Associate of Arts degrees are the unsung heroes of higher education. From unlocking a world of knowledge to paving the way for exciting career opportunities, these two-year programs are more than just stepping stones; they are the building blocks of success.
Here’s why they are the perfect launchpad for your academic and professional dreams.
What is an Associate of Arts degree?
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year undergraduate program offered at colleges and universities, including University Canada West. This degree is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences, encompassing a variety of subjects such as humanities, social sciences, laboratory-based science courses and mathematics.
Student instruction involves a broad-based curriculum that aims to foster critical thinking, effective communication skills and a foundational understanding of various disciplines. Students pursuing an AA degree often take general education courses, including English composition, mathematics, history and social sciences, to develop a comprehensive knowledge base.
At University Canada West, the AA degree is a two-year, 20-course program.
How does it differ from other types of degrees?
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:
Foundation for Further Education
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.
Flexibility in career choices
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.
Enhanced critical thinking and communication skills
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.
Entry into entry-level positions
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.
Increased employability and job opportunities
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.
Personal development and confidence
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.
Adaptability in a changing job market
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.
Time management
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.
Can you transfer credits of an AA degree?
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).
What are the entry requirements for an AA degree?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start strong with a solid foundation
The AA program builds critical thinking and communication skill. Your first step toward advanced studies or a rewarding career.
