About this program

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Overview

Are you interested in exploring college-level courses of interest before committing to a specific field of study?

Design your own interdisciplinary program to help you determine which postsecondary path to pursue and ready yourself for further postsecondary education as you prepare to enter the workforce with marketable skills.

This program is also available at the Welland campus or Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.

Highlights
  • Flexible asynchronous (accessible any time) course delivery allows students to balance work with family obligations which allows them to complete school work at a time that is convenient for them.
  • Individual educational support and career planning from an academic student advisor.

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

  • Complete the one-year General Arts and Science-College Exploration certificate and
    transfer to the two-year General Arts and Science diploma program if desired.

  • 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.

Part-Time Option

Earn your General Arts and Science certificate or diploma at night. For more information, assistance in registering, designing your customized curriculum, identifying General Education courses, or transferring postsecondary credits you have already earned toward a General Arts and Science certificate or diploma, please email Amber Demers at [email protected] or call 905-735-2211 ext. 7272.

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Courses

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1020 College Communications - Unraveled 3
STDV1180 Academic and Career Preparation 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

AND Completion of additional elective(s) 3 units required

AND Completion of one Mathematics course 3 units required

Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
SOCL1430 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Canada 3
COMM1133 Writing Strategies 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

AND Completion of additional elective(s) 6 units required

Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  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 Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses 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: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

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Availability

Note: Online Program Delivery

The delivery of this program is online only for all intakes.

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

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Tuition

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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

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 postsecondary 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

The GAS 1 Year Certificate Program has given me the chance to see what college life is really like. While I was juggling a full course load, a part-time job, and school sports, Niagara College helped me reach a decision of the program and career choice I will pursue.

Chris Bauslaugh, program graduate

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

This program gave me the flexibility to choose classes that transfer for my degree at Niagara University, at the same time, I’m getting a diploma from Niagara College. Regardless of your goals, the General Arts and Science program adds clarity to your future.

Tim Coons, program graduate
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