral Philosophy

Choice of two Social Sciences courses:

  • ECON 102—Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECON 104—Principles of Macroeconomics
  • ECON 105—Economics for Business
  • SJCJ 101—Introduction to Social Justice: Theories of Social Justice
  • SJCJ 102—Social Justice in the Global North
  • PSYC 103—Introduction to Psychology: Biological & Cognitive
  • PSYC 104—Introduction to Psychology: Developmental, Personality, Social & Clinical
  • POLI 102—Politics and Government
  • CRIM 101—Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • SOCI 100—Sociology
  • ANTH 102—Introduction to Anthropology

Choice of two additional first year Arts courses:

  • Any two first year Arts courses from Humanities or Social Science

Choice of:

  • COMM 200—Communications Theory
  • COMM 203—Information Gathering
  • COMM 205—Writing for the Media
  • COMM 207—Visual Communications in Mass Media
  • PUBR 300—Public Relations in Practice & Theory
  • ECON 201—Canadian Microeconomic Policy
  • ECON 202—Canadian Macroeconomic Policy
  • ECON 204—Money Banking & Financial Markets
  • ECON 205—Managerial Economics
  • ECON 206—Environmental Economics
  • SJCJ 201—Social Justice in Practice
  • SJCJ 202—Social Justice in the Global South
  • SJCJ 250—Critical & Contemporary Perspectives on Social Justice & Human Rights
  • SJCJ 260—Children’s Rights & Youth Justice
  • PSYC 202—Social Psychology: Concepts & Application
  • PSYC 220—Abnormal Behaviour
  • PSYC 230—Brain and Behaviour
  • PSYC 240—Research Methods: Thinking Clearly about Psychology
  • PSYC 250—Data Analysis in Behavioural Sciences
  • CLST 204—Classical Mythology
  • HIST 305—Canadian Urban History
  • PHIL 210—Introduction to Business Ethics
  • POLI 301—Media and Government

Choice of:

  • ACCT 140—Accounting Principles
  • ACCT 210—Computerized Accounting Practices I: Sage 50
  • ACCT 220—Computerized Accounting Practices II: QuickBooks
  • ACCT 230—Fundamentals of Taxation
  • BUSI 100—Introduction to Business
  • BUSI 201—Business Environment
  • BUSI 305—Tourism Management
  • COMM 140 – Business Communications
  • CPSC 201—Management Information Systems
  • ENGL 105—Contemporary Literature: Drama & Narrative
  • HSTM 101—Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism
  • MRKT 201—Marketing Management
  • MRKT 221—Service Marketing
  • MRKT 223—Digital Marketing Strategy
  • MRKT 225—Marketing Research
  • OPMT 301—Operations Management
  • ORGB 201—Organizational Behavior

Course availability is subject to change without notice. Some courses have pre-requisites or co-requisites. For a comprehensive list of courses and course details please refer to the Academic Calendar.

94% of UCW Associate of Arts students are working at a paid job after graduation.

According to data collected in Spring 2023 from graduates who participated in the survey.

Learning Methods

Students in the AA degree program are required to demonstrate both written and oral communication skills. These skills will be developed and evaluated through:

  • Lectures and class discussions
  • Written assignments
  • Presentations
  • Team tasks

Academic Standing

Students must remain in Good Academic Standing to continue their studies at UCW. For full details about Academic Standing, refer to the current Academic Calendar here.

Entry Requirements

  • Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (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.

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for prospective undergraduate students studying at UCW. To learn more, visit the PAL page on our website.

AA Tuition Fees

2024 Fees
Domestic*
International
Number of courses 20 20
Cost per course $967** $2,018**
Total Tuition Fees $19,340 $40,360

2025 Fees
Domestic*
International
Number of courses 20 20
Cost per course $1,015** $2,119**
Total Tuition Fees $20,300 $42,380

2026 Fees
Domestic*
International
Number of courses 20 20
Cost per course $1,066** $2,225**
Total Tuition Fees $21,320 $44,500

Tuition deposit for international students: $7,900

First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $500

*30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.

**Additional costs related to textbooks and materials for each course are not included in tuition.

Graduation Requirements

UCW students must fulfil the requirements listed in the Academic Calendar in order to be eligible to graduate. For full details about Graduation Eligibility, refer to the current Academic Calendar here.