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ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS) DEGREE

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Overview

2 Years Duration
Undergraduate Degree
60 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 of the Associate of Arts (International Relations) Degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge in the faculties of arts, humanities, and social science, and develop their critical thinking and research skills. The program also includes a customizable concentration in international relations, which allows students to explore contemporary and historic globalization, including trends and interactions between states and other organizations in the fields of politics, culture, and economics. Students develop a foundational understanding of interconnected, pressing issues that transcend regional and national importance.

Program Structure

The Associate of Arts (International Relations) Degree is a foundational degree consisting of 60 credits in total, typically completed over a two-year period. Program requirements include a range of breadth requirements, as well as required studies in economics, sociology, political science, international studies, history, and Asian studies.

What You Can Do After Graduation

Transfer to 2nd/3rd Year at a University
An Associate of Arts (International Relations) Degree may be transferrable 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 (International Relations) Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.

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

Develop Your Academic Skills

Our Associate of Arts (International Relations) Degree program will enhance skills as well as provide experiences and aptitudes in the following areas:

Knowledge of economic theory and applications

Understanding of interrelationships among business organizations in the global market and of international trade in general

Understanding of global interactions from political, historical, philosophical, and socio-cultural perspectives

Development of cultural intelligence, improved intercultural competency and expansive decision-making skills

Program Requirements

The Associate of Arts (International Relations) 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 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. 36 credits in arts, 18 of which must be taken at the second-year level in two or more subject areas, including:

  • 9 credits in economics
  • 3 credits in international studies
  • 6 credits in political science
  • At least 3 credits in sociology
  • At least 3 credits in history
  • At least 3 credits in Asian Studies

IV. 9 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas

#myAC Spotlight Student Stories

In a special AC spotlight, we shine the light on not one but TWO amazing students from Ghana.

Meet Michelle and Ayeyi who have big dreams for the future working at either the World Bank or World Health Organization.

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In this AC spotlight we meet Carlos who is currently studying to get into neuropsychology while also running clubs at Alexander College such as the Latin and Coffee Club!

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Samar Behzad is a recent graduate of Alexander College and is transferring to SFU to pursue her studies in Psychology.

Throughout her time at AC, she has been actively involved in the AC Student Association and has helped out as a student worker.

Samar has traveled and lived in various countries, and shares how that has shaped her and how her experience at AC has created long lasting memories as she continues on in her undergraduate career.

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This week we shine the spotlight on our AC student, Sammy! Sammy shares more about himself, why he decided on AC, his experience in film and how he maps out his goals!

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Aubrey Li is an international student at Alexander College and is currently pursuing her studies in Psychology and Sociology.

Aubrey is passionate about volunteering, and with experience volunteering work in China, she hopes to continue her volunteer work in Canada and further develop her experience.

Watch Video

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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