Boost your career options with an associate degree from Douglas College. Earned by successfully completing 60 university-transferable credits, Douglas offers associate degrees in both arts and science disciplines for students of diverse passions.
Why get an associate degree at Douglas?
Enhance your employability in just two years
An associate degree on your resume can catch the eye of future employers – especially when it's from a respected institute like Douglas that is the largest college in B.C.
Learn with smaller class sizes
First-year courses in major universities can have up to 500 students, but at Douglas the typical class size is only 35 students – giving you more time and space to work with and learn from instructors.
Gain hands-on experience from day one
You'll have access to big school resources with a small school environment, getting you practical, industry-leading experience throughout your program.
Transfer directly into a university bachelor’s degree program
In most cases, your associate degree means you can enter the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Be a preferred candidate at some B.C. universities
Many universities (including SFU) will even accept students with an Associate of Arts degree at a lower grade point average than students without such a degree.
How do I earn an associate degree?
Associate degrees require completion of a minimum of 60 university transfer credits. These must include credits from designated courses in each specialty (arts, science, creative writing, etc). You must also maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. For detailed admission requirements, please see the Program and Course Catalogue.
Additional resources
Thinking of applying to Douglas? On the admissions page you can learn about open vs. limited enrolment programs, scholarships, Co-op programs and more.
Associate degrees offered at Douglas
Associate of Arts degrees
These degrees offer you the opportunity to specialize in a theme of interest to them; some are career related. Specialized Associate of Arts degree can lead into a Major or Minor Bachelor of Arts degree program at a university. Specialty Associate of Arts degree options include:
- Asian Studies
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- English
- Future Professional Pilots
- Future Teachers
- Geography and the Environment
- History
- Modern Languages
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Theatre
Associate of Arts degrees - Thematic
You can also choose an Associate of Arts degree with a thematic focus. You'll complete the same set of 60 credits required for an Associate of Arts degree, but select from an array of courses that share a similar theme. Thematic Associate of Arts degree options:
Associate of Science degrees
If you're planning to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at a B.C. university, Douglas College's Associate of Science degree is an excellent way to get started. It allows you to complete two years (60 credits) of first and second-year university-level courses, including the credits in math, sciences and electives you'll need. Associate of Science options include:
Next steps
Attend a free information session.
Take a campus tour.
Contact the Future Students’ Office.
Learn how your work experience can earn you college credits.