Associate Degrees

Why consider an Associate Degree?

An Associate Degree is a university transferable academic credential awarded to students upon successful completion of 60 university transferable credits. In most cases, students transferring to a university can enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree.

Advantages of the Associate Degree credential:

many universities (eg, SFU) will accept students with an Associate of Arts Degree at a lower grade point average than students without such a degree
some Associate of Arts degrees programs (eg, Limited Enrolment Program, Future Teachers programs) provide students with priority registration at Douglas College
completing an Associate degree may enhance students' employability

Associate of Arts Open Enrolment Program and Discipline Specializations

The open enrolment program is intended for students who want to work at their own pace and, ultimately, transfer to university to complete a bachelor's degree in a particular discipline within Arts (eg, Anthropology, English, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, etc).

Associate of Arts Degree (Limited Enrolment Program)

The Limited Enrolment Program is intended for students entering directly from Grade 12 in the Fall semester following high school graduation. It provides students with priority registration for courses. Get the complete list of admission requirements in the official College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Future Teachers)

TheAssociate of Arts for Future Teachers Degree isintended for students (a) entering from Grade 12 or (b) entering from college after completing a minimum of 12 credits of university transfer courses. Students in this program will be able to complete two years of university transfer courses at Douglas College, including first and second year courses that are required by SFU's Professional Development Program for Teachers. For specific SFU PDP admission requirements visit http://www.educ.sfu.ca/pdp/admissions/. The deadline for applications is May 1 for the Fall semester. A part time option is also available with admission in the Fall, Winter and Summer semesters.

Specialty Associate of Arts Degrees

These degrees offer students an opportunity to "specialize" in a theme of interest to them; some are career related. Specialized Associate of Arts degree can lead into a Major or Minor Bachelor of Arts Degree program at a university.

Associate of Arts Degree (Creative Writing)

The Creative Writing specialization requires that students fulfill the basic requirements for the degree, including taking six Creative Writing courses. Graduates will understand the basics of, and have had the opportunity to, practice writing poetry, plays, fiction, children's literature and personal narrative. The workshop method of teaching that is employed will give the students practice in developing the critical thinking skills essential for revising their own work, as well as the interpersonal skills necessary to participate in upper level and graduate level workshops in university.

For more information visit the online Douglas College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Economics)

This degree will be of interest to students who want a strong analytical background and sufficient course credits to create opportunities for further university study in economics. The program will help students understand the economy and the world of business, and learn about government behaviours, policy and international trade issues.

For more information visit the online Douglas College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Environmental Studies)

This associate degree specialization will be of interest to anyone:

with an interest in the environment and ecosystems and how they function
who has wondered about issues such as environmental citizenship, global warming, environmental law, biodiversity, sustainability, pollution and habitat protection, or
who is interested in working in one of the many environmental careers such as an environmental planner, policy analyst, parks planner, environmental reporter and writer.

For more information visit the online Douglas College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Forensic Studies)

This Associate of Arts Degree is intended for students who are interested in a career in forensics, or who want sufficient course credits for further university study in criminology. Students will take core criminology courses as well as other required courses from areas such as computing, philosophy and sociology. This particular associate degree will also allow students to transfer into the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)'s Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) program in Forensic Investigation with one of four options: Forensic Science, Computer Crime Studies, Economic Crime Studies and Crime and Intelligence Analysis.

For more information, visit the online Douglas College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Women's Studies and Gender Relations)

WSGR courses are open to anyone interested in:

developing an awareness of the historic and contemporary concerns and contributions of women and of feminist thought
broadening your knowledge of the psychological, sociological, economic and other factors which contribute to gender roles in contemporary society
exploring issues in feminism and gender theories, including interconnections of gender, race, class and sexuality.

Most universities offer major and minor bachelor's degrees in Women's studies and/or Gender Studies, as well as Graduate degrees.

For more information visit the online Douglas College Calendar.

Associate of Arts Degree (Intercultural and International Studies)

Students pursuing this degree specialization will take courses that include:

learning about diverse contemporary cultures and understanding culture as diverse
examining important global processes such as globalization and colonization
learning a second language (rudimentary) and communicating in an international context

Many universities offer degrees in international studies, which can lead to a career in a government foreign office or with an international organization.

Associate of Science Degree

If you're planning to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a BC university, Douglas College?s Associate of Science Degree is an excellent way to get started. It allows you to complete two years (60 credits) of first and second-year university-level courses, including the credits in Math, Sciences and electives you?ll need.

Get extensive information and course listings for the Associate of Science Degree in the Calendar.

Associate of Environmental Science

If you're planning to earn a Bachelor of Science degree but also have an interest in the environment (including professions connected to this sector), the Associate in Environmental Science Degree provides a great start. You can complete two years (60 credits) of first and second-year university-level courses, and take courses offering a greater focus on the Earth's biology and environmental issues.

Get extensive information and course listings for the Associate of Environmental Science Degree in the Calendar.

For more information contact:
Mike McPhee, Coordinator, Associate of Arts Degree Program
Phone: 604-527-5202
Email: mcpheem@douglas.bc.ca

Students should also contact an Academic Advisor at Douglas College for information on how these degrees can transfer to university programs.

For more information visit the online Douglas College Calendar.