An Associate of Arts Degree is earned upon successful completion of 60 university-transferable credits. In most cases, the degree allows students to transfer to a university and enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average.

To earn a specialization with the Associate Degree, students must complete 18 or more credits (of the 60 credits required for the degree) in a given academic discipline, and at least nine of those 18 credits must be considered second-year courses. A specialized Associate of Arts Degree can lead into a Major or Minor Bachelor of Arts Degree program at a university.

An Associate Degree with thematic focus is also available. Students complete the same 60 credits required for an Associate of Arts Degree, but select from courses that share a similar theme.

Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact the Co-operative Education Office.