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The Associate of Arts (Business) Degree is a two-year undergraduate degree 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 in preparation for entering the workforce, or as a foundation for further undergraduate study.
For full program description, requirements, and policies, see the Academic Calendar.
Our Associate of Arts Degree and Associate of Science concentrations:
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.
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.
Transfer to 3rd/4th 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.
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
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:
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
A concentration in Business allows students to explore their specific interests in the field, and makes possible a variety of career opportunities.
This degree can also qualify graduates for positions that demand greater responsibility than those achievable with a high school diploma.
With an Associate of Arts (Business) Degree, students can seek entry-level employment in advertising, banking, retail, business services, e-commerce, and marketing.
Examples of positions in these sectors include, but are not limited to:
Accounting or Administrative Assistant
Assistant Manager
Bank Teller
Bookkeeping, Marketing or Office Assistant
Customer Service Representative
Human Resources Assistant
Career Advising Services at Alexander College
Resume Writing - Visit the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) for help with resume writing. Bring a draft of your resume, and our WLC staff can help you to make it great.
Job Search - Visit the Library for help with learning to use job search tools.
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.
Watch VideoCurrently, 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.
Watch VideoCaroline 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.
Watch VideoWe 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.
Watch VideoWe listen Rina's story of how Alexander College has played a pivotal role in helping her improve in her academic and student life!
Watch VideoHere are the top 5 questions about this program!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking to start the application process? You can apply online, review admissions requirements or request additional information below.
Looking to start the application process? Apply to AC here
You can apply online above or request additional information below.
