Associate of Arts

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: 24.0101
_{International students graduating from the Associate of Arts program are not eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) due to the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).} 

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 110 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.

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 international students studying at UCW. To learn more, visit the PAL page on our website.

AA Tuition Fees

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

Tuition deposit for international students: $8,800

First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $650

**Additional costs related to textbooks and materials for each course are not included in tuition. Textbooks cost an average of $105 per course.

Students deferring their start date, or changing their program, will be subject to any deposit or fee increases in effect at the time the change or deferral is approved.

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.