Students can choose from the following options:

• General Arts and Science - College Preparatory Pathway to obtain a one-year Northern College Certificate of Achievement
• General Arts and Science - College Exploration and University Transfer Pathway to obtain a one-year Ministry of Training, Colleges and University Certificate
• General Arts and Science to obtain a two-year Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Diploma.

The General Arts and Science program is the most flexible program at Northern College providing students with access to a wide variety of postsecondary options. While exploring different areas of study such as Human Services, Business, Health Science and Technology and working toward a college certificate or diploma, students earn credits that can be transferred to other college programs or to a university. The program focuses on developing enhanced skills in communication, critical thinking and computer literacy to build a solid foundation for future studies and career success.

The General Arts and Science program offers students the opportunity to:

• design a program of study that upgrades their qualifications for other university and college programs;
• obtain a general postsecondary education before deciding on a career path;
• personalize a program of study based on their goals and interests;
• earn credits that can be transferred to a variety of program areas at college or university;
• attend college even if they have been unable to gain entry into the program of their choice due to limited enrolment.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

1. develop communication skills to a level required by business and industry
2. use critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
3. develop a general knowledge of a variety of subjects that will contribute to developing insights into self and society
4. function successfully in a postsecondary educational environment
5. transfer the credits gained in approved courses towards a baccalaureate (B.A./B.Sc) at selected universities or to other college programs

Employment Opportunities

Upon graduation, students may find employment in all occupations requiring a general education or with firms/agencies that provide their own training. A wide variety of entry-level positions exist in all economic sectors, such as business, finance, retail and sales, hospitality, arts, culture, recreation and sports. Many graduates of this program continue their studies in other college or university programs.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD – new curriculum)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Grade 10 Math (C, M, U)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Postsecondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

College Preparatory Pathway (2 semesters)

Program of Studies

Semester I
AA1053 Life Management I
CM1006 Communications Fundamentals I
GN1043 College Orientation
IN1013 Computer Applications I
MA1053 Math Fundamentals I

Semester II
CM1903-A Communications I
or CM1803 Pre-Tech Communications
EL1003 Elective
MA2053 Math Fundamentals II
or MA2803 Pre-Tech Math
or MA1004 Math of Finance I
NA2053 Canadian Government
NA1213 Health Awareness

College Exploratory Pathway

Certificate Program (2 semesters)

Ten postsecondary courses are required for a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Certificate of Achievement. Graduates of this one-year program may be eligible to apply to many college and university programs. Successful students may also continue to complete a diploma in General Arts and Sciences.

The coordinator can help students select approved courses. Note that students will be required to complete two communications and two computer courses.

Ten courses are required for a Northern College Certificate of Achievement.

Sample Program of Study

Semester I
CM1113 Communications I
IN1313 Software Applications I
Any 3 postsecondary courses

Semester II
CM2113 Communications II
IN2313 Software Applications II
Any 3 postsecondary courses

Diploma Program (4 semesters)

Twenty courses at a postsecondary level are required for a two-year Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Diploma.

Students who choose the Diploma option of the General Arts and Science Program will select courses they wish to study. In order to achieve a diploma, students must complete three communications courses at the postsecondary level and at least two computer courses. They must enroll in Communications I and Communications II in Year One, and Report Writing in Year Two.

For program information:
Admissions Office
705-235-7222
admissions@northern.on.ca