Associate of Arts Degree

Program Overview

It focuses on developing communication, research, and critical thinking skills through a combination of required courses in English, science, and arts, as well as elective options. Graduates can seamlessly transfer to a bachelor's degree program at UCW or other British Columbia institutions.

Program Outline

This program is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year degree in the Arts and is accepted for transfer into bachelor's degree programs at UCW and all British Columbia degree-granting institutions. The AA degree focuses on developing students' communication, research, and critical thinking skills. With this foundation, graduates can either enter the workforce in various entry-level positions or continue their education by seamlessly transferring to a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree at UCW.

Objectives:

• Acquire knowledge and skills relevant to various career paths.
• Become an effective communicator, both orally and in writing.
• Develop strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Prepare for entry into four-year bachelor's degree programs.
• Qualify for entry-level positions in chosen industries.

Other:

• 92% of UCW Associate of Arts graduates are very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of education.
• 96% of graduates consider the quality of instruction to be very good or good.
• 94% of students are working in a paid job after graduation.

Outline:

Required English (2 courses)

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

Science (3 courses)

• Choice of one Quantitative Science course:
• MATH 101 - Business Mathematics
• 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
• Any other Lab Science or Quantitative Science course listed above

First Year Arts (6 courses)

• 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 from Humanities or Social Sciences

Second Year Arts (6 courses)

• Choice of:
• COMM 200 - Communications Theory
• 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

Electives (3 courses)

• 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

Assessment:

Students in the AA program are evaluated through various methods, including:

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

Teaching:

The AA program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in their respective fields. The program also incorporates innovative teaching methods such as:

• Active learning strategies
• Group work and collaboration
• Technology-enabled learning

Careers:

Graduates of the AA program can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Business
• Communications
• Education
• Government
• Non-profit organizations

Other:

• The AA program is offered in a face-to-face learning environment.
• The program is ideal for students who are looking for a flexible and affordable way to pursue higher education.
• Graduates of the AA program can seamlessly transfer to the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree at UCW.

Domestic Fees International Fees

• 30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans
Tuition deposit for international students: $7,900 First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $500