The University Arts and Sciences program serves individuals and communities by providing university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the Arts and Sciences. A wide variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and to engage in personal enrichment.

The Associate of Arts Degree enables students to focus on disciplines in the humanities and/or social sciences. This provincially recognized credential is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for work, citizenship, and further study.

For students intending to pursue further studies, the Associate of Arts Degree comprises the first two years (60 credits) of a four-year degree program (120 credits). All 60 credits comprising the Associate Degree receive full block-transfer at universities throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Arts Degree enables students to complete half of a degree program while remaining in their home community.

Students transferring to universities may still be required to meet specific first- and second-year requirements for certain degree programs, so advance planning is recommended.

The Associate of Arts Degree provides introductory, university-level training for many different careers. All universities and university-colleges in BC guarantee 60 transfer credits to holders of an Associate Degree, even if all of the courses taken towards the degree do not transfer individually to that institution.

Additionally, at some institutions, Associate Degree holders may be offered priority admission over other students in the college transfer admission category, subject to GPA criteria developed by the receiving institution.

Note that transferring students must still meet all 100- and 200-level course requirements for specific degree programs. Accordingly, students are encouraged to check the specific degree requirements of the individual receiving institution. For more information on the advantages of an Associate Degree, see the BC Transfer Guide.