The Associate of Science 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.
Students within the Associate of Science Degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge of natural and applied sciences, and develop their critical thinking and research skills. The program provides a comprehensive learning experience that also allows students to customize and focus their coursework in an area of personal interest such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics.
Students can also fulfill a significant portion of their course work requirements for first year engineering and engineering diploma programs.
Program Structure
The Associate of Science 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 science at first and second-year level in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering physics.
What You Can Do After Graduation
Transfer to 2nd/3rd Year at a University Upon completion of the Associate of Science Degree program, students may choose to enter the workforce or continue their undergraduate studies. An Associate of Science 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 Science Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.
Enter the Workforce International students completing the Associate of Science Degree program at Alexander College are also eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Develop Your Academic Skills
Our Associate of Science Degree Program will enhance skills as well as provide experiences and aptitudes in the following areas:
Knowledge of natural and applied sciences
Ability to apply scientific methods of inquiry
Proficiency in the interpretation of data and measurements
Understanding of real-world applications
Ability to express insight and to hypothesize based upon complex reasoning
Program Requirements
The Associate of Science 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. 6 credits in mathematics
III. 36 credits in science which shall include:
12 credits in first-year science
18 or more credits in second-year science in at least two subject areas
A concentration in the Sciences provides students with the flexibility to explore a range of scientific disciplines while preparing for entry-level positions in a number of industries.
The degree can also qualify graduates for positions that demand greater responsibility than those achievable with a high school diploma.
With an Associate of Science Degree, students can seek entry-level positions in any industry that employs scientific exploration, such as biochemistry and biotechnology, fisheries and aquaculture biology, health, sports and nutrition consulting, medical research, pharmaceutical research, and environmental research and preservation.
Examples of positions in these sectors include, but are not limited to:
Agricultural and Food Science Technician
Environmental Protection Technician
Occupational Health and Safety Technician
Chemical Technician
Research or Laboratory 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.
We get to know Elle Lo who has an amazing story of working and studying abroad. After living in both England and Japan, Elle decided to come to Canada to find a new career path.
She hopes new students learn to branch out and try new experiences while studying at AC!
Jesse Li is an international student that loves hiking and the outdoors. He is currently starting his first year at Alexander College and shares some great advice to his fellow peers.
We meet Karan or Kevin who is an active member of ACSA. When not studying, Kevin loves spending time with friends, travelling and going for drives. He hopes new students embrace trying out new experiences and learning about new cultures!
Currently studying Computer Science, Nick is actually one of our scholarship recipients this semester after his teacher's recommendation! He believes that international students should branch out and communicate with different cultures and people in order to improve their English.
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.
Admissions, Apply Online or Request Information
Looking to start the application process? You can apply online, review admissions requirements or request additional information below.
