Program Overview
The General Arts and Science program at Niagara College is a flexible diploma program that allows students to explore their interests and design their own interdisciplinary program. It provides a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences, preparing students for further postsecondary studies or entry-level positions in various fields. Graduates gain transferable credits and develop marketable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The General Arts and Science (Welland) program is a 2-year diploma designed for students who need help deciding on a postsecondary path and want to explore their options. It allows students to design their own interdisciplinary program by selecting courses based on their individual goals.
Key Highlights:
- Flexibility: Explore academic courses of interest before committing to a specific field of study.
- Marketable Skills: Gain transferable credits to other college or university programs.
- Career Readiness: Graduates are prepared for further postsecondary studies or entering the workforce.
- Diverse Subjects: Explore common subjects of interest, including counselling, current events, film studies, fitness, forensic sciences, global studies, health sciences, health and wellness, history, languages, life sciences, music, psychology, and sociology.
Outline:
The program is structured into four terms, with students taking 15 to 18 credits per term. Students meet with program staff to design an individualized program.
Term 1 (2024 Fall):
- COMM1020 - College Communications - Unraveled (3 credits)
- STDV1180 - Academic and Career Preparation (3 credits)
- Electives: Completion of additional electives (3 units), one Mathematics course (3 units), and one General Education elective course required.
Term 2 (2025 Winter):
- COMM1133 - Writing Strategies (3 credits)
- SOCL1430 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada (3 credits)
- Electives: Completion of one General Education elective course and additional electives (6 units) required.
Term 3 (2025 Fall):
- Electives: Completion of one General Education elective course and additional electives (12 units) required.
Term 4 (2026 Winter):
- Electives: Completion of additional electives (15 units) required.
Learning Outcomes (Term 1244):
- Develop insight into self and society through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects.
- Develop flexibility and clarity of thought and expression to achieve communications competence required by business and industry.
- Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
- Examine and evaluate various aspects of societal changes and develop a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen.
Careers:
Graduates of the General Arts and Science program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- Further postsecondary studies in various fields.
- Students with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution.
- The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences, preparing them for a variety of career paths.
