General Arts and Science – One-Year Program (Certificate) (R104)
Program Description
Program Overview
The General Arts and Science (One-Year) certificate program will help strengthen your skills for future academic study and entry into the workplace. Over two semesters, you’ll study a range of foundational subject areas that will help you build confidence as you develop critical thinking and information literacy skills. After graduation, you can apply to other post-secondary programs, including George Brown's R101 – a diploma program with several advanced standing pathways to a variety of university degree programs.
Full Description
The General Arts and Science (One-Year) certificate program will teach you the skills and competencies you need to succeed in college, university and the workplace. This program, which starts in both September and January, will allow you to explore a variety of subject areas, including:
- the humanities
- social sciences
- natural sciences
- science
- mathematics
Over two semesters, you’ll develop critical thinking skills and will build upon existing oral and written communication abilities.
This program includes a valuable career exploration component to help you navigate your future study options. For example, you may consider a college program that offers training for a specific job, or if eligible, a pathway to a university degree in an area of personal interest.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Upon graduation from this program you will have a variety of future study options.
Vocation-specific college studies: You could be eligible for exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs depending on the length of your studies, your grade point average (GPA) and the college and program requirements.
Upon successful completion of the General Arts and Science one-year (two semesters) certificate program, you may proceed directly into the second year of the General Arts & Science diploma program if you meet all criteria.
University transfer options: If after one year of full-time studies you meet the GPA requirements, you can apply for admission to many university liberal arts and humanities programs – sometimes with transfer credits. Your eligibility will depend on your grades, the university and the specific program requirements. You should seek information about any program-specific and institutional requirements at those universities.
In addition, upon graduation of this program, you may qualify for admission into degree studies at George Brown if you meet the specific entrance requirements.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| GSCI 1024 | Environmental Science |
| HUMN 1111 | Critical Thinking: A Reasoning Experience |
| MATH 1034 | Mathematics for General Arts & Science |
| SSCI 1011 | Learning and the Brain |
| HUMN 1035 | Introduction to Media Studies |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GSSC 1055 | Fundamental Themes in Geography |
| HUMN 1114 | Reasoning and Rhetoric: Reading Between the Lines |
| SSCI 1106 | Introduction to Research |
| STS 1035 | Exploring Career Options |
MATH ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
| MATH 1094 | Calculus |
| STAT 1014 | Embracing Data: Mathematical Tools for Informed Decisions |
SCIENCE ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GSCI 1045 | Nutrition |
| GSCI 1146 | Plants and Society |
| GSCI 1065 | Human Biology |
* Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM2000. COMM1000 does not count as a course required for graduation and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
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 behavioural sciences of vocational studies (business, technology).
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
**Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
Apply to
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact the program by email at gas@georgebrown.ca.
For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The General Arts and Science program is taught mainly at our St. James Campus at 341 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. Sign up for an information session, book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e., cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.) or explore our virtual tour.
General Arts and Science – One-Year Program (Certificate) (R104)
Program Description
Program Overview
The General Arts and Science (One-Year) certificate program helps you strengthen your skills for future academic study and entry into the workplace. Over two semesters, you'll study a range of foundational subject areas that will help you build confidence as you develop critical thinking and information literacy skills. After graduation, you can apply to other post-secondary programs, including our R101 diploma—a program with several advanced standing pathways to a variety of university degree programs.
Full Description
The General Arts and Science (One-Year) certificate program teaches you the skills and competencies you need to succeed in college, university, and the workplace. This program, which starts in both September and January, will allow you to explore a variety of subject areas, including:
- the humanities
- social sciences
- natural sciences
- science
- mathematics
Over two semesters, you'll develop critical thinking skills and build upon existing oral and written communication skills.
This program also offers a valuable career exploration component; this will help you consider your future study options, which may include a college program that offers training for a specific job, or if eligible, a pathway to a university degree in an area of personal interest.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Vocation-specific college studies: Students who meet the grade point average (GPA) requirements could be eligible for exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs depending on the length of their studies, their grades, and the college and program requirements.
Students who successfully complete the General Arts and Science one-year (two semesters) certificate may proceed directly into the second year of the General Arts & Science diploma program if they meet all criteria.
University transfer options: After one year of full-time studies, students who meet the GPA requirements can apply for admission to many university liberal arts and humanities programs, sometimes with transfer credits, depending on their grades, the university, and the program requirements. Students should seek information about any program-specific and institutional requirements at those universities.
In addition, graduates of this program may qualify for admission into degree studies at George Brown if they meet specific entrance requirements.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| GSCI 1024 | Environmental Science |
| HUMN 1111 | Critical Thinking: A Reasoning Experience |
| MATH 1034 | Mathematics for General Arts & Science |
| SSCI 1011 | Learning and the Brain |
| HUMN 1035 | Introduction to Media Studies |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| SSCI 1106 | Introduction to Research |
| HUMN 1114 | Reasoning and Rhetoric: Reading Between the Lines |
| GSSC 1055 | Fundamental Themes in Geography |
| STS 1035 | Exploring Career Options |
MATH ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GSSC 1027 | Personal Finance |
| MATH 1094 | Calculus |
| STAT 1014 | Embracing Data: Mathematical Tools for Informed Decisions |
SCIENCE ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GSCI 1065 | Human Biology |
| GSCI 1045 | Nutrition |
| GSCI 1146 | Plants and Society |
* Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit the Assessment Centre for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
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 behavioural sciences of vocational studies (business, technology).
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our transfer guide for more information.
Apply to
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact the program by email at gas@georgebrown.ca.
For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Thinking about attending George Brown? The General Arts and Science program is taught mainly at our St. James Campus at 341 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario. Sign up for an information session, book a general campus tour to see the common areas of the campus (i.e., cafeteria, student services, the gym, etc.) or explore our virtual tour.
