About the Associate of Arts Degree
Coquitlam College’s Associate of Arts Degree is a two-year academic program that provides students with a well-rounded education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The program is designed to prepare students for university transfer, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a variety of degree programs.
The Associate of Arts Degree is particularly popular among students who are interested in pursuing a career in fields such as education, law, social work, psychology, and business. The program is also a great option for students unsure of their career path, as it provides them with a broad-based education that can be applied to many different fields.

Course Requirements
The program consists of a minimum of 60 credits of University Transferable courses, which are divided into two categories: required courses and electives. Required courses are those that all students in the program must take, while electives are courses that students can choose based on their interests and career goals. Required courses in the program include:
- 6 credits in first-year English
- 9 credits in Science or Mathematics
- 36 credits in Arts, with 18 credits from second-year Arts courses
- 9 credits in Arts, Science or other areas
Other courses include mathematics, laboratory science, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. All of these courses together will provide students with a foundational understanding of various subjects, including literature, philosophy, history, and psychology. See here for a full list of the courses offered for this program.
Elective courses in the program allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Electives can be chosen from a wide range of subjects, including anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, and many more.
Admission Requirements
- A high school diploma or school completion certificate.
AND/OR
Mature student status
- If your native language is not English, you may demonstrate fluency in English at the university level by submitting documents showing the minimum results on one of the following tests:
- TOEFL IBT of 86 or 230 computer-based score, or
- TOEFL score of at least 570 (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based), or
- CAEL score of at least 60, or
- IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with 6.0 on the writing component, or
- PTE overall score of 60 with 60 on the writing component.
If you still need to get the previous scores, you may be required to write the Coquitlam College English Proficiency Test or complete a preparatory semester of English Studies.
Benefits of the Degree
One of the major benefits of the Associate of Arts Degree program at Coquitlam College is that it provides students with a smooth transition to university, with some universities giving priority admission to Associate Degree holders. Many universities in British Columbia have transfer agreements with Coquitlam College, which means that students who complete the Associate of Arts Degree program can transfer their credits to a university and continue their education.
Furthermore, students studying full-time can work part-time during studies and full-time during semester breaks, and are eligible to apply for a 3-year Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) upon graduating. Students who complete the Associate of Arts Degree program at Coquitlam College have the option to continue their education by transferring to a Bachelor’s Degree program at another university in Canada or elsewhere.
The Associate of Arts Degree program at Coquitlam College is taught by experienced and dedicated faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The smaller class sizes and personalized attention from instructors create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.
Moreover, students get valuable assistance regarding their eligibility for course transfer. Academic Advisors in the Coquitlam College Student Services Office can assist students with advice about transferring their credits, understanding the BC Transfer Guide and providing information about applications for further studies to other institutions in British Columbia and beyond.
Moreover, students get valuable assistance regarding their eligibility for course transfer. Academic Advisors in the Coquitlam College Student Services Office can assist students with advice about transferring their credits, understanding the BC Transfer Guide and providing information about applications for further studies to other institutions in British Columbia and beyond.
More Benefits: USEFUL, FLEXIBLE, ECONOMICAL
The Associate of Arts Degree program provides students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and prepares them for a variety of career paths. The skills and knowledge gained through the program can be applied to many different industries and fields, making graduates of the program versatile and in demand in the workforce.
- Students will be able to find jobs in various area of work, including:
Administrative Assistant
Customer Support or Service Representative
Assistant Retail Manager
Marketing Assistant
Bank Teller
Sales Associate
… And more!
- Students receive broad-based knowledge and experiences in preparation for entering the workforce by taking useful courses such as:
Math for everyday life
Software Packages and Programming
Introductory Accounting of Business Writing & Editing
Math for finance
Leadership
Introductory Marketing
… And more!
- Students receive a flexible foundation for further undergraduate study including
Business
Economics
Communications And more!
- Students can choose from many areas of studies to complete this General Arts degree: Social Sciences:
Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, and more!
Humanities:
Communications, History, Art History, Philosophy, and more!
- Students find the Associate Degree Program is an economical way to both complete the first two years of university and receive the PGWP
Lower tuition rates than other universities and colleges with equivalent courses
Students can have less debt after graduation
Associate Degree can increase one’s salary after graduation
Source: Coquitlam College: Associate of Arts Degree