About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Code: 0805 P0805
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Overview

Need a little help deciding which postsecondary path to pursue and want to explore your options?

Design your own interdisciplinary program at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus by selecting what, when and how you learn, depending on your individual goals. You can also take this program at the Welland campus or online.

Highlights
  • Flexibility to explore academic courses of interest before committing to a specific field of study.

  • Work closely with an academic student advisor to determine your educational and career goals.

  • Gain marketable skills with the possibility of receiving transferable credits to other college or university programs.

  • Graduates are ready to pursue further postsecondary studies or enter the workforce.

  • Explore common subjects of interest, including counselling, current events, film studies, fitness, forensic sciences, global studies, health sciences, health and wellness, history, languages, life sciences, music, psychology and sociology.

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Courses

General Arts and Science students meet with program staff to design an individualized program. Each term students take 15 to 18 credits.

Term one (2024 Spring)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1020 College Communications - Unraveled 3
STDV1180 Academic and Career Preparation 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional elective(s) 3 units required

AND Completion of one Mathematics course 3 units required

AND Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1133 Writing Strategies 3
SOCL1430 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

AND Completion of additional elective(s) 6 units required

Term three (2025 Spring)
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

AND Completion of additional elective(s) 12 units required

Term four (2025 Fall)
Elective Information

Completion of additional elective(s) 15 units required

Program Outcomes Term: 1242
  1. develop, though general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into self and society.

  2. to develop flexibility and clarity of thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.

  3. to understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.

  4. to examine and evaluate various aspects of changes in society and to develop a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Note: Applicants lacking the English requirement are encouraged to apply for the program and will be considered for admission on an individual basis.

Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

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Availability

Attention Applicants

Applicants should apply to General Arts and Science – College Exploration (1 Year) 0825 (Niagara-on-the-Lake) on ontariocolleges.ca. Successful graduates of year one may transfer into General Arts and Science (2 Year).

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the General Arts and Science (Niagara-on-the-Lake) program below.

  • From NC to
    Brock University Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Canada
  • From NC to
    Brock University Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Canada
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Art History with Museum Studies United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Education, B-6 Liberal Arts (Generic Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in English United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in French United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in History United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in International Studies United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Political Science United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Sociology United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Arts in Spanish United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre - General United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Biology United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Criminology/Criminal Justice United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Economics United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Finance United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Management (Human Resources Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Management (Human Resources Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Management (Integrative Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Management (International Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Management (Supply Chain Concentration) United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Marketing United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Mathematics United States
  • From NC to
    Niagara University Bachelor of Science in Social Work United States
  • From NC to
    Thompson Rivers University Bachelor of Arts (Various programs) Canada
Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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At the beginning of the year, I had no idea what I was going to go into. I gave General Arts and Science a try and I’m happy I did. I have now been accepted into the Broadcasting program. I never thought that my dream would come true!

Natalie Jennings, program graduate

I took this program because I was uncertain of my post-secondary path and my future career plans. During my time at Niagara College I enjoyed learning about the world through courses like current events, global issues, human geography and multiculturalism and diversity. These courses allowed me to discover what I want to further my education in and this fall I will be attending Wilfrid Laurier University to study global issues and environmental studies. This program is a good way for someone who is unsure of their post-secondary path or someone who likes to learn a little bit of everything. The overall atmosphere of the college was positive, encouraging and friendly.

Connor Rotteveel, program graduate

Coming into College and not knowing what I wanted out of it was definitely a challenge. However, the General Arts and Science program at Niagara College not only opened up many opportunities for me, I was also able to explore a diverse selection of fields. I am now graduating with a one year General Arts and Science Certificate and will be going on to a three year Broadcasting and Film program, earning my degree in Australia for my fourth year. It was a great experience.

Samantha Quinn, program graduate
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