In the General Arts and Science – Diploma program, you will learn how to apply critical thinking and communication skills through broad elective-based coursework that supports future study or work.
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 two-year diploma program provides you with a good understanding of a variety of topics. Similar to the one-year General Arts and Science certificate program, this program is a great way to earn credits and decide on a career path later. Learn the basics in humanities, social sciences, the arts, civics, and technology and business. You’ll gain skills – and credits – that are transferable within the college and university systems.
However, this program is different from the one-year program. It gives you more opportunity to pursue electives and specialize in a variety of areas right from the first semester. You’ll also take more advanced courses and be more prepared for the workplace and/or future college and university programs.
Top Highlights
Get a taste of many different 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
Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.
The General Arts and Science program broadened my learning and helped me discover new career paths. It challenged me to explore different options and rethink my future goals.
The General Arts and Science program helped me improve my academic standing and confirm the right career path for me. It was a valuable step toward achieving my goals.
Confederation College gave me the confidence to reshape my life, pursue new opportunities, and believe I have the tools to succeed in anything I choose.
GK
Gary Kemp
Graduate of 2007 – Franchisee, Cash Converters Canada
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.
or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program — LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.
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).
Tuition & Fees
Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0104
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
Year 2
Total: $5,730.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$853.00
Health Fee:$305.00
Bus Fee:$332.00
$4,230.00
Program Fees
Books & Supplies:$1,500.00
$1,500.00
Fees for International StudentsProgram Code: 0104
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
Year 2
Total: $19,594.25
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$15,132.00
College Service Fee:$853.00
Health Fee:$652.25
Bus Fee:$332.00
$16,969.25
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This course provides a broad introduction to various disciplines within the humanities, including philosophy, language, literature, visual arts, and performing arts. Students will explore key concepts and methodologies to analyze human behaviour, societal norms, and cultural expressions across historical and contemporary contexts. Through readings, class discussions, and written assignments, students will develop critical thinking that will help them contemplate the breadth and depth of the humanities.
In this blended course offering, students will enhance their professional writing skills to produce routine workplace correspondence. Students will combine collaborative methods with research, written and online presentation skills to produce and present an informal report and infographic. This blended course serves as an equivalent for the required second level communication course for health sciences, community services and business programs.
In this course, students will develop professional writing and communication skills for the health-care workplace. Students will use the writing process to produce clear, concise, and audience-appropriate correspondence, reports, and professional documents. They will apply plain-language principles, conduct and evaluate research, and use appropriate documentation practices. Students will also develop and deliver visual presentations and use digital technologies responsibly to support research, writing, and professional communication.
In this course, students will develop effective written, oral, and visual communication skills for industrial and business settings. Students will apply technical writing principles to produce correspondence, reports, and presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences. Through research and independent activities, students will evaluate, organize, and communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Students will use current digital technologies and resources responsibly to support research, writing, and professional communication.
In this course, students will enhance their writing skills to produce routine workplace correspondence in a business setting. Students will be exposed to handling instant messaging and texting professionally. They will also prepare different types of informal reports and business documents. Students will combine collaborative methods with advanced research, written and oral skills to produce and present an infographic.
In this course, students will enhance their communication skills as needed in the community services field. They will acquire the skills necessary to write memos, letters, email, informal reports and proposals and presentations that meet the professional standards in the community services field. Students will combine collaborative methods with advanced research, written and oral skills to produce and present an infographic.
All civilizations employ ethical systems to guide social behaviour. In this course we will grapple with the ethical dilemmas facing our postmodern worlds of art, business, science, and society. Be prepared to think, discuss and write about contentious moral issues.
This course introduces students to the nature of science and technology, their historical evolution, and their profound impacts on human life. Students will learn how science differs from other ways of knowing, how technology extends human capability, and how both shape culture, ethics, economics, and the environment. Through lectures and discussions, students will critically analyze the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological advancement, preparing them to be informed citizens in a rapidly changing world.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
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.
Employ basic vocational, skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).
Graduates of Confederation College's General Arts and Science - Diploma program possess a diverse skill set, positioning them for careers in areas like education, social services, and cultural industries. The program's extensive range of subjects, from humanities to business, prepares students for roles in administration, community engagement, and educational support services.
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.
Pathway Out — Credits recognized by another institution
University of New Brunswick — Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM)
Graduates from eligible 2-year or 3-year diploma programs at Confederation College can apply to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Management at the University of New Brunswick, with a minimum 70% program average. Additional courses may be required.
Minimum Admission Average
70% overall program average
Entry Point
Year 3 of a 4-year degree
Institution: University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB
Agreement Type: Memorandum of Understanding
Graduates of eligible diploma programs at Confederation College may be considered for advanced standing in the Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM).
Eligibility Requirements:
Completion of a 2-year (four-semester) or 3-year (six-semester) diploma program
Minimum overall program average of 70%
Transfer Details:
Eligible students may enter Year 3 of the 4-year BAM program
Additional courses may be required depending on the applicant’s academic background
Program Notes:
Eligible Confederation College programs are outlined in Appendix A of the Memorandum of Understanding
Students should consult the contact person for full details and program-specific requirements
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.
