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General Arts and Science – Two Years

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Explore a wide range of subjects while earning college-level credits that you can apply to another program or a university degree. With the support of experienced faculty and advisors, gain valuable skills and knowledge that will prepare you for university or your career.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / General Arts and Science – Two Years
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
May (Spring)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Port Hope
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

A broad education in arts and science provides the foundation to succeed in a wide range of careers:  

  • Graduates of our diploma program become facilitators, social service workers, correctional officers, retail managers, and entrepreneurs. Earning a diploma will prepare students for managerial positions in government, education, criminal justice, human services, education, business, manufacturing, media, technology, and communications, to name a few. 
  • Others continue their education in a college post-graduate program or apply their credits towards advanced standing at university. 

What I enjoyed most about my program was the professionalism of the professors and their genuine desire for students to succeed. I loved doing my field placement at the elementary school because it opened the doors for me to find current employment with the school.

Michelle, General Arts and Science

Is it for you?

This program is designed to meet a wide range of learning needs. General Arts and Science may be a perfect fit if you are: 

  • Interested in many subjects and want to keep your options open. 
  • Finishing high school and unsure of your direction. 
  • Seeking to upgrade your qualifications to gain admission to university. 
  • Unhappy in your job and want to discover your career passion.

I had a great experience with my professors from the beginning. They supported me all the time, with more than just my academics. They were very understanding and helped me stay motivated.

Harmandeep, General Arts and Science

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Get a well-rounded education in math, science, business and communication skills, not to mention the freedom to choose from an outstanding line-up of courses. Define your interests, opportunities and goals while earning credits you can transfer to future studies. 

  • Learn with a mix of group assignments,  projects and online class activities. 
  • After one year of vocational exploration, prepare for university studies during year two with a liberal arts university-focused diploma. 
  • Work one-on-one with a faculty advisor each semester to select electives suitable to you – go broad or specialize – it’s up to you. 
  • Choose from a wide range of electives, and explore opportunities you may not even know, with options as wide-ranging as human biology, computer applications, psychology, technology and humanity. 
  • Gain work experience one day a week in your third semester. 
  • Past placements include museums, art galleries, funeral homes, veterinary offices, long-term care facilities, schools and social service agencies.

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

Experienced faculty get to know students one on one and work together to support their personal interests and career goals: 

  • Many professors in the program are college graduates (several of this program!) and all share a commitment to lifelong learning; they have gone on to specialize at university in education and the arts, sociology, biology, engineering and psychology. 
  • During your on-campus studies, learn more about available programming, and connect with faculty and fellow students to explore options for your future studies. 
  • The program is continually updated with advice from an advisory committee representing the social service, education, private business, government and health care sectors. 

Courses

COUN1002 Building your Professional Identity

Students explore the structure and function of occupational groups in Canada. Specific study areas include: employment trends, occupational training, professionalism, entrepreneurship and applications of research specific to areas of personal occupational interest.

COUN1000 College Success Skills

Students examine and discuss factors that improve academic success in College programs – learning style assessment, managing time and stress, relating to others, managing lifestyle issues and improving student skills (reading, studying, test taking, critical thinking and assignment preparation).

COMP1035 Digital Foundations: Word, PowerPoint and Excel Basics

This comprehensive course equips you with the essential digital skills required for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. This course offers a solid foundation in creating professional documents, dynamic presentations, and organized spreadsheets. Through interactive tutorials and practical exercises, you'll learn indispensable techniques, formatting tips, and time-saving features crucial for academic success and beyond.

GASP1010 Exploring Science: From Atoms to Ecosystems

Explore fundamental concepts in science with our introductory course tailored for first-year college students. Covering topics such as the periodic table, cell structure, basic anatomy, and environmental science, this course provides a solid foundation in essential scientific principles. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on experiences, a practical understanding of these core concepts is gained, preparing for success in your academic studies and beyond.

COUN1001 Interpersonal Psychology

This course is designed to increase participants’ understanding of themselves, others and their interaction processes. Three main areas of human relations theory will be addressed: i) interpersonal communication; ii) self-concept, self-esteem and personality; and iii) values, goals and personal excellence.

COMM1084 Introductory Language and Communication

This introductory course focuses on the study of language. Students improve their writing skills by summarizing and critiquing articles as well as writing reports. The course also assists students in improving their editing skills with the use of in-class exercises.

ACCT1006 Financial Management

Students examine the financial planning process, beginning with an understanding of income, taxation and budgeting for short- and long-term goals. Investments and retirement strategies, including estate planning, will be covered.

MATH1039 Mathematics

Topics covered include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, proportion, percent, measurement, algebra, and statistics. The course uses application problems that are appropriate for students who are preparing for programs in health sciences, technology and business.

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

COMM1085 Adv. Language & Communications

This course focuses on comprehension and analysis of various texts. Students continue to work on writing and editing skills with advanced exercises and applications in sentence, paragraph and essay development.

GASP1011 Intro to Portfolio Development

In this course, students curate a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their professional and academic growth. Through the inclusion of certificates, resumes, and cover letters, students demonstrate their skills and achievements. Additionally, students will highlight examples of their academic writing, professional presentations, and digital literacy. By incorporating course descriptions, self-assessments, goals and reflective papers, students provide a holistic overview of their first-year accomplishments and personal development within the context of real-world application. 

PSYC1020 Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to the principles of psychology, which provides a sound foundation for study in the advanced area of psychology. Key principles to be addressed include learning theory, motivation, emotion, personality, attitudes and abnormal behaviour.

SOCI1022 Introduction to Sociology

An introductory course aimed at providing students with some of the key concepts regarding our society and culture. The course is designed to help students become more aware of their own location within our culture.

COMM2023 Oral Communications & Media Analysis

In today's digital age, effective communication and critical thinking are paramount. This course offers students a dynamic exploration of media literacy principles intertwined with the art of oral presentation. Throughout the course, students delve into the multifaceted world of media, examining various forms such as news articles, advertisements, social media content, and videos. They develop the skills needed to analyze media messages critically, considering factors such as bias, audience targeting, and persuasive techniques. Simultaneously, students hone their oral presentation abilities, learning how to articulate ideas confidently and persuasively. Through interactive exercises and practical assignments, they refine their public speaking techniques, including voice modulation, body language, and audience engagement strategies.

GASP1009 Technology and Humanity

This course is an overview of the scientific philosophy and the advance of technology. Students study theoretical concepts in relation to the impact of technology on the human environment and society.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

PSYC2015 Abnormal Psychology

An encore to Introduction to Psychology, this course adds to the psychological perspectives and theories previously addressed. Using an integrative approach, various psychological disorders will be discussed; causes, treatment options, and classification systems used to diagnose these abnormal behaviours will be examined.

SOCI2016 Advanced Sociology

This course assists learners in developing a clearer understanding of gender issues and creating awareness about their ethnocultural values and beliefs through the examination of significant historical events and socio-cultural experiences

COUN2021 Critical Thinking & Ethics

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of moral theories and ethical frameworks. Students will delve into foundational perspectives, including Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics, analyzing their philosophical underpinnings and practical applications. Lively debates, engaging lectures and real-world case studies foster critical thinking skills essential for ethical decision-making in diverse contexts. By the course's conclusion, students emerge with an understanding of the philosophical roots of morality and a sharpened ethical compass.

COMM2024 Essay Writing

This course focuses on the process of academic writing. The components and types of essays are identified and practised with a particular emphasis on the development of editing skills.

PROF2050 Professional Development

Students complete an orientation, evaluation and follow-up process to the career practicum for first-year, second-semester students in General Arts and Science.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL1014 Practicum 1

Under the supervision of an employer, students complete a minimum of 98 hours in a community-based, career-related activity. Co-requisite: PRAC 1005

WKPL1039 Service Learning

In real-time cooperation with community partners from a variety of fields, student teams collaborate to create and manage projects based on the specified needs of each organization. Co-requisite: PRAC 1005

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

GASP2003 Advanced Portfolio Development

In this advanced course, students expand upon their work-integrated learning experiences to refine and enhance their professional portfolios. Building upon the foundation established in previous semesters, students add advanced elements to their portfolios. They showcase competencies developed through Field Placement/Service Learning and articulate their work philosophy, mission statement, and future educational and professional aspirations. Their portfolios are enriched with transcripts and certificates from the first year, creating a robust representation of their academic and professional growth. 

SOCI2015 Cultural Anthropology

This course focuses on the study of similarities and differences among a variety of cultures. We will study concepts, theories and current debates in analyzing cultural beliefs and practices cross-culturally, focusing discussion on technology, material culture, social organization, languages, ideologies and religions

SOCI2014 Global Issues & Pol. Sys.

This course covers current global issues focusing on the economic, political and historical perspectives of these issues. The roles and influence of transnational corporations and non-governmental organizations in the current global environment are also discussed.

PSYC2014 History of Psychiatry

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the fascinating and often complex history of psychiatry, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing historical, social, cultural, and scientific perspectives, students will delve into the milestones, theories, practices, and ethical dilemmas that have shaped the field of psychiatry.

COMM2026 Professional Portfolio

In this course, students engage in academic writing, reading, and research to develop essential skills in critical analysis and scholarly communication. Through assignments such as an annotated bibliography and article critiques, students learn to evaluate and synthesize academic literature while honing their APA citation and skills. The course culminates in the completion of a comprehensive literature review, where students apply their acquired skills to construct a cohesive and well-supported academic argument.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

CHEM1007 Chemistry

An introduction to chemistry, including: measurement; matter and energy; atoms and the periodic table; and bonding. It is primarily a study of inorganic compounds and chemical reactions with a brief look at simple covalent molecules. An understanding of scientific procedure and terminology will be gained through classroom discussions and laboratory experiments.

BIOL1004 Human Biology

An introduction to human biology, including studies of tissue types, skeletal and muscular structure and the organ systems of the human body. Students interested in more advanced studies in the field of biology and/or in health sciences programs will benefit from this course. Some knowledge of cell biology is recommended.

HIST1001 Themes in Canadian History

This course explores the history of Canada and Canadian society while also assessing the importance and impact of your own histories, customs, and cultures. You will explore various developments and the impact on the lives of different groups, communities, including First Nation, Métis and Inuit individuals throughout Canada. Furthermore, we will examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society and Canada’s role in the global community, and the impact on various individuals, organizations and events on identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada.

GASV1012 Vocational Elective 1

Course description not available

GASV1013 Vocational Elective 2

Course description not available

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

Notes

Select 2 courses from above

*Courses subject to change.

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Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

  • Mature applicant
  • Students transferring into General Arts and Science can earn transfer credits or exemptions for credits earned in another College program. 

Additional requirements 

  • Criminal Record Check required for most community field placements (Vulnerable Sector Check may also be required). 
  • A formal, confidential personal health history and up-to-date immunization are required as part of the registration process. 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 

 Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

There are several awards available exclusively to General Arts and Science students, including: 

  • The RBC Community Spirit award, valued at $500

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

A student in a white t-shirt is working at a computer, with their professor seated beside them, smiling while looking at their computer screen. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Loyalist College offers flexible learning 

  • Stop and start your studies as needed – you can take up to seven years to complete your diploma. 
  • Apply your credits towards further studies in another diploma program at Loyalist. 

Post-graduate programs at Loyalist College 

Depending on your diploma course selections, you could go on to specialize with a post-graduate certificate in: 

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities. 

Lakehead University  

Have you completed or are you completing a two-year college diploma in General Arts and Science with an overall average of 70 percent or higher? If yes, Lakehead University is excited to offer you three possibilities: 

  1. BA (General) – Three-year Bachelor of Arts (General) degree.
  2. BASc (Interdisciplinary) – Three-year Bachelor of Arts and Science (Interdisciplinary Studies) degree
  3. HBASc (Interdisciplinary) – Four-year Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science (Interdisciplinary Studies) degree 

Graduates of the Loyalist College General Arts and Science two-year diploma program may be eligible to transfer into year three of the above degree options at Lakehead University. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus provides a variety of specializations in such areas as Biology, Criminology, Sociology, Psychology and more. For additional information, please click here. 

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