University Arts and Sciences - Associate of Arts Degree - General Studies

at Northern Lights College - Fort St. John Campus Canada

The Business Management program promotes conceptual and technical skill development in business through a one-year Certificate program, a two-year Diploma program, and a Post-Degree Diploma program.

The Post-Degree Diploma program is available to both international and domestic students. For international students who already hold a three-year degree in commerce or business administration, the Post-Degree Diploma is an effective bridge to further North American business studies or to pursue employment in North America.

International and domestic candidates with three- or four-year degrees in fields beyond commerce and business management (such as computing, engineering, health, etc.) would also benefit from the program. For such students, the Post-Degree Diploma is a capstone program that augments existing technical skills and education in other fields.

The Post-Degree Diploma alone does not meet the typical educa­tion requirements for a Master’s Degree program (or MBA) in Canada. Students planning to study at a Master’s level in Canada should ensure that their prior education (a three or four-year degree) meets the educational requirements for their intended program.

The University Arts and Sciences Program at Northern Lights College serves individuals and communities by providing university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the Arts and Sciences. A variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and to engage in personal enrichment.

The Associate of Science Degree enables students to select a variety of courses in the field of science. This provincially recognized credential is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for work, citizenship, and further study.

For students intending to pursue further studies, the Associate of Science Degree comprises the first two years (60 credits) of a four year degree program (120 credits). All 60 credits comprising the Associate Degree receive full block-transfer at universities throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Science Degree enables Northern Lights College students to complete half of a degree program while remaining in their home community.

The Enhanced Carpentry Foundation Program is a 32-week program during which students earn credit for Carpentry Levels 1 and 2 technical training. Theoretical and practical instruction is provided through a variety of projects including stairs, forms for concrete, framed floors, walls and roofs, finishing work and rigging/hoisting. Students will spend approximately seventy percent of their time in practical skills development building a construction project from start to lock-up stage.

Individuals who complete the Enhanced Carpentry Foundation program will receive Levels 1 and 2 technical training and 450 work-based hours credit towards completion of their Carpentry Apprenticeship.

The Associate of Arts Degree – AHCOTE (AAA) is awarded to students who complete two years of planned coursework at Northern Lights College. The AAA prepares students for entry into the Alaska Highway Consortium on Teacher Education (AHCOTE), the teacher-training program offered at NLC. Credits may also be applied toward a degree.

The AAA is offered as part of the University Arts and Sciences program, which provides university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the Arts and Sciences.

A Diploma in Criminology will be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of two years of required first and second-year courses at Northern Lights College. The diploma is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment positions and for continued studies in academic and professional programs. Relevant areas of work and additional education include Corrections, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies, and Law Enforcement.

The Archaeology Diploma program at Northern Lights College provides academic knowledge and field skills specific to archaeology sampling techniques. The field of archaeology is growing along with the oil and gas industry and other developments that disturb the land. Trained graduates can find employment opportunities with numerous archaeology and environmental consulting firms as well as government agencies.

The diploma program is ideally suited for students interested in entry-level positions that largely involve field work in remote areas under physically demanding conditions. This career can involve survey and excavation, artifact processing and analysis, and report preparation.

By using this Diploma program as a stepping stone to completion of a bachelor's degree, students can obtain employment in upper-level positions. A degree in Anthropology or Archaeology in combination with field experience offers graduates the opportunity to become Field Directors or Senior Archaeologists.

This program consists of Foundation Heavy Mechanical Trades training in addition to Level 1 Apprenticeship Technical Training. Upon completion of this program, students will choose a specialty apprenticeship path in their fourth year of Heavy Mechanical Trades.

The new Heavy Mechanical Trades program includes the following four trades:

• Truck and Transport Mechanic (Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanic): Diagnose, repair and service the mechanical, electrical and electronic components of highway buses and trucks. This includes the fuel, brake, steering and suspension, transmission, emission control and exhaust, and cooling and climate control systems. Mechanics work for commercial transport vehicle dealers, garages and service stations, and may specialize in one or more of these systems.
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician: Overhaul, repair and service heavy equipment used in construction, forestry, materials handling, landscaping, and land clearing such as graders, loaders, bulldozers, shovels, tractors, trucks, forklifts, drills, and wheeled and tracked vehicles. Working from manufacturers' specifications, they identify and repair problems in structural, mechanical, or hydraulic systems. Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians also work on buses and large trucks. 
• Diesel Engine Mechanic: Install, repair, and maintain all internal combustion diesel engines and components as used in transport, construction, and marine. 
• Transport Trailer Technician: Maintain, rebuild, overhaul, recondition, repair and diagnostic troubleshoot commercial truck trailers.

There is a two-week Practicum work placement in this program where students will get the opportunity to showcase their skills to a potential employer.

The Diploma in Interactive Technologies and Game Design prepares graduates to work in the growing information technology industry that combines management, marketing, internet, multimedia, networking, and software technologies to enhance business efficiency.

The program is ideally suited to international students who already hold a minimum three-year degree in information technology or computer science. Advanced study in business management will enhance employability for entry and middle management positions in various information technology professions in Canada, depending on prior educational experience.

This multi-disciplinary program includes business management, communications, and specialized information technology courses. For international students with a three-year degree in information technology or a related field, the program introduces management concepts in a Canadian context, with emphasis on internal and external communications, organizational behaviour, human resource management, and project management.

The University Arts and Sciences program serves individuals and communities by providing university-level learning opportunities that reflect the intellectual and creative modes of inquiry practiced in the Arts and Sciences.  A wide variety of first- and second-year courses enable learners to pursue numerous credential and career options, and to engage in personal enrichment. 

The Associate of Arts Degree enables students to focus on disciplines in the humanities and/or social sciences.  This provincially recognized credential is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for work, citizenship, and further study.

For students intending to pursue further studies, the Associate of Arts Degree comprises the first two years (60 credits) of a four-year degree program (120 credits). All 60 credits comprising the Associate Degree receive full block-transfer at universities throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Arts Degree enables students to complete half of a degree program while remaining in their home community.

Students transferring to universities may still be required to meet specific first- and second-year requirements for certain degree programs, so advance planning  is recommended. Where viable, Associate Degree students are encouraged to select courses that also satisfy Flexible Pre-Majors.