Summer 2025: Apply Now!
Fall 2025: Apply Now!
Winter 2026: Apply Now!
On Education Planner BC select the program "Arts - Associate Degree"
Please visit the International Application Deadline page to find out when applications may be available.
The Associate of Arts Degree in Modern Languages is designed to expand your knowledge in foreign languages and cultures so that you can stand out in a global market. The language courses are taught by instructors in conversation labs and small classes, meaning you’ll receive individual attention and plenty of opportunities to practice. You’ll explore studies in your chosen language while also exploring other topics in Anthropology, History, Communications, Philosophy and Geography.
What language programs does Douglas College offer?
Choose from six different languages:
Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies
Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resumé and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.
What is an Associate of Arts Degree in Modern Languages?
Associate degrees are two-year programs that concentrate on one area of study, such as an Associate of Arts Degree in Modern Languages. They’re great if you’re planning on going to university because – if you plan your courses carefully with your university program in mind – you are guaranteed 60 credits that transfer. In most cases, an Associate Degree will allow you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. To make sure your courses transfer, use the B.C. Transfer Guide as it has all the up-to-date information you’ll need to plan your education.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
(Specializations will be noted on the transcript and will not be noted on the credential)
Course Requirements:
To complete an Associate of Arts Degree with a Specialization in Modern Languages, students must complete:
The following are the general requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree at any B.C. college:
* English courses can include courses in written Communications and Creative Writing that transfer to one of the B.C. research universities (SFU, UBC, UBC-O, UVic or UNBC) as English credit. A maximum of 3 credits can come from such an equivalent; at least 3 credits must be earned in an actual ENGL course, so-named. For purposes of the Associate of Arts degree, English courses cannot be counted as Humanities courses.
** Arts courses are available in the Faculty of Languages, Literature, and Performing Arts, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. To confirm whether a course is designated as "humanities" or "social sciences", check with an Academic Advisor. Courses in Economics and Mathematics also may be used as Arts electives toward an Associate of Arts Degree.
Definitions:
A course is defined by the subject for which it is granted transfer credit at one of the research universities (SFU, UBCV, UBCO, UNBC, or UVic).
For detailed information you should meet with a Student Success Advisor.
Co-operative Education Option:
Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact the Co-operative Education Office.
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Language labs are part of every Modern Language course at Douglas College. You'll attend weekly conversation sessions with a native speaker of the language for small-group practice and review. Attendance and participation in these weekly sessions is part of your evaluation.
Douglas offers language instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
Generally, if you have little to no knowledge of your chosen language, you can register in the introductory course without completing a language assessment. However, students wishing to register in higher-level courses may have to complete a language assessment.
Yes. You can take one course or several courses, individually or as part of the Associate of Arts Degree.
Evening courses are available on a limited basis, depending on the language and semester.
Modern Language courses will help you to develop a variety of employable skills such as communication, teamwork and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Becoming bi- or multi-lingual can open the doors to many career opportunities, in fields such as:
Career opportunities include: