General Arts & Science

Post-Secondary Programs, Post-Secondary Preparation
Credential Earned: College Certificate (1 Year), College Diploma (2 Year)
Campus: Timmins, Distance

One-Year Certificate: G261 – Timmins Campus
G279 – Distance Learning (Domestic Students Only)

Two-Year Diploma: G045 – Timmins Campus
G288 – Distance Learning (Domestic Students Only)

If you’re ready for college but not yet sure of your focus and career path, here’s the ideal springboard.

Offered as a one-year certificate and as a two-year diploma, the General Arts & Sciences program is a strategic and flexible tool for self-discovery and career development that allows you to customize your course load to suit your unique goals and interests.

Aim for a full certificate or diploma – or simply focus on the qualifying credits you need for the specific college or university program of your choice.

The program features core academic courses in communications, computer skills and math – along with electives in business, community services, health sciences, and technology.

Also on the menu are courses in life management, health awareness, cultural competency, and more.

Prepare to be amazed at the doors that will open for you once you accomplish this awesome goal.

This program is a flexible program that provides students with access to a wide variety of post secondary options. While exploring different areas of study, students earn credits that may be transferred to other college programs or 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.

This program offers students the opportunity to:

  • Design a program of study that upgrades their qualifications for other university and college programs.
  • Obtain a general post-secondary 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 enrollment.

Contact Information

For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.

For questions about the content of the program, contact the Program Coordinator.

Erin Holmes
Program Coordinator
Tel: 705-235-3211 ext. 2156
Email: holmese@northern.on.ca

Student Success & The Northern Experience

The General Arts and Science program is designed to help you make an informed decision about your post-secondary program and career choice.

While learning in different areas of study while working toward a college certificate or diploma, you can earn credits that may be transferable to other college or university programs.

Does this program sound like a good fit for you? Connect with us to learn more.

CONTACT A RECRUITER APPLY NOW

What You Learn

The program synopsis with course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

For questions about the content of the program, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Additional Course Information

One-Year Certificate: Students will take three courses of their choosing in both semester 1 and 2 in addition to the courses described below.

Two-Year Diploma: In addition to the courses described below, students will complete twenty courses of their choosing in semester 3 and 4.

One-Year Certificate - Semester 1 & 2

Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions, tone and style as well as the enhancement of interpersonal, teamwork, and presentation skills. Topics covered include the three-step writing process, paragraph development, academic integrity, essay composition, grammar and mechanics, A.P.A. and employment documents. Attention to detail is emphasized.

42 Hours

Communications 2 is a one-semester course that applies the oral and written communication tools learned in COMM1 required by the workplace. The student will enhance the writing skills acquired in COMM1 and continue to learn to produce effective documents including business letters, emails, employment documents as well as reports applicable to their field of study. Students will also participate in mock interviews (as applicable) so that they are prepared to transition into the competitive employment market. Students will continue to learn and apply proper language and grammatical structures and apply editing strategies including APA to documents through both in-class/online activities and through the usage of the customized Mylab online grammar tool. As with COMM1, the content will be inclusive and reflect the diverse workplace that students will experience in the future.

*Students for whom English is not their first language will receive additional language support through the concurrent delivery of CM2933 (Enhanced Comm2) which focuses on the foundational grammar, punctuation and sentence structure skills essential to academic success.

42 Hours

In this course, students will gain practical experience with the essential features of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Basic computer skills are required as prerequisite. Students will gain hands-on experience with file management, software settings, system security, Word Reports (APA Functions), tables, advanced presentation functions, summarizing and analyzing data in Excel through a series of learning activities, projects, and exercises that focus on real world examples. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.

This course is designed as an introductory course to the complex world of personal finance. Students will be introduced to concepts of banking, asset and liability management, as well as investments and risk management. Students will complete practical exercises to show a demonstrated knowledge of the content, and complete a financial plan for their future.

TBD

Thinking/Problem Solving will enable the learner to assess the arguments of others by equipping them with the skills to assess the truth in claims put forward in support of a conclusion, and to assess the structure and consistency of the argument itself. The learner will also discover how to effectively construct arguments to advocate for their own positions. As a result, the learner will develop their ability to critique the claims of others, to understand and articulate their own opinions, and to make the best decision in a given set of circumstances.

Learners will also gain insight in the values and ethics and the role this plays in the presentation of an argument. Topics covered will include epistemology, logic, recognizing, evaluating constructing arguments, as well as recognizing reasoning errors. Learners will also develop the skill of fair-mindedness.

In this course, students will examine the musculoskeletal system in depth. Bones, joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, connective tissue, and muscles of the body will be studied. Group and individual work will be performed using anatomical models and diagrams to facilitate comprehension. Students will study the muscular attachments and actions of selected muscles. Determining active muscle contraction and joint actions during various basic exercises for the trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities will be explored.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.

42 Hours

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

42 Hours

Two-Year Diploma - Semester 3 & 4

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

42 Hours

Students will review mathematical concepts and operations of basic arithmetic skills and their applications. Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio and proportions are topics covered.

Canada has a long history of stable, democratic governments.  That history has not been without its challenges.  In the present age, governments are faced with many issues and concerns.  In light of this, it is vitally important that Canadians understand our system of government and the role we all play in determining the direction of our country.

This course endeavors to provide the basics of the Canadian government; its foundations, its structures, its institutions, and its processes.

This course is designed to enable the student to understand the operation, structure, function, and interaction of the three levels of government. In addition, the historic, economic, social, and political environments in which the government exists will be discussed.

One of the traditional surprises for employees in any company/organization is the degree of resistance and conflict inherent in their work. They experience frustration caused by their inability to effectively consolidate group energies and skills into action. Paradoxically, this resistance and conflict often comes from the administrations that hired them or those work groups they are helping.

This course presents conflict and conflict resolution as natural and healthy in organizational leadership roles. In fact, effective leaders are continuously evaluating the existing structures, processes, paradigms, practices, and qualitative objectives they encounter. They embrace change and by definition change creates conflict. Effective leaders create conflict and have the capacity, skill, and character to get people through it.

This course is designed to have the learner understand that conflict is a natural phenomenon, present in all relationships. Learners will examine the origins of conflict and its effects on individuals, groups, and organizations. Participants will learn to recognize the behaviors related to different parts of conflict relationships.

Through understanding the current models of conflict resolution, mediation, alternative dispute resolution, problem solving, and group facilitation, participants will learn to apply different techniques to appropriate situations. With a strong focus on prevention by design, participants will learn how to assist individuals and groups in resolving their differences and conflicts and lead in the establishment of a culture of collaboration and a focus on achieving common goals.

Nutrition plays a significant role in promoting health and preventing disease. Major nutritional concerns facing Canadians of all ages and walks of life are obesity and chronic diseases influenced by diet. This course will introduce the student to basic health and nutrition principles that promote healthy food choices and positive lifestyles. Diet modifications that may be required by individuals across the lifespan will be discussed.

42 Hours

Students will explore and examine the many layers of diversity that surround individuals and identifiable groups in society and they will see how these many layers contribute to a rich, diverse Canadian cultural landscape. As part of this examination, students will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal attitudes, assumptions and views toward diverse population groups.

As a brief introduction, students will begin developing their understanding of diversity by identifying, discussing, and defining core terminology like privilege, cultural competence, and cultural safety. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of diversity by looking at origins of differences among various population groups in Canada and by looking at society’s attitudes associated with Canadian Regionalism, demographic trends, First Nations peoples, immigration, and various other established minority groups. Also, learners will become aware of government policies and influence on certain segments of Canadian society and its role in dealing with social inequalities. Finally, students will look at and reflect on the media’s role in perpetuating stereotypes and swaying personal views of diversity in Canada.

42 Hours

This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminology theory is related to various types of criminal activity and the reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examined through crime statistics and correlation of criminal behaviour. The impact of theory on the development and effectiveness of the criminal justice system is discussed with the emphasis of future trends within the system.

Concurrent Disorders is a term used to describe cases where a person is struggling with both mental health and substance abuse. People who are struggling with mental health are significantly more likely to abuse substances. The inverse is also true, making it paramount that students learn how to work with and support this population. This course will introduce students to the nature of concurrent disorders; discuss competencies related to inter-professional collaboration and explore cultural and societal influences that impact people experiencing concurrent disorders. Students will have an opportunity to hear from experts in the field and participate in activities to help build their own capacity to be able to work with those affected by co-occurring disorders.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.

42 Hours

In this course, students are encouraged to explore their personal health a wellness journeys while studying a wide variety of topics, issues and information. The determinants of health will be studied with group discussion and self-reflection. Students will use research methods to study the emotional, social, physical, environmental, and occupations factors that contribute to health and wellness. Specific topics related to health and wellness will include, mental health, aging, substance abuse, chronic disease, illness, gender identity, healthy environment, poverty, culture and race will be examined.

Program Outcomes

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

  • Develop communication skills to a level required by business and industry
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
  • Develop a general knowledge of a variety of subjects that will contribute to developing insights into self and society
  • Function successfully in a post-secondary educational environment
  • Transfer the credits gained in approved courses towards a baccalaureate (B.A./B.Sc) at selected universities or to other college programs.

Career 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.

Admissions Information

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Grade 12 English (C, U)

Or equivalent

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Applicants who do 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 must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.

For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.

1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate.

2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):

  • IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79.
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+.

If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.

All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.

For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees are updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year by May 1.

Current amount may be based on last years amounts and are subject to change. Ancillary fees vary by campus and program.

If the tuition and fee information for international students does not appear on this page, visit northerncollege.ca/international/tuition to see amounts for general programs.

Please refer to your Student Account for the most up-to-date information.

Student Year Campus Program Code Tuition Ancillary Fees Total Fees
StudentDomesticYear2CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG045Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$811.50 Total$3,532.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG165Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$899.50 Total$3,620.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG261Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$899.50 Total$3,620.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusKirkland Lake - KLProgram CodeG276Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$863.50 Total$3,584.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusHaileybury - HLProgram CodeG277Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$930.50 Total$3,651.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusDistanceProgram CodeG278Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$735.50 Total$3,456.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusDistanceProgram CodeG278STuition$1,360.28 Ancillary Fees$453.00 Total$1,813.28
StudentDomesticYear1CampusDistanceProgram CodeG278WTuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$679.99 Total$3,400.55
StudentDomesticYear1CampusDistance - CKProgram CodeG279Tuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$735.50 Total$3,456.06
StudentDomesticYear1CampusDistance - CKProgram CodeG279WTuition$2,720.56 Ancillary Fees$679.99 Total$3,400.55
StudentInternationalYear2CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG045Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,422.58 Total$15,804.58
StudentInternationalYear1CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG165Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,422.58 Total$15,804.58
StudentInternationalYear1CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeG261Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,422.58 Total$15,804.58
StudentInternationalYear1CampusKirkland Lake - KLProgram CodeG276Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,386.58 Total$15,768.58
StudentInternationalYear1CampusHaileybury - HLProgram CodeG277Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,453.58 Total$15,835.58
Tuition & Payment Information

Find Your True North.

At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.

From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.

Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.

Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.

Student Supports & ServicesCampus Facilities

Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?

Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.

CONNECT WITH A RECRUITERHOW TO APPLY

Back To Top