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Ontario College Certificate

General Arts and Science - Certificate

In the General Arts and Science – Certificate program, you will learn how to think critically and communicate clearly through diverse classroom courses that build academic and career-ready skills.

CIP Code: 24.0102

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0141
Fall
1 year
2 semesters
Full-Time
In-Person
+7 more
Domestic students accepted
International students accepted
0182
Winter
1 year
2 semesters
Full-Time
In-Person
+7 more
Domestic students accepted
International students accepted
0141
Fall
1 year
2 semesters
Full-Time
Online Live
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program
0182
Winter
1 year
2 semesters
Full-Time
Online Live
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

Your Career Starts Here

You know that a college education will help you reach your career goals. But what you’re not quite sure of yet is what that career might be.

Confederation College’s General Arts and Science one-year certificate program provides you with a solid foundation in a variety of topics. If you’re having trouble deciding what direction to take, this program is a good way to earn credits and decide later! Subjects include media, sociology, psychology, Indigenous studies, and workplace preparation. You’ll gain skills – and credits – that are transferable within the college and university systems.

Whether your next stop is furthering your college or university education, or if you are planning to look for job opportunities, the General Arts and Sciences program will be the launch pad you need to get you on your way.

Top Highlights

  • Get a taste of many courses to help you decide what interests you most
  • Build your skills and earn credits towards future programs
  • Opportunity to transfer some credits from other programs

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Admission Requirements

Fall · Winter

The following 4 intakes share the same admission requirements:

Fall (0141)Winter (0182)Fall (0141)Winter (0182)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. 19 years of age or older
  2. or Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
  3. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  4. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  5. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program — LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.

Admission Requirements for International Students

  1. A high school/senior secondary diploma
    Original transcripts as well as a notarized, translated copy must be provided where applicable
  2. English Proficiency
    Academic IELTS: overall 6.0, with no bands lower than 5.5.
    Click here for more information

Alternative Pathways

If you already have postsecondary-level courses from a recognized college or university, you may already have a substantial amount of credit toward a General Arts and Science Certificate. You may only need to complete the required courses to qualify (refer to the policy on Transfer Credits and obtaining a second certificate).

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Tuition & Fees

Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0141

Year 1
Total: $5,740.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$863.00
Health Fee:$305.00
Bus Fee:$332.00
$4,240.00
Program Fees
Books & Supplies:$1,500.00
$1,500.00

Fees for International StudentsProgram Code: 0141

Year 1
Total: $19,604.25
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$15,132.00
College Service Fee:$863.00
Health Fee:$652.25
Bus Fee:$332.00
$16,979.25
Program Fees
Books & Supplies:$1,500.00
$1,500.00
Ancillary Fees
Municipal Levy:$75.00
Student Fees:$300.00
Recovery Fee:$750.00
$1,125.00
Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Courses

2 intakes

Fall0141

Semester 1

CS 050

College Writing

42 hours

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

SY 125

Introduction to Sociology

42 hours

This course will introduce students to the field of Sociology. Students will develop a general understanding of sociological perspectives by focusing on the basic concepts of sociology. Topics examined include, culture, socialization, sexuality, inequality, crime, deviance, education, religion, gender, media, globalization and the environment. Furthermore, students will be able to use basic sociological terminology and apply the major sociological perspectives to current social systems in Canada.

AS 115

Success Strategies

42 hours

Success can be defined in many ways. This course will look at ways to maximize your academic, employment and personal success. Academically, topics such as study skills, learning strategies, and time management will be discussed. Problem-solving, goal setting, budgeting, and effective communication will also be discussed in a variety of contexts. Topics relating to success in employment will provide useful career strategies. By combining all of the course topics you will have a better understanding of yourself and how you define your personal success.

42 hours
42 hours
42 hours

Semester 2

AS 110

Managing Media in the Info Age

42 hours

This course provides an introduction to how knowledge is produced, organized and assessed in the Information Age. With an emphasis on critical thinking, students will become aware of the influences of various media and learn how to locate and evaluate sources including print, electronic, audio and video sources - especially the Internet. Students will also learn how to make the best use of the vast array of information available when conducting research, as well as how to organize and present various types of information in a variety of contexts.

PY 199

Introductory Psychology

42 hours

This course introduces the student to the world of psychology by highlighting human behaviour and mental processes at the individual level. Students will learn why people do and think the way they do from a variety of perspectives and how psychological principles apply to everyday life situations. This introductory course provides a strong foundation for other courses in psychology.

HU 215

Intercultural Dynamics

42 hours

The word culture carries a variety of meanings and is used in numerous contexts. In its broadest sense, culture can be thought of as the total byproduct of human thought and work. Moreover, perceptions of culture are intertwined with human interactions – both historically and in our contemporary world. This course will look at defining what culture is as well as analyze how it informs our beliefs, actions, and values. The dynamic interplay between varied cultural perspectives will be discussed as sources of both celebration and discord.

42 hours
42 hours
42 hours
Winter0182

Semester 1

AS 115

Success Strategies

42 hours

Success can be defined in many ways. This course will look at ways to maximize your academic, employment and personal success. Academically, topics such as study skills, learning strategies, and time management will be discussed. Problem-solving, goal setting, budgeting, and effective communication will also be discussed in a variety of contexts. Topics relating to success in employment will provide useful career strategies. By combining all of the course topics you will have a better understanding of yourself and how you define your personal success.

CS 050

College Writing

42 hours

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

SY 125

Introduction to Sociology

42 hours

This course will introduce students to the field of Sociology. Students will develop a general understanding of sociological perspectives by focusing on the basic concepts of sociology. Topics examined include, culture, socialization, sexuality, inequality, crime, deviance, education, religion, gender, media, globalization and the environment. Furthermore, students will be able to use basic sociological terminology and apply the major sociological perspectives to current social systems in Canada.

42 hours
42 hours
42 hours

Semester 2

AS 110

Managing Media in the Info Age

42 hours

This course provides an introduction to how knowledge is produced, organized and assessed in the Information Age. With an emphasis on critical thinking, students will become aware of the influences of various media and learn how to locate and evaluate sources including print, electronic, audio and video sources - especially the Internet. Students will also learn how to make the best use of the vast array of information available when conducting research, as well as how to organize and present various types of information in a variety of contexts.

PY 199

Introductory Psychology

42 hours

This course introduces the student to the world of psychology by highlighting human behaviour and mental processes at the individual level. Students will learn why people do and think the way they do from a variety of perspectives and how psychological principles apply to everyday life situations. This introductory course provides a strong foundation for other courses in psychology.

HU 215

Intercultural Dynamics

42 hours

The word culture carries a variety of meanings and is used in numerous contexts. In its broadest sense, culture can be thought of as the total byproduct of human thought and work. Moreover, perceptions of culture are intertwined with human interactions – both historically and in our contemporary world. This course will look at defining what culture is as well as analyze how it informs our beliefs, actions, and values. The dynamic interplay between varied cultural perspectives will be discussed as sources of both celebration and discord.

42 hours
42 hours
42 hours

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
  2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
  4. Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
  5. Employ basic vocational, skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

Meet the Program Staff

3 staff members

Careers

Confederation College's General Arts and Science — Certificate program equips students with versatile skills for roles in sectors like education, social services, and media. Graduates pursue positions such as Educational Assistant, Social Services Worker, or Communications Coordinator. The broad curriculum ensures students are prepared with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential for a range of professional environments.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

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