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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (BUSINESS) DEGREE

Download Program Planning Worksheet (PDF)

Overview

2 Years Duration
Undergraduate Degree
64 Credit Hours
Transferability

The Associate of Arts degree is a two-year undergraduate program offered by many institutions in the province of British Columbia and beyond. The Associate Degree program is designed to provide broad-based knowledge and experiences which lay a foundation for further undergraduate study or entry to the workforce.

For full program description, requirements, and policies, see the Academic Calendar.

Our Associate of Arts Degree concentrations:

Arts Business Business & Psychology Economics International Business International Relations
Psychology Sociology Mathematics

Our Associate of Science Degree concentrations:

Science Computer Science Mathematics

Program Description

What You Will Learn

Students within the Associate of Arts (Business) Degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge in the faculties of economics, management, accounting, marketing, and statistical analysis, and will develop their critical thinking and research skills. The program also includes a customizable concentration in economics, which allows students to further explore economic theory and applications in conjunction with selected topics related to commerce.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts (Business) Degree is a foundational degree consisting of 64 credits in total, typically completed over a two-year period. Program requirements include a minimum of 24 credits in economics and a minimum of 12 credits in Commerce. Upon completion of the Associate of Arts (Business) Degree program, students may choose to enter the workforce or continue their undergraduate studies.

What You Can Do After Graduation

Transfer to 2nd/3rd Year at a University
An Associate of Arts (Business) Degree may be transferable to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university.

Some BC universities also admit Associate Degree graduates at a reduced GPA requirement. For more information on the option of transferring to a university upon completion of an Associate of Arts Business Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.

Enter the Workforce
International students completing the Associate of Arts (Business) Degree program at Alexander College are also eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Develop Your Academic Skills

Our Associate of Arts Business Degree Program will enhance skills as well as provide experiences and aptitudes in the following areas:

Knowledge of economic theory

Familiarity with the applications of economics

Knowledge of organizational behavior and human resource management

Understanding of the relationship between commerce/industry and economics

Ability to analyze and interpret data

Ability to apply quantitative skills to business subjects

Program Requirements

The Associate of Arts (Business) degree program consists of the following course requirements, which must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.

I. 6 credits in first-year English

II. 9 credits in science which shall include at least:

  • 6 credits in mathematics, computer science or statistics (statistics courses taught in subject areas of commerce and psychology may also be used)
  • 3 credits in a laboratory science

III. 12 credits in arts

IV. 24 credits in economics, including 18 credits in second-year economics

V. 12 credits in commerce, including courses in management, finance, accounting, and marketing

#myAC Spotlight Student Stories

As a current Commerce student, Arash loves volunteering and has helped out with the new student orientation as well as playing on the AC's basketball and soccer teams.

He hopes to one day be working in the sports industry using his Associate's of Arts degree he's learned at AC and believes new students should always pursue challenges to grow.

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Currently, Leo hopes to one day start his own business after finishing his program at UBC.

When not studying, Leo loves playing billiards and connecting with different students from different cultures as a means of improving his social skills.

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Caroline dreams to one day own her own company here in Vancouver. Her goal is to combine her work experience and knowledge learned at AC.

When taking a break from studies, Caroline is very passionate about dancing! She also has a YouTube Channel where she shares most of her K-pop dance covers.

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We are sharing the latest Student Spotlight featuring the current President of Alexander College's Student Association (ACSA)- Vincent! Vincent shares more about himself, his experience at AC and more.

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We listen Rina's story of how Alexander College has played a pivotal role in helping her improve in her academic and student life!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the top 5 questions about this program!

  • How many credits/courses will I need to complete an Associate degree?

    An Associate Degree requires completion of 60-64 credits, depending on the concentration area. Most courses carry a value of 3 credits, and some courses (e.g. laboratory sciences) carry a value of 4 credits. Most students will take 19 or 20 courses to complete an Associate degree. This assumes that all courses are passed and the program GPA remains 2.0 (C average) or higher.

  • How long will it take to complete an Associate degree?

    The average student will complete 30 credits (10 courses) per year, based on taking 3 courses each term (not including summer intensive term). At this rate, most students complete the program requirements in approximately 2 years of study.

    The exact duration of the program depends on various factors, e.g. the number of courses taken each term, the grades achieved in the courses, whether extra courses are taken during the summer term, whether the student has any transfer credit, etc.

  • Can I use transfer credit from another school toward an Associate degree?

    Yes! Alexander College is a member of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) and we have transfer credit agreements for thousands of courses offered by other institutions in BC. If you have taken post-secondary coursework at any accredited, degree-granting post-secondary institution in Canada or anywhere in the world, we can evaluate your coursework to determine if any credit from your prior studies can be applied toward your Associate degree.

  • Besides the course requirements, are there any other requirements to complete an Associate degree?

    In addition to the requirement to complete 60 credits in specific subject/program areas, the program also requires a minimum program GPA of 2.0 (C average). This average is calculated based on the grades obtained in all courses which are used to meet requirements of the degree.

  • What can I do with an Associate degree after I graduate?

    On completion of an Associate degree, graduates have several options:

    Transfer to Bachelor degree program – many institutions in BC and elsewhere will grant Associate degree holders priority admission and/or block transfer of 60 credits towards a Bachelor degree program.

    Entry into the workforce – use the skills you have obtained during your studies in an exciting new career. If you are an international student, you may also be eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation.

Admissions, Apply Online or Request Information

Looking to start the application process? You can apply online, review admissions requirements or request additional information below.

Apply to Alexander College

APPLY ONLINE

Self-serve Application through our myAC Student Portal

Admissions Process

HOW TO APPLY

Requirements, Tuition Fees, International Student Guide

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