Associate of Arts Degree in Commerce and Business Studies

at Langara College Canada

The Journalism Program offers professional training to students planning to become practising journalists and introduces them to important aspects of the communications industry. Its goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level jobs in journalism, whether in print, broadcasting or online. The program emphasizes strong writing skills, the necessary groundwork for careers in all journalism sectors.

The diploma program aims to provide high school graduates with a combination of journalism courses and an introduction to liberal arts courses relevant to the journalist’s work. The first year provides introductory and basic skills courses; the second year focuses on advanced journalism practices. Between years, students are encouraged to seek summer employment with community media outlets to gain experience. A Diploma in Journalism is awarded for successful completion of the four-term diploma stream.

Internships
As part of their curriculum, diploma students complete five-week internships at the media outlets of their choice:  community papers, dailies, radio, television, newspapers, websites, magazines, or corporate communications. Certificate stream students have no fieldwork requirements though the department frequently assists students to arrange internships to be completed after graduation.

The Classical Studies program covers a wide variety of approaches to the worlds of Greece and Rome. Exploring history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, mythology, and the arts (including architecture, sculpture and painting) will help students understand these same features in other cultures and times. Studying Ancient Greek and Latin languages is key to appreciating the voices of the Classical past and building a solid foundation for learning other languages.

Design Formation is a two year, multidisciplinary foundation design program that prepares students for further specialized studies or entry-level jobs in fields ranging from visual merchandising to event, graphic, or interior design. This program is ideal for creative people of all ages and backgrounds, from recent high-school graduates to mature students wishing to update their credentials. The classroom and workshop is close-knit, intimate, and collaborative. Our faculty, who are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about the design world at large support this community feeling.

We aim to promote a comprehensive understanding of the design process and expose students to various aspects of the field. This allows graduates to explore their own creative path with a broad set of skills and experience. Students graduate with a diploma and a professional exit portfolio. Equipped with a wide range of practical skills and knowledge, students can choose to enter the workforce at an entry-level, or continue with further studies in Design.

Collecting large amounts of biological data is becoming easier and more affordable and as a result biology has become a data science. Examples of biological data include genetic sequences, genomes, epigenomes, proteomes, metabalomes and microbiomes. These large data sets require specialized and powerful computational and statistical tools for analysis. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science that applies computational and statistical methods to biological information in order to make new discoveries and to solve complex biological problems.

The discovery of thousands of disease-causing genes since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 exemplifies the power of early bioinformatics methods. Bioinformatics tools are now routinely used to study the underlying cause of disease and to find more effective treatments as well as to study biological patterns and develop biological and chemical models.

Biology is the study of life in all its variety and richness. It includes many aspects of your everyday experiences: your relationships with the environment, the foods you consume, the way your body works. In fact, functioning in the present world without biological knowledge is a distinct handicap, since biological advances are at the forefront of social change.

When you study biology at Langara, you will examine all aspects of living things: from the molecules that make up your cells to entire ecosystems. You will get an excellent grounding in a broad range of biology topics. You will also be able to choose courses in numerous specialties, such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, as you focus more closely on your personal interests and career goals.

Information about the living world and opportunities for Biology graduates have grown rapidly over the last few decades. Your career options will depend on your specific interests and educational focus, but could include research, education, journalism, law, public health, conservation, forensics and much more.  Some biology sectors such as biotechnology and environmental sciences are among the faster growing areas of the Canadian economy.

The Langara Biology Department has a firm commitment to providing the practical aspects of a science education. All our university-transfer Biology courses include 2 or 3 hours of lab or field work per week. We have five well-equipped lab rooms, including a dedicated Microbiology laboratory.  Our excellent team of lab demonstrators has a broad range of biology expertise and is available to assist students in the labs and during office hours. Also, a study space for second year students is available in the Biology lab area for biology students to work independently on assignments and projects throughout the term.

To be admitted and participate in a Co-operative Education option, students must:

• Be enrolled in three program courses (minimum 9 credits) or more, not including EXPE 2300 (formerly BUSM 2300/COOP 2300).
• Achieve and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 in each term.
• Successfully complete an employability assessment interview with a Co-op Officer, and
• Complete EXPE 2300 (formerly BUSM 2300/COOP 2300) with a minimum "C" grade.

One of the best theatre schools in Canada, Langara College's Theatre Arts at Studio 58 offers a three-year Acting Diploma Program and a two-year Production Diploma Program designed to prepare students for a professional career in theatre, film, television, and related arts. The programs graduate actors and production personnel who have a professional level of commitment and aptitude and who have acquired the skills to become contributing members of these professions.

The instructors are professional working artists in their respective fields. We maintain a close liaison with professional companies in Vancouver, casting agents, and directors, most of whom regularly employ our graduates.
Some lecture and theory are part of the training, but the practical application of various skills is given greatest emphasis.

Acting Option
Particular emphasis is placed on the development of an integrated voice and body as an expressive tool. Communication with the audience and fellow actors is stressed. Students are also encouraged to develop their creative contribution to the theatre process. The acting option comprises six terms. The emphasis in Terms 1, 2 and 3 is on class and project work. Students in Terms 1, 2 and 3 must also participate in extensive crew work on Studio 58 productions. Students in Terms 4, 5 and 6, while continuing with class work, devote most of their time to rehearsal and performance. Attention is also paid to developing audition techniques for film and television and preparation of audition material to be used upon graduation. Acting for film and television is also covered.

The Associate of Arts in Commerce and Business Studies provides courses needed for equivalency to first and second-year Commerce and Business Administration at SFU, UBC and UVIC. (Please consult with a counsellor regarding requirements.) Students may also apply to bridge into the 3rd year of Langara's BBA program. The program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree with a concentration in Commerce and Business Studies. Transfer to UBC, SFU or UVic Faculties of Commerce or Business will depend on those institutions and each application will be considered on its merits. The need to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 cannot be overemphasized due to the highly competitive nature of admission into business faculties at all three universities.

Looking for a meaningful career? Do you care about older adults in your life and community? If so, then you want to be part of the dynamic and growing field of gerontology.

This interdisciplinary program is your gateway to a career in the health and social service sector as a Social Service Worker providing a range of services in the community for older adults and their families.
Combining theory with practice, you will gain specialized knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, and communities to promote health and resilience throughout the aging process. This program prepares you for employment in the field of gerontology within a wide range of service settings such as: health and wellness, education, recreation, community support, advocacy, residential and palliative care. The gerontology service sector has expressed resounding support for the program and hiring graduates in the future.

The program is structured for full-time studies, although exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for students to complete the program on a part-time basis or to enrol in individual courses with permission of the Program Coordinator.
Two of our students were featured in the Co-op Radio show It Takes a Village where they shared their views about the role education in Gerontology and graduates can play in better serving older adults.

In a time of increasing globalization, where human activity is now seen to have far reaching, often adverse, implications for the worlds ecosystems it is essential to have the awareness, knowledge, skill and experience to address these issues.  Environmental understanding, protection and remediation are significant, growing concerns in today’s society.  Environmental Studies at Langara College is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It draws from four critical study areas - biology, chemistry, english, geography – as well as including a number of specific environmental courses.  Elective courses are chosen from a wide range of subjects to suit a particular student’s interests.  A one-week field school is conducted at the end of the second year. 

Langara offers a wide range of first- and second-year courses in the fields of science and mathematics. Students benefit from lower tuition rates and smaller class sizes as compared to larger universities. Whether students are planning to transfer to earn their BSc, or simply wish an Associate of Science degree or other diploma, many of the requisite courses are available at Langara.

The Chemistry department offers courses from introductory and preparatory, to first year and second year University transfer courses. Second year studies include analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Students benefit from our well equipped laboratories and dedicated teachers.

The Chemistry program at Langara College offers an Associate of Science Degree (Area of Concentration: Chemistry) The A.Sc. can be used as an exit degree or as the first credential in a longer academic program. SFU and UBC give admission priority to students with an A.Sc.