Associate of Science Degree

at Okanagan College - Vernon Campus Canada

The Associate of Science degree is a provincial credential offered by many institutions in the BC Transfer System. The associate degree provides an educational experience that prepares students for life as an educated person, and lays a solid foundation for further study. The associate degree curriculum consists of two years of university-level study in a variety of academic areas. Students are required to complete a broad range of course offerings balanced with in-depth study in specific disciplines. Since many students will continue their studies, the requirements are sufficiently flexible to enable students to complete the required prerequisites for upper-level course work in their intended major. Students will be exposed to a program of study that seeks to develop:

• An interest in and curiosity about the world around them
• An understanding of the global context in which they live and work
• An appreciation of intellectual thought and human creativity
• An openness to a variety of viewpoints
• A capacity for and interest in self-directed life-long learning
• An acceptance of the social responsibilities that come with the benefits of advanced learning.

The Computer Information Systems diploma is a two-year program which includes a broad selection of computing, mathematics, business, and communications courses so graduates can function successfully in a variety of roles in a business organization, high-technology company, or government department. These roles include entry-level positions as computer programmer, programmer/analyst, business systems designer/developer/analyst, web designer/developer and database architect/administrator.

The courses in the diploma are grouped into required courses and elective courses.The program is available as a co-op program. The department recommends participating in co-op between the third and fourth academic semesters if possible. Taking co-op work terms will lengthen the program to approximately three years.
Graduates of this program may proceed directly to the Bachelor of Computer Information Systems degree or, after completing some extra courses, to a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

The Office Management certificate provides graduates of applied business technology and administrative assistant programs with a broad business base that emphasizes managerial aspects of secretarial work. Students will be prepared to write the proficiency exams leading to the Certified Professional Secretary designation. Courses leading to this credential will be offered during the day and evening. Some courses are available by distance education.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with young children in a variety of inclusive early childhood environments. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work with children, families and the community in planning enriched programs in daycares, preschools, infant/toddler centres and other early childhood initiatives that focus upon healthy early development. Successful completion of the four-semester Diploma in Early Childhood Education (and the intercession practicum) satisfies the requirements of the Early Childhood Registrar, Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Community Care Facilities Licensing Branch (CCFB) for a Certificate to Practice as an Early Childhood Educator, a Special Needs Educator and an Infant/Toddler Educator. Graduates of a Diploma in Early Childhood Education may also receive block transfer credit for continuation of their studies toward a degree. For further information on post-diploma opportunities, please contact the Department of Early Childhood Education.

Students who successfully complete only the first three semesters of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education may be eligible to be granted a Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Completion of the three semester Certificate in Early Childhood Education satisfies the training requirements for a Certificate to Practice as an Early Childhood Educator.

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is reco1nmended.

The Business Administration Certificate program provides students with the opportunity to study areas of business such as Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resources Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Management and Marketing. Students completing the Business Administration Certificate are able to apply their completed course work towards the Business Administration Diploma and/or the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. 

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is recommended.

The diploma program provides students with a broad understanding of business practices. With the experience and skills learned in the classroom, students will be able to progress to more responsible roles in accounting, marketing, operations, personnel or general administration. Year one of the program provides a solid foundation in general business. Options are available in Accounting, Financial Services, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Resources Management, Management and Marketing. A General Studies option is also available to those who want to take elective courses from a variety of options.

The Business Studies Certificate allows students to focus on a specific discipline. This program may be of interest to those who are already employed. Some courses are also available by distance education. All Business Studies Certificates require the use of Microsoft Office software. Computer experience is recommended.

The curriculum for the Diploma in Human Service Work reflects the expanding responsibilities and evolving practice standards for graduates from non-degree social service programs. It has been developed with extensive community consultation and learning objectives are guided by provincially identified practice competencies.

The Human Service Work Diploma is a full-time and demanding endeavour. Students are in class approximately 18 hours/week and are expected to read and complete assignments outside of class on a daily basis. Students take responsibility for their own learning as well as being active participants in the classroom. Students graduating from this program will be working with people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in some way. This generally requires graduates from this program to be client-centered, able to explore and challenge themselves (thoughts, feelings, behaviours) and to be open to change. Students entering into this program must be emotionally, physically, cognitively, and psychologically healthy.