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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
2 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Mathematics | Biology | Chemistry | Physics
Area of study
Mathematics and Statistics | Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
2026-01-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Associate of Science Degree

Overview

The Associate of Science Degree is a two-year program that provides students with a broad foundation in scientific principles and skills. The program is designed to prepare students for further studies or to stand as a valuable credential on its own. It also meets prerequisites for medical, optometry, dentistry, and veterinary programs across Canada.


Choose Your Degree Concentration

General

The Associate of Science degree offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to gain a broad foundation in scientific principles and skills. Students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.


Computer Science

The computer science concentration allows students to prepare for roles in the IT field or transfer to a bachelor's degree program and continue their studies. Students will take 18 credits in first- and second-year computer science, learning fundamental programming concepts, data structures, computer architectures, and developing analytical and problem-solving skills.


Location

  • Comox Valley

Length

  • 2 years

Delivery

  • In-person
  • Full-time or part-time

Overview

General

An Associate of Science Degree lets students explore the world through observation, calculation, and experimentation while building skills in scientific reasoning, research, technology, and critical thinking. With 60 transfer credits toward any BC university, this flexible program prepares students for further studies or stands as a valuable credential on its own. It also meets prerequisites for medical, optometry, dentistry, and veterinary programs across Canada. Earn your degree in two years full-time or study part-time at your own pace. Study subjects like:


  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Computer science

Computer Science

The computer science concentration allows students to prepare for roles in the IT field or transfer to a bachelor's degree program and continue their studies.


Requirements and Courses

Admission Requirements

There are currently no formal admission requirements for the general Associate of Science degree. However, please be advised that some courses within this program require the completion of a prerequisite(s).


Effective 2026 Fall, Admission Requirements will be:


  1. C in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment or IELTS 6.0 or equivalentorENG 104Note(s):
  • Some courses within the program have prerequisites that will also need to be met.
  • Students interested in Biology courses should have a C in Chemistry 11 or CHE 051;and **C in one of Life Sciences 11, Biology 11, Anatomy and Physiology 12, Biology 12, BIO 060or **BIO 110.
  • Students interested in Math, Physics or Chemistry courses should have C+ in Pre-Calculus 12 or equivalent or successful Math assessment. It is recommended that students intending to take Chemistry or Physics in their first year also have a C+ in Chemistry 12 or Physics 12, respectively.
  • Students can take any needed upgrading courses to achieve course prerequisites before or after admission into the Associate of Science Degree.

Course Requirements

The following overview describes the general requirements for an Associate of Science degree. However, choosing the right combination of courses will depend on a number of factors. NIC's educational advisors will work with you to personalize these general requirements to meet your goals.


Associate of Science Degree: General Requirements

Students are responsible for selecting only courses that are eligible for the Associate of Science degree. See Associate Degree Course Options below.


  • 6 credits in first year English
  • 6 credits in mathematics, which shall include at least 3 credits in calculus
  • 36 credits in Science, which shall include at least 3 credits in a laboratory-based science and must include a minimum of 18 credits at the 200 level taken in two or more subject areas
  • 6 credits in Arts other than English (excluding mathematics and laboratory-based science courses)
  • 6 credits in Arts, Science or other academic areas

Associate of Science Degree: Computer Science Concentration

In addition to meeting the general requirements of the Associate of Science Degree, students must also meet the following requirements:


  • Of the required 36 credits in Science, 18 credits must be in Computer Science
  • Of those 18 credits, 9 must be at the second-year level

Within this framework, students must select the following specific courses:


  • one of ENG 115, ENG 116, ENG 117, or ENG 122 (3 credits in first year English)
  • MAT 181 (3 credits in calculus)
  • MAT 182 (3 credits in mathematics)
  • MAT 122 (3 credits in Science)
  • CPS 101 and CPS 114 (6 credits in Computer Science)

The remaining required courses are:


  • 3 credits in first year English
  • 3 credits in a laboratory-based science
  • 3 credits in Computer Science
  • 3 credits in Science
  • 9 credits in second year Computer Science
  • 3 credits in second year Science (other than Computer Science)
  • 6 credits in second year Science
  • 6 credits in Arts other than English (excluding mathematics and laboratory-based science courses)
  • 6 credits in Arts, Science or other academic areas

*Please note that upon successful completion of the Associate of Science Degree Computer Science Concentration students will be awarded the Associate of Science Degree. Any available concentrations will be noted on the transcript and will not be noted on the credential.


Completion Requirements

  • Students must achieve an overall average grade of C (cumulative GPA of 2.00) calculated on all courses counting toward the associate degree.
  • Must be completed within 5 years.
  • A minimum 50% of the program must be completed at North Island College.
  • No course may be used to meet more than one of the specific associate degree requirements.
  • Courses used to complete the credential must have transfer credit to at least one B.C. research university (UBC, UVIC, SFU, or UNBC).

Associate Degree Course Options

University transfer courses in the following subject areas may be eligible for credit toward completion of the Associate of Science degree. **Courses must be at the 100 level or higher and must transfer to one of the following Universities: University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Victoria (UVIC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). **Confirm transferability on the BC Transfer Guide.


For a complete list of courses and their details enter the subject area's three-letter "Prefix" in Course Descriptions


Arts (includes both Humanities and Social Sciences)****Humanities


  • Indigenous Leadership (ABG)
  • Chinese (CHN)
  • English (ENG)
  • Fine Arts (FIN)
  • French (FRE)
  • Global Studies (GLS)
  • History (HIS)
  • Indigenous Language Fluency (ILF)
  • Liberal Studies (LIB)
  • Philosophy: (PHI)
  • Spanish (SPN)

Social Sciences


  • Anthropology (ANT)
  • Criminology (CRM)
  • Digital Design & Development (DGL)
  • Economics (ECO)
  • Education (EDU)
  • First Nations Studies (FNS)
  • Geography (GEO)
  • Human Services (HSW)
  • Political Science (POL)
  • Psychology (PSY)
  • Sociology (SOC)
  • Social Service (SSW)
  • Women's Studies (WST)

Sciences


  • Biology (BIO)
  • Chemistry (CHE)
  • Computer Science (CPS)
  • Digital Design & Development (DGL)
  • Mathematics (MAT)
  • Physics (PHY)
  • Space Science and Astronomy (SSA)
  • Statistics (STA)

Other Areas


  • Indigenous Leadership (ABG)
  • Business (BUS)

Careers

An Associate of Science Degree is transferable to a host of universities in Canada. Pursuing further educational pathways allows students to choose from a wide range of careers like engineering, research science, geology, biomedicine, teaching, and much more.


Costs

No program found. Please check the tuition code.


Curious about funding?

Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.


How to Apply

Domestic applicantsInternational applicants


Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.


Get started


Questions? Connect with our Future Students team.


Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.


Learn more


Questions? Get in touch with our International team.


"NIC has been the best experience that I've had in my schooling. My instructors were amazing. They opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and how to approach the world."


Megan Borland - NIC alum


"The instructors will make time for you; they really helped me become more confident in myself."


Naomi Johnson - NIC alum


“I grew up in the Comox Valley and really liked living here. I was looking for an opportunity to start my post-secondary education without going too far and I was really drawn by NIC’s small classes, being local and saving a bit of money was a nice perk."


Nolan deWitt - NIC alum


Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of study are included in the Arts and Sciences program at NIC?

NIC’s Arts and Sciences program includes Humanities Studies, Math and Science, and Social Sciences, offering a broad range of disciplines such as English, History, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Philosophy, First Nations studies, modern languages, Sociology and more.


Can I transfer my credits from NIC to a university?

Yes, NIC offers seamless transfer options to universities across BC and Canada, including guaranteed admission to UVic and VIU for eligible students. The BC Transfer Guide provides details on credit transfer and eligibility requirements.


What can I do with an Associate Degree?

  • Transfer to a bachelor’s program with advanced standing.
  • Qualify for entry-level jobs in fields like healthcare, IT or environmental science.
  • Enhance your resume with a recognized credential.

It’s a solid foundation for career or further education.****


How is an Associate Degree different from University Studies?

  • Associate Degree: A structured, subject-focused program with a diploma upon graduation.
  • University Studies: Flexible, multidisciplinary, with no diploma unless a specific credential is earned.

Both provide transferable credits toward a Bachelor's Degree or other undergraduate programs. Visit the BC Transfer Guide for a detailed credit transfer information.


Are there any unique opportunities for students in the Arts and Sciences

program?


Yes, NIC offers international field schools, such as trips to Greece and Croatia, where students can apply their learning in real-world contexts. Additionally, there are applied research opportunities in various fields.


I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure if I have everything needed for

acceptance. Where do I start?


Start by contacting an NIC educational advisor to explore programs, funding, career paths and transfer options. Review your study plan and select eligible courses for your Associate Degree. NIC offers high school upgrading for prerequisites and guidance on transferring to a four-year program.


Can I study English at NIC even if I need to improve my skills first?

Yes! NIC offers a range of English upgrading courses to help you meet the prerequisites for your desired program.


Still have questions?

Get in touch with our Future Students team.


Email us


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Learn about upcoming program opportunities, events and more.

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We’re honoured to acknowledge the traditional territories of the combined 35 First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish traditions, on whose traditional and unceded territories the college’s campuses are situated.


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North Island College (NIC)


Overview:

North Island College (NIC) is a public post-secondary institution located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It offers a range of programs and services to students, including diploma, certificate, and degree programs, as well as continuing education courses. NIC is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education in stunning campus locations.


Services Offered:

NIC offers a variety of services to students, including:

    Academic advising:

    Guidance on program selection, course registration, and academic planning.

    Financial aid and awards:

    Support for students facing financial challenges.

    Student life and support services:

    Resources for student well-being, including counselling, health services, and career development.

    Library and learning commons:

    Access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

    Teaching and learning supports:

    Assistance with academic skills, such as writing, research, and study strategies.

    CareerCentral:

    A platform for students to explore career options, search for jobs, and connect with employers.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

NIC provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:

    Five stunning campus locations:

    Port Hardy, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni, and Ucluelet, each offering unique experiences and access to natural beauty.

    Vibrant communities:

    Opportunities to engage with local communities and participate in various events and activities.

    Sprawling beaches and adventure:

    Access to outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, kayaking, and surfing.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Accessible and affordable education:

    NIC strives to make education accessible to all, with affordable tuition rates and financial aid options.

    Stunning campus locations:

    Studying in beautiful and inspiring environments enhances the learning experience.

    Vibrant communities:

    Opportunities to connect with local communities and gain valuable real-world experience.

    Commitment to Indigenous-led learning:

    NIC prioritizes reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization through action.

Academic Programs:

NIC offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Arts, Science, and Management:

    Programs in areas such as business, social work, and environmental studies.

    Trades, Apprenticeship, and Technical:

    Programs in areas such as welding, automotive service, and carpentry.

    Health and Human Services:

    Programs in areas such as nursing, early childhood education, and social work.

    Continuing Education:

    A variety of courses and programs for personal and professional development.

Other:

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