Associate of Arts degree

The Associate of Arts degree is a formal two-year credential that recognizes the successful completion of a two-year academic program. It also serves as an intermediate qualification for students wishing to transfer to UCFV degree programs or other educational institutions, or as a qualification for employment. Students have four options to complete the general requirements or pursue studies in specific concentrations. The associate degree options are: 

Associate of Arts: (general option) 
Associate of Arts: International and Development Studies 
Associate of Arts: Media and Communication Studies
Associate of Arts: Theatre. 

This program includes a breadth of intellectual and academic experience worthwhile for students whose educational or career goals are in the humanities, the creative and performing arts, and the social sciences. The minimum requirements for the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education Associate of Arts degree are met in the UCFV Associate of Arts program. 

Because transfer credit and degree requirements vary widely, it is very important to consult with an advisor in Student Services if you plan to transfer to another university to make sure that you fulfil the needs for your field of study at your chosen institution.

UCFV, along with several other B.C. post-secondary institutions, is part of the e-merge initiative to provide online learning opportunities to students wanting to complete an Associate of Arts degree. A listing of the online courses that UCFV is contributing to this initiative can be viewed at http://online.ufv.ca. To learn more about this initiative, including a complete listing of all the online courses offered, go to http://www.bccampus.ca. If you have additional questions, please contact the Associate of Arts Online coordinator, Leanne Tielmann at tielmannl@ufv.ca. 

Admission priority to Simon Fraser University 

Graduates with an Associate of Arts degree will be offered first priority in admission to the SFU Faculty of Arts, subject to the following conditions: 

1. Minimum 2.0 admission GPA based on the transferable courses. 

2. Students admitted with Associate degrees from B.C. colleges and university colleges shall receive a minimum of 60 transfer credits, if they would otherwise enter SFU with less than 60 transfer credits from all sources. Any top-up credit awarded shall be General Elective credit (Type 3 credit, having no specified department or faculty.) 

Entrance requirements 

Note: Admissions to Arts programs are under review. Please check the Arts and Applied Arts website: www.ufv.ca/arts 

Applicants for Associate of Arts degrees (excluding the Theatre option, see the Associate of Arts degree, Theatre option section) or Liberal Arts diploma should apply for Two-year Arts. Students accepted to Two-year Arts may follow the program requirements for any of the Associate of Arts degree options or Liberal Arts diploma. In consultation with the Associate of Arts/Liberal Arts advisor, students will determine the best program choice to meet their needs and declare after the first year of studies is completed. 

There are two entrance options. If you have previously attempted university-level courses you will be assessed under the university-level entrance requirements. 

High school entrance 

B.C. secondary school graduation with a minimum average of 67% (C+) calculated on four courses: English 12 or Communications 12 and the best academic Grade 12 subjects (at least three courses with a minimum total of 10 credits), as selected from the following list: 

or English 12 or Communications 12 and the best two academic subjects (from the list above) plus one provincially approved fine or performing arts course, as selected from the following lists: 

Ministry of Education–authorized Grade 12 Fine Arts courses 

Ministry of Education–authorized Grade 12 Fine Arts courses taught in French 

These Ministry-authorized Grade 12 Fine or Performing Arts courses meet the entrance requirements for the UCFV Two-year Arts program. 

University-level entrance 

A minimum of nine university-level credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 based on all university-level credits attempted. 

How to apply 

1. Submit the application fee ($45) along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. Applicants for the Liberal Arts diploma and Associate of Arts degree (excluding the Theatre option, see the Associate of Arts degree, Theatre option section) should apply to the two-year Arts program. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general admission information. 

Additional documents required for a complete application: 

High school entrance: You must submit an official transcript showing proof of graduation and completion of the required courses/credits with a minimum average of 67 percent. Students currently in Grade 12 must submit interim grades in the spring.

University-level entrance: You must submit an official transcript (sealed envelope) from every post-secondary institution you have attended, whether or not you completed courses there. If transcripts are being sent directly from the institution(s) attended, please indicate they are on order. To retain your original application date, order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date your application is mailed or submitted. 

2. You will be advised of an admission decision and provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes. 

3. In cases where high school courses are in progress, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August for the September intake. 

Program definitions 

Courses numbered 100 or 200 level at UCFV may not transfer at the same level at UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic. When planning courses, you should refer to the B.C. Transfer Guide and B.C. Transfer Tips available in Student Services, the Library, or online at: www.bccat.bc.ca 

The Ministry of Advanced Education approved revisions to British Columbia associate degrees in May, 2000. The following definitions are outlined to assist students in completing program requirements. 

1. Course definitions 

a) An arts course is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a Bachelor of Arts degree at SFU or UBC or UNBC or UVic. 

b) A science course is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Applied Science degree at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic. 

The requirements specified above are intended to provide breadth of exposure to a variety of disciplines in both Arts and Sciences. In some instances there may be some ambiguity as to whether a course is in the humanities or social sciences, or whether it is an arts course or a science course. It is expected that such courses as human geography and most psychology courses would be designated as arts courses. Please refer to the Table of Subject Areas in the Associate of Arts degree (general option) section, or consult with the Associate of Arts advisor to determine whether a course is in humanities (and the creative/performing arts), social sciences or sciences at UCFV. 

c) A course in an “other” area is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a bachelor’s degree other than in Arts, Science, or Applied Science at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic. 

2. A first-year course is defined as a course that has assigned or unassigned transfer credit at the 100 level at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic. 

3. A second-year course is defined as a course that has assigned or unassigned transfer credit at the 200 level or higher at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic. 

4. A laboratory science course is one in which a substantial component of student instruction involves the study of natural phenomena, either in the laboratory or in the field. Each institution granting the associate degree will determine which of its courses satisfy this requirement. 

Standing required for continuance 

Associate of Arts students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). 

Academic warning 

Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0. 

Required to withdraw 

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Associate of Arts program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as a General Studies student. 

Readmission to the program 

To be readmitted to the Associate of Arts program, you must complete nine university-level credits (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, you may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, you will remain on Academic Warning until your overall CGPA is 2.0. 

Graduation 

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the Associate of Arts advisor. Associate of Arts degree (Theatre option) students should consult with the Theatre department head.

Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UCFV Associate of Arts degree must be approved by the UCFV Arts division and the University College Board. 

Students must apply for graduation by completing a request to graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the graduation ceremony is April 1, with all program requirements completed by April 30. 

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