Associate of Arts in Vancouver BC Canada | University Canada West

What is a Associate of Arts Degree?

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree prepares students for life as an educated person and lays a solid foundation for further study.

This two-year, 60-credit (20 courses) undergraduate program is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year degree in the Arts. It prepares students to transfer to research or teaching universities to complete a bachelor’s degree or serves as a credential to enter the labour market. The AA degree is accepted for transfer into bachelor degree programs at University Canada West (UCW) and all British Columbia degree-granting institutions, provided other admission requirements are met.

Graduates of the AA program will be able to:

• Acquire broad knowledge and skills for continuing studies in a Bachelor-level program. 
• Develop effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively. 
• Understand diverse communities, cultures and nations, including the impact and contributions of other people.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrate capacity to continue to learn new technologies, tools and techniques for analysis. 

Associate of Arts courses are provided in face-to-face learning environments.

With the completion of 30 credits in the Associate of Arts degree, a student may transfer to the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication or Bachelor of Commerce degree seamlessly. Alternatively, the student may continue in the Associate of Arts degree and complete the program with an additional 30 credit hours of study as per provincial Associate of Arts degree guidelines. Please refer to the Course Descriptions section for detailed information on the actual courses.

Hybrid Mode Delivery Model

The AA program is offered as a hybrid program, where courses are taught using a hybrid learning model that blends on-campus classes and online guided learning. Each course is scheduled to have 2.5 hours of on-campus class and 1.5 hours of online guided learning per week during weeks 1-10 of each 12-week term. Final revisions, examinations and culminating evaluations are completed during weeks 11/12.

Learning Methods

Students in the AA degree program are required to demonstrate both written and oral communication skills. These skills will be developed and evaluated through:

• Lectures and class discussions
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Team tasks

Class Profile

UCW is home to students from more than 100 countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.