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 engage in personal enrichment.
The Associate of Science Degree enables students to select various science courses. This provincially recognized credential provides 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 of the Associate Degree receive complete block transfer at post-secondary institutions throughout British Columbia. Accordingly, the Associate of Science Degree enables Northern Lights College students to complete the first half of a degree program while remaining in their home communities.
Students transferring to other post-secondary institutions may still be required to meet specific first-year and second-year requirements for certain degree programs, so students should plan their course selection accordingly to meet these requirements while enrolled at NLC in the Associate of Science Degree.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2025.PDFnew window (Download a PDF of the current Program Completion GuidePDFnew window)
Career Prospects
The Associate of Science Degree provides introductory, university-level training for many different careers, but is primarily designed for transfer to the third year of a science degree.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
| Winter | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window | |
| Spring | Full-Timenew window, Part-Timenew window |
Length
60 credits (1050 hours), minimum.
This is a two year program taken over four semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,653.03 | $ 152.76 | $ 158.63 | $ 3,964.42 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,726.09 | $ 155.83 | $ 0.00 | $ 3,881.92 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 11,580.00 | $ 149.76 | $ 155.52 | $ 828.00 | $ 12,713.28 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 12,300.00 | $ 152.75 | $ 155.52 | $ 828.00 | $ 13,436.27 |
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.caemail if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.caemail if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.caemail if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
*A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix APDFnew window) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.
B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements) PDFnew windowOR must have received a minimum overall band of 6.0 on the IELTS exam, with no band less than 5.5.
plus,
C. Math Requirement: One of the following with a ‘C+’ grade or higher:
– Pre-calculus 12,
– Principles of Mathematics 12,
– MATH 050 or successful completion of the Calculus Readiness Assessment, or equivalent.
D. Science Requirement*: A minimum of one course as follows with a ‘C’ grade or higher:
– Life Sciences 11 or Biology 12 or BIOL 040 or BIOL 050, or equivalent;
– Chemistry 11 or Chemistry 12 or CHEM 040 or CHEM 050,or equivalent;
– Environmental Science 11 or Environmental Science 12, or equivalent;
– Earth Sciences 11 or Geology 12, or equivalent;
– Physics 11 or Physics 12 or PHYS 040 or PHYS 050, or equivalent;
– Specialized Science 12
– Anatomy and Physiology 12
Note that some course options have specific prerequisites. Meeting the program entrance requirements does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAidBCnew window to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Course transfer agreements allow students to receive course-by-course transfer to other colleges, universities, and institutes in BC, as indicated in the BC Transfer Guidenew window.
- Transfer with an Associate Degreenew window in BC provides preferential treatment to students continuing to complete a baccalaureate degree.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 25% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College. A ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher must be obtained for courses to be considered for transfer credit. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA) |
*Please note the following semester break down is based on a student beginning their program in the Fall semester. Students starting in other semesters should consult with the course catalogue in Borealis and with a Program Advisor when selecting courses.
General Requirements
- 60 credits of first-and second-year courses (normally 20 courses). These must include a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) in the Sciences at the second-year level, in two or more subject areas.
Specific Requirements
- 6 credits in 100-level English
- 6 credits in Mathematics which shall include at least 3 credits in Calculus
- 36 credits (12 courses) in the Sciencesnew window, including:
- at least 6 credits (2 courses) in a 100- or 200-level Lab Sciencenew window
- at least 18 credits (6 courses) in the 200-level Sciencesnew window, in two or more subject areas
- 6 credits (2 courses) in Artsnew window other than English (excluding Mathematics and Laboratory-based Science courses)
- 6 credits (2 courses) in Arts, Science, or other areas at the undergraduate level (ie. ECON, EDUC, MGMT, SOWK, etc.)
Note: An individual course may not be used to fulfill more than one of the specific requirements listed above.
Concentrations
Associate of Science Degrees with a concentration or specialization require a minimum of 15 credits in a single discipline; normally, 6 of these credits must be at the second-year level.
Credential
Associate of Science Degree