Associate of Arts - Sustainable Communities at Coast Mountain College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-08

Program overview

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts - Sustainable Communities program at Coast Mountain College is designed for students who are passionate about creating sustainable communities. This program emphasizes the integration of nature and urban environments, Indigenous wisdom, and modern technology. Students will explore the dynamics of family, community, and the political system while developing leadership skills. The curriculum is rooted in the principles of permaculture, focusing on people care, earth care, and fair share. Graduates will be equipped to address the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly changing world, making a positive impact in their communities.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts - Sustainable Communities program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a two-year period. Students can choose to study on a full-time or part-time basis, with some courses available online and via video conference. The program includes:

Multi-disciplinary integrated approach to sustainable community development.
Focus on leadership and organizational skills.
Exploration of relationships between family, community, and Indigenous perspectives.
Opportunities for further education, including pathways to Bachelor’s programs at Simon Fraser University or Royal Roads University.

Students are encouraged to engage with the community and apply their learning in real-world settings, enhancing their educational experience.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on learning through community engagement projects.
Opportunities to participate in field schools, which provide practical experience in sustainable practices.
Access to a network of local government, First Nation communities, and NGOs for internships and co-op placements.
Utilization of the “Home to the Land” concept, promoting a holistic understanding of sustainable community development.

Career Options

Graduates of the Associate of Arts - Sustainable Communities program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Community Development Officer: Work with local governments or organizations to enhance community engagement and development initiatives.
Environmental Consultant: Advise businesses and governments on sustainable practices and environmental regulations.
NGO Program Coordinator: Manage programs for non-profit organizations focused on community development and sustainability.
Sustainable Tourism Manager: Develop and promote tourism initiatives that prioritize environmental and cultural sustainability.
Resource Management Specialist: Oversee sustainable practices in resource extraction and land use planning.

These roles allow graduates to contribute to the development of sustainable practices and policies that benefit communities and the environment.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Coast Mountain College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-08

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Associate of Arts - Sustainable Communities program, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Submit proof of English Studies 12 or First People's English 12 or equivalent.
Complete the application directly to the University Credit Program.
Once admitted, register in the courses required for this specialization.

Course prerequisites include:

Math 11

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, especially those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process and requirements.

Students missing prerequisites may enroll in Career & College Preparation (CCP) upgrading courses while completing the program.

Admission to an intake does not guarantee completion in 2 years, so planning and consultation with an educational advisor is recommended.

English Language Proficiency Requirements for Program Admissions

English language is the primary medium of instruction at Coast Mountain College (CMTN), and all applicants, regardless of origin or citizenship, must show English language proficiency before admission to College programs. There are three ways to meet the English language requirements for program admissions at CMTN. Demonstrate one of the following options to fulfill the requirements.

Important Notes:

Applicants whose native language is English and who have completed at least three years of full-time, face-to-face senior secondary school or post-secondary education in an English-medium school in one of these listed countries may refer to Option 3.
Transfer credits will not meet English language requirement for program admissions.

Option 1: English Language Proficiency Tests/Exams

Complete the assessments that demonstrate the required scoring level for your program of interest, in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. English proficiency test report must be submitted within two years of the test date to be considered valid.

Notes

The English proficiency tests listed are not applicable to Health Care and Nursing programs at Coast Mountain College. The health-related programs have specific English proficiency test requirements and scoring levels.
For more information regarding English language requirements for Health Care/Nursing programs, please contact admissions@coastmountaincollege.ca.

Accepted English Proficiency Tests at CMTN	English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12 or equivalent at “pass” level	English 11	English 10
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Computer Edition)	Listening: 60, Speaking: 60, Reading: 60, Writing: 60, Overall: 60	Listening: 50, Speaking: 50, Reading: 50, Writing: 50, Overall: 50	Listening: 45, Speaking: 45, Reading: 45, Writing: 45, Overall: 50
Canadian English Language Test for Canadian Immigration (CELPIP)	Listening: 8, Speaking: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 8	Listening: 7, Speaking: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7	Listening: 7, Speaking: 7, Reading: 7, Writing: 7
Duolingo English Test	Overall: 115	Overall: 110	Overall: 105
IELTS - Academic	Listening: 6, Speaking: 6, Reading: 6, Writing: 6, Overall: 6.0	Listening: 5.5, Speaking: 5.5, Reading: 5.5, Writing: 5.5, Overall: 6.0	Listening: 5.0, Speaking: 5.0, Reading: 5.0, Writing: 5.0, Overall: 6.0
TOEFL - iBT	Listening: 12, Speaking: 18, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Overall: 80	Listening: 7, Speaking: 16, Reading: 8, Writing: 18, Overall: 78	Listening: 6, Speaking: 15, Reading: 7, Writing: 17, Overall: 72

Option 2: English Pathway Program via Partnered Language Schools

International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC English Pathway):

English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12 or equivalent: ILAC PW 3.2

Note: English pathway program does not apply to admissions for any health-related or nursing programs at CMTN.

Option 3: Countries that Satisfy English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is English and who have completed at least three years of full-time, face-to-face senior secondary school or post-secondary education in an English-medium school in one of these listed countries do not need to submit English proficiency tests unless the admissions office requests additional testing or English language documentation.

Countries that satisfy the English language standard for listening and speaking:

American Samoa
Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
USA
And many more...

Notes: Applicants may still be required to submit the English proficiency test for Health Care Assistant and/or Nursing programs due to external regulatory bodies and licensing requirements.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!