Arts – Associate of Arts degree

Quick Facts

Apply online

Credential:
Associate degree

Duration:
2 years

Format:
Full time

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • The Associate of Arts can act as an intermediate qualification on the way to earn a Bachelor of Arts
  • Program eligible for financial aid

Program description

Build a strong academic foundation while exploring a wide range of subjects with UFV's Associate of Arts degree.

This flexible, two-year program gives you the opportunity to discover your interests, develop valuable skills, and prepare for further university studies. You'll explore courses across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, gaining a well-rounded education that supports a variety of academic and career goals.

Explore different subject areas, including:

  • Humanities: Explore subjects such as history, philosophy, languages, religious studies, film, and visual and performing arts.

  • Social sciences: Gain insights into people, communities, and global issues through subjects such as psychology, sociology, criminology, economics, political science, and anthropology.

  • Sciences and mathematics: Develop analytical and problem-solving skills through courses in mathematics, statistics, computing, and laboratory sciences.

  • English and communications: Strengthen your writing, communication, and critical thinking skills to support your academic and professional development.

To complete the degree, you'll earn 60 credits, combining required courses with electives that allow you to explore different interests. You can also gain paid, career-related experience through UFV's optional Co-operative Education program.

The Associate of Arts degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a Bachelor of Arts at UFV or another university. An academic advisor can help you choose courses that align with your future educational goals and transfer requirements.

UFV is part of the BCcampus initiative, which aims provide online learning opportunities to students wanting to complete an Associate of Arts degree and/or a Bachelor of General Studies. To learn more about this initiative, including a complete listing of all the online courses offered, go to bccampus.ca.

Career expectations

The Conference Board of Canada reports that people who graduate from university tend to benefit from better labour market prospects, reduced risk of unemployment, and higher earnings over the course of their working lives.

The UFV Associate of Arts is a useful addition to your résumé, as many employers look for successful completion of two years of post-secondary education in fields such as business, administration, non-profit, or media and culture.

Once you have completed your Associate of Arts degree, you may choose to return to UFV or another institution to work towards earning a Bachelor's degree, in preparation for a career as a teacher, writer, police officer, anthropologist, communications specialist, actor, customs officer, psychologist, international aid worker, economist, lawyer, and more.

Entrance requirements

Go to entrance requirements for the Associate of Arts degree in the UFV Academic Calendar

International student admissions

This program is open for international students.

Upgrading options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

Our Future Students team is here to help you understand your options and get ready to submit an application.

When you submit the form below, you'll get a follow-up message (no phone calls!) with answers to any specific questions you share in the form.

You'll also receive informational emails about applying to UFV (you can unsubscribe at any time.)

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