Associate of Arts

All degrees start here!

The Associate of Arts is a provincial credential designed for you to explore a mix of disciplines. Most students completing an Associate of Arts will transfer to university in the 3^rd year to continue in a degree discipline of choice.

The Associate of Arts is a program that seeks to develop:

an understanding of, and curiosity about, the world in which we live and work
an appreciation and openness to a variety of viewpoints, ways of thinking, and human creativity
your ability for, and interest in, self-directed life-long learning and social responsibilities.

Program Completion Requirements

This associate degree is designed with two main purposes in mind. The flexible curriculum enables you to explore a wide range of interests, providing a solid foundation for further study. The other is to provide an experience that helps you hone your study habits, writing skills, and prepares you for work, citizenship, and an enriched life as an educated person. Even if you don’t transfer into a degree program, having obtained an associate degree can prove useful when you seek employment.

To view program completion requirements and individual course information, visit our Academic Calendar.

_{Note: The Academic Calendar is currently set to display program information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature contained within the Academic Calendar.}

We recommend you work with an Education Advisor for course selection.

View Associate of Arts Planning Form

View or download a pdf version of the official program outline

Associate of Arts (AA) – Pre-Major:

If you are interested in a Social Work degree, click here to learn more about our Associate of Arts – Social Work pathway.

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements:

Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ENST 12 – English Studies 12
- ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
- ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level

Recommended Admission Requirements:

All Mathematics and Statistics courses require prerequisites in this program.
Basic computer skills

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Year 1

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$3,725.70
Lab Fee:	$256.14
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

Year 2

Tuition:	$3,725.70
Lab Fee:	$170.76
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Tuition and Fees for International Students

For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Year 1

Application Fee:	$100.00
One-time International Education Fee:	$100.00
Tuition:	$16,340.70
Lab Fee:	$256.14
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance:	$270.00

Year 2

Tuition:	$16,340.70
Lab Fee:	$170.76
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

*_{Tuition and Fees for international students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook and supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

_{Refer to: International Education Fees Schedule for 2026/27 tuition.}

Career Info and Pathways

Your Associate of Arts Degree provides a great starting point towards further education and opens up endless educational and career opportunities. Here are just a few career options you could work toward:

Author/Writer
Editors
Graphic Arts Technicians
Graphic Designers and Illustrators
Interior Designers and Decorators
Painters and Decorators (except interior decorators)
Painters, Sculptures, and other visual artists
Psychologists *
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers *
Secondary School Teachers *
Other Professional Occupations in Social Sciences

* High Opportunity Occupation

Associate of Arts (AARTS) Degree – Transfer Information

To Institution	Program
College of the Rockies	Bachelor of Business Administration _{Note: Individual assessment required.}	Planning Form
Okanagan College	Bachelor of Business Administration _{Note: Completion of Associate Degree with minimum grade of 67%. Students who have not met the degree requirements of the BBA will be expected to take a bridging semester.}	Transfer Agreement
Royal Roads University	Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies _{Note: A student or students must meet all other entrance criteria as per the program admission requirements on the Royal Roads University website.}	Transfer Agreement
University of British Columbia – Okanagan	Bachelor of Arts _{Note: Please review page 8 Appendix A for course selection.}	Transfer Agreement

Many institutions will guarantee 60 transfer credits for your completed associate degree even if all the courses you took toward the degree don’t transfer individually to that institution. For more information, see Transfer with an Associate Degree

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