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General Arts and Science – One Year

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Home / Learn / Programs List / General Arts and Science – One Year
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
Two semesters
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
Domestic Students
CIP Code
24.0102
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Find your career

Our General Arts and Science one-year certificate is evolving to better support student goals by expanding pathways and creating more opportunities for future success. With the introduction of foundational courses in Human Services, students will build versatile skills and knowledge that open doors to further education across a range of programs or enable a confident transition directly into the workforce. This enhanced pathway empowers students to explore their interests while developing a strong, practical foundation for their next steps.
A broad education in arts and science provides the foundation to succeed in a wide range of careers:  

  • Graduates of our certificate program find employment in advanced/managerial service and retail positions.  
  • Others continue their education in another college program or apply their credits towards advanced standing at university. 

Loyalist College offers quality education in general arts and sciences with experienced faculty, a supportive learning environment, and strong career opportunities. Its small class sizes and community engagement provide students with personalized attention and practical experiences, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a well-rounded education and future success.

Kunwar, 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.

My program has prepared me for my field by helping me to become confident, professional and by making connections for business.

Gagandeep, General Arts and Science

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Explore your interests, career options and goals while earning credits you can transfer to future studies. 

  • Explore your program and career options while getting a well-rounded education in math, science, business and communication skills. 
  • Learn with a mix of group assignments, projects and online class activities. 
  • Develop a portfolio to showcase your professional and academic growth. 

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.

*Courses subject to change.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

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

*Additional materials, trainings and certifications may be required depending on industry partner requirements connected to experiential learning. Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

Costs

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)*

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26 
  • Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

 

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

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.

Further study

Turn your certificate into a diploma

  • You can apply your credits towards further studies in another program at Loyalist. Explore pathway opportunities.

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