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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (ECONOMICS) DEGREE

Download Program Planning Worksheet (PDF)

Overview

2 Years Duration
Undergraduate Degree
60 Credit Hours
Transferability

The Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree is a two-year credential 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 concentrations:

Arts Business Economics 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 (Economics) Degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge in the areas of theoretical and applied economics, as well as competitive behavior, economic policy, and the global economy. Students will acquire the tools to be able to analyze the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree is a foundational degree consisting of 60 credits in total, typically completed over a two-year period. The credits must include a minimum of 36 credits in arts, including at least 18 credits in first- and second-year economics. Upon completion of the Associate of Arts (Economics) 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 (Economics) Degree may be transferrable to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university.

Some BC universities accept 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 (Economics) Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.

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

Develop Your Academic Skills

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

Ability to use analytical tools to interpret business data

Knowledge of economic theory and its applications

Knowledge of micro and macroeconomic policy issues

Understanding of government policy pertaining to markets

Familiarity with managerial decision making strategies

Program Requirements

The Associate of Arts Economics 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:

  • 3 credits in calculus
  • 3 credits in statistics
  • 3 credits in a laboratory science

III. 36 credits in arts which shall include:

  • 18 credits in economics
  • 6 credits in humanities other than English
  • 12 additional credits in arts

IV. 9 credits in arts, science, or other areas

Career Opportunities

A concentration in Economics allows students to explore their specific interests in the field.

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 (Economics) Degree, students can seek entry-level employment in business, management, and financial services.

Examples of positions in these sectors include, but are not limited to:

Accounting or Bookkeeping Assistant

Assistant Business Analyst

Assistant Manager

Assistant to Financial Consultant

Bank Teller

Marketing Research Associate

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.

#myAC Spotlight Student Stories

We get to know Brian Sung who is the current ACSA president! As a Commerce student, Brian wishes to one day work for an international trade company or an embassy.

Brian also invites any new students to come check out ACSA and play a bigger role at Alexander College.

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we shine the spotlight on our AC student, Andrew! Andrew shares more about himself, why he decided on AC, and some advice for future students!

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We get to know Nicole Zou! Nicole has been at Alexander College for 2 years and is looking to one day find a job in commerce.

She is also an active member of ACSA and encourages new students to be brave and try new things.

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We shine the spotlight on our AC student, Dennis! Dennis shares more about himself, why he decided on AC, and some advice for future students!

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We connect with Gladys who graduated from both SFU and Alexander College! Now an English teacher in China, Gladys loves sharing her experiences in Canada with her students and hopes to one day inspire her class to travel and see the world.

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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.

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Admissions Process

HOW TO APPLY

Requirements, Tuition Fees, International Student Guide

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