An Associate of Science 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 Science Degree can lead into a Major or Minor Bachelor of Science Degree program at a university.

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

Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a B.C. university should consider Douglas College’s Associate of Science Degree. It allows students to complete two years (60 credits) of first- and second-year university-level courses, including credits in math, sciences and electives. Students can then transfer to university and enter the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Science program. Many universities prefer candidates with an Associate Degree and will accept students at a lower grade point average.

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.