Associate Of Arts at Columbia College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-04-14

Program overview

Program Overview

The General Associate of Arts Degree provides students with a solid foundation in the general arts, preparing them for further studies in a Bachelor’s degree in General Arts or related fields. This program offers a diverse range of Arts courses, allowing students to explore various disciplines. Graduates will gain knowledge from multiple Humanities and Social Sciences areas, including anthropology, communication, criminology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, theoretical understanding, and effective communication, equipping students with a multidisciplinary education that is valuable in the workforce.

Program Structure

The General Associate of Arts Degree is designed to be completed in a flexible manner, with options for accelerated learning. Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: Students can complete the degree in 16 months through a tri-mester system, with intakes in January, May, and September, or in 2 years for those who prefer a standard pace.
Students are required to take a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 courses per semester.
The curriculum includes a minimum of 20 courses, covering both 1st and 2nd year levels, with at least 6 courses at the 2nd year level across two or more subject areas.

This structure allows for a comprehensive education while accommodating different learning speeds and preferences.

Featured Experiences

The General Associate of Arts Degree offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Tri-mester system allows for more course options and flexibility.
Group projects foster networking and communication skills among peers.
Multidisciplinary approach provides a broad understanding of various fields.
Opportunities for experiential learning through projects and collaborative work.

Career Options

Graduates of the General Associate of Arts Degree can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Marketing Specialist: Develops marketing strategies and campaigns to promote products or services.
Social Media Consultant: Manages and enhances a company's online presence through social media platforms.
Corrections Officer: Oversees individuals in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Public Relations Agent: Manages communication between organizations and the public, enhancing the organization's image.
Mental Health Worker: Provides support and assistance to individuals dealing with mental health issues.

These roles highlight the versatility of the degree and the range of skills that graduates can apply in various professional settings.

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

Visit Columbia College official website

Last updated on 2026-04-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To be admissible to the Associate of Arts program at Columbia College, students must meet specific academic requirements. Here are the key points to consider:

Students must have a high school graduation with satisfactory marks, which is equivalent to a British Columbia 60% average or better on four academic Grade 12 subjects.
For international students, the following educational systems are recognized:

North American Education System (or other 12-year system): High school graduation with satisfactory marks.
British-Patterned Education System: Five GCE O-level/GCSE/IGCSE/SPM passes with a minimum average ‘C’ plus three subjects at the Advanced level with a minimum score of D.
Post-Soviet State Education System: High school graduation with a minimum average of 4 on academic subjects in the final year.
International Baccalaureate: Completed IB diploma or IB certificates equivalent to North American high school graduation.
India High School Education System: A minimum of 75% average on the best four academic Grade 12 courses or 70% average for CBSE and ISCE.
Other Education Systems: Equivalent of British Columbia Grade 12 graduation with a satisfactory (minimum C) average on academic Grade 12 courses.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, students are encouraged to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Associate of Arts program at Columbia College, students must meet specific English language proficiency requirements. The accepted English proficiency tests and their corresponding minimum scores are as follows:

IELTS Academic:
- Overall Band 6.5 & Writing Band 6.5
- Overall Band 6.5 & Writing Band 6.0
- Overall Band 6.0 & Writing Band 5.5
PTE Academic:
- Overall 65 & Writing Minimum 65
- Overall 60 & Writing Minimum 60
- Overall 55 & Writing Minimum 55
CAEL:
- 70 or over & Writing 70
- 60-69 & Writing 60
- 40-49 & Writing 40
Duolingo:
- 115+
- 110+
- 100+
TOEFL iBT:
- Overall 88 & Writing 21
- Overall 79 & Writing 19
- Overall 71 & Writing 16

All test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of registration. 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!