Program Overview
The Associate of Arts (Pre-Social Work) Degree from Alexander College is a two-year undergraduate program that prepares students for further study in social work. It provides a broad foundation in arts, humanities, and social science, with a customizable concentration in pre-social work. Upon completion, students can transfer to the third year of a Bachelor of Social Work program at universities in British Columbia.
Program Outline
Associate of Arts (Pre-Social Work) Degree - Alexander College
Degree Overview:
- Duration: 2 years
- Type: Undergraduate Degree
- Credit Hours: 60
- Transferability: Yes, transferable to other institutions
- Objectives:
- Provide broad-based knowledge and experiences in arts, humanities, and social science.
- Develop critical thinking and research skills.
- Offer a customizable concentration in pre-social work, allowing students to explore areas like social welfare, psychology, sociology, gender, and Indigenous studies.
Outline:
- Structure: Foundational two-year undergraduate degree consisting of 60 credits in total.
- Course Requirements: (which must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater)
- 6 credits in first-year English
- 9 credits in Science, including:
- at least: 3 credits in mathematics, computer science, or statistics (statistics courses taught in subject areas such as business, commerce, economics, psychology, etc. may also be used to meet this requirement)
- 4 credits in a laboratory science
- 36 credits in arts including:
- At least 6 credits in humanities, other than English, including both of: ANTH 160 or HIST 107, GSWS 100
- At least 6 credits in Social Science, including both of: PSYC 101, PSYC 102
- At least 6 additional credits in Arts, including one of: SOCI 100, SOCI 103
- At least 18 credits in 2nd year arts, taken in two or more subject areas.
- 9 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas, including both of: SOWK 201, SOWK 202
Careers:
- Transfer Options: Upon completion, students can transfer to the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Social Work program at universities in BC.
- Post-Graduate Work Permit Eligibility: International students are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Overview:
Alexander College is a post-secondary institution located in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a variety of programs, including Associate degrees, University transfer, English for Academic Purposes, and ESL pathways. The college is a participant in the BC University Transfer System, which allows students to transfer credits to other universities and colleges in the province.
Services Offered:
Alexander College provides a range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Admission requirements, placement testing, tuition and fees information, academic calendar, and online application.Registration:
Semester schedule, important dates, course registration, study authorization and breaks, medical insurance, and student financial aid.Student Support:
Bookstore and tuition payment, library, writing and learning center, student rights and responsibilities, student life, student association, health and wellness, and career advising.International Student Support:
Information on arriving in Canada, student visa requirements, and support services for international students.Technical Support:
MyAC technical support, Canvas technical support, and Zoom technical support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The college offers a vibrant student life experience with a focus on student-centered support services. Students can participate in various clubs and events organized by the Student Association (ACSA). The college also provides access to a library, writing and learning center, and health and wellness services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Small class sizes:
Alexander College emphasizes personalized learning with smaller class sizes, allowing for more individual attention from instructors.Affordable tuition fees:
The college offers competitive tuition rates compared to other post-secondary institutions.University transfer pathways:
The college's programs are designed to facilitate seamless transfer to major universities across North America.Student-centered support services:
The college provides comprehensive support services to help students succeed academically and personally.Academic Programs:
Alexander College offers a wide range of university-level courses in various subject areas, including:
- Anthropology
- Asian Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Commerce
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Film Studies
- French
- Gender and Women's Studies
- Geography
- Health Sciences
- History
- International Studies
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Pre-Social Work
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- University Preparation
Other:
- The college has two campuses: Burnaby and Vancouver.
- Alexander College acknowledges the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples.
- The college is a member of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) system.
- The college offers a variety of promotional materials, including a viewbook, campus tour videos, and student testimonials.
- The college has a strong international student population, with students from over 50 countries.
- The college provides support services for agents who represent the institution.
- The college has a dedicated marketing department that works with agents to ensure a smooth application process.
- The college offers a variety of online resources, including a student portal, a learning management system, and a website with detailed information about programs, services, and campus life.
Entry Requirements:
- All programs require evidence of English language proficiency.
- Completion of Secondary Education (12 years, or equivalent) or mature student status, or post-secondary transfer
- Academic and/or GPA requirements specific to individual programs
- Demonstrated proficiency in the English language
- Canadian Citizenship or legal authorization to study in Canada
- Aged at least 16+ years of age
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Entry from Grade 12:
- BC secondary program (Grade 12) or equivalent, the A.B.E. (Adult Basic Education) Program, or G.E.D. (General Educational Development) Testing Program, or mature student status
- BC ENGL 12 with a minimum grade of C, or equivalent
Entry from University Transfer:
- At least 9 transferable post-secondary credits, with a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or higher. University transfer applicants with cumulative GPA's below 1.50 may be admitted provisionally.
- BC ENGL 12 with a minimum grade of C, English 099 with a minimum grade of C, or equivalent.