Program Overview
The General Arts and Science program at Niagara College is a flexible diploma program that allows students to explore their interests and design their own interdisciplinary program. It provides a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences, preparing students for further postsecondary studies or entry-level positions in various fields. Graduates gain transferable credits and develop marketable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The General Arts and Science (Welland) program is a 2-year diploma designed for students who need help deciding on a postsecondary path and want to explore their options. It allows students to design their own interdisciplinary program by selecting courses based on their individual goals.
Key Highlights:
- Flexibility: Explore academic courses of interest before committing to a specific field of study.
- Marketable Skills: Gain transferable credits to other college or university programs.
- Career Readiness: Graduates are prepared for further postsecondary studies or entering the workforce.
- Diverse Subjects: 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.
Outline:
The program is structured into four terms, with students taking 15 to 18 credits per term. Students meet with program staff to design an individualized program.
Term 1 (2024 Fall):
- COMM1020 - College Communications - Unraveled (3 credits)
- STDV1180 - Academic and Career Preparation (3 credits)
- Electives: Completion of additional electives (3 units), one Mathematics course (3 units), and one General Education elective course required.
Term 2 (2025 Winter):
- COMM1133 - Writing Strategies (3 credits)
- SOCL1430 - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada (3 credits)
- Electives: Completion of one General Education elective course and additional electives (6 units) required.
Term 3 (2025 Fall):
- Electives: Completion of one General Education elective course and additional electives (12 units) required.
Term 4 (2026 Winter):
- Electives: Completion of additional electives (15 units) required.
Learning Outcomes (Term 1244):
- Develop insight into self and society through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects.
- Develop flexibility and clarity of thought and expression to achieve communications competence required by business and industry.
- Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
- Examine and evaluate various aspects of societal changes and develop a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen.
Careers:
Graduates of the General Arts and Science program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- Further postsecondary studies in various fields.
- Students with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution.
- The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences, preparing them for a variety of career paths.
Niagara College Canada
Overview:
Niagara College is a public college located in the Niagara Region of Canada. It is known for its focus on experiential learning and offers over 130 full-time postsecondary programs across 14 schools of study. The college is recognized as a leader in applied research and innovation, having been named Canada's top research college twice in recent years.
Services Offered:
Niagara College provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Student Services:
Offers support in areas such as health, wellness, accessibility, career and co-op services, and Indigenous education.Libraries and Learning Commons:
Provides access to resources and support for academic success.Athletics and Student Engagement:
Offers opportunities for students to participate in varsity athletics, intramurals, recreation activities, and various student clubs and organizations.Campus Services:
Includes dining options, parking and transit information, residence and housing options, and safety and community resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Niagara College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to connect with their peers, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop their skills through hands-on learning. The college has two campuses, Welland and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, both offering a range of amenities and facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Niagara College is known for its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience and valuable skills.Applied Research and Innovation:
The college is a leader in applied research, offering students opportunities to work alongside faculty and staff researchers on projects with real businesses.Strong Industry Connections:
Niagara College has strong ties to local industries, providing students with access to internships, co-op placements, and career opportunities.Vibrant Campus Community:
The college fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for students, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events to engage in.Academic Programs:
Niagara College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Diploma Programs:
Provide students with specialized skills and knowledge in a particular field.Graduate Certificate Programs:
Offer advanced training and professional development opportunities.Bachelor's Degree Programs:
Provide students with a comprehensive education in a chosen field.Other:
Learning Enterprises:
Niagara College operates a number of learning enterprises, such as restaurants, a dental clinic, a hair salon, a spa, a winery, a brewery, a distillery, and a greenhouse. These enterprises provide students with real-world experience and generate revenue to support student learning.Land Acknowledgement:
Niagara College acknowledges the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples and is committed to promoting reconciliation and Indigenous rights.Entry 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.
