General Arts and Science Program (Diploma) (R101)
Program Description
Program Overview
The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program will help you strengthen your academic skills and refine your goals for further post-secondary studies. Through our articulation agreements with several universities, you’ll be able to enter many degree programs with advanced standing. As part of this program, you’ll take a wide range of required courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences and sciences. You’ll also get to choose two liberal studies electives to broaden your thinking and analytical skills.
Full Description
The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program will help you develop the essential skills you need for further academic studies, including preparing for university. In a supportive environment, you’ll study a diverse range of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences and science – getting you ready to learn at the diploma or degree level.
This program will also equip you with research, writing, speaking and critical thinking skills. You’ll explore various subjects and approaches, all within a supportive environment to boost your confidence as you look to pursue different academic paths.
For more information on our educational pathways, please review the Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities section of this program page.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Degree Pathway
George Brown College's General Arts and Science (R101) diploma program offers a pathway to university studies.
As a graduate of this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you may be eligible for admission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (U of T) with 6.0 transfer credits if specific criteria are met. Eligible students also have the opportunity to enrol in spring/summer course(s) at the U of T after successful completion of semester 2 and to earn additional course credits toward a degree.
A degree pathway to a number of universities, including York University, will give you advanced standing in an undergraduate degree.
For more information and to learn about program requirements, please contact the program at gas@georgebrown.ca.
Vocation-specific College Studies
If upon graduation you meet the grade point average (GPA) requirements, you may be granted exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs depending on the length of study, grades achieved and admission requirements as outlined by the college and program of interest.
University transfer options
If after two years of full-time study you meet the GPA requirements, you may be eligible for admission to many university liberal arts and humanities programs, usually with transfer credits equivalent to at least one year of university studies, depending on your grades, the university and the program's admission requirements.
You must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which you apply. For details and to review the list of degree completion and professional credentials articulation agreements with other post-secondary institutions, please see the General Arts and Science program page.
Other: As a graduate of this program, you may apply for entry into the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, and into George Brown’s degree programs in business, hospitality and technology. For specific requirements, see the General Arts and Science program page.
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 1045 | Nutrition |
| GSCI 1065 | Human Biology |
| GSCI 1146 | Plants and Society |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HUMN 1029 | Introduction to Philosophy I |
| HUMN 1032 | Foundations of Canadian Culture |
| HUMN 1034 | Introduction to Canadian Literature |
| SSCI 1012 | Introduction to Psychology I |
| SSCI 1013 | Introduction to Sociology I |
| Liberal Studies Elective | |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HUMN 1030 | Introduction to Philosophy II |
| HUMN 1031 | Canadian Studies |
| HUMN 1033 | Critical Approaches to Literature |
| SSCI 1014 | Introduction to Sociology II |
| SSCI 1015 | Introduction to Psychology II |
| Liberal Studies Elective | |
* 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.
** Based on the results of your placement assessment, you may be required to take MATH 1127 (Foundational Math) before progressing to MATH 1034. MATH 1127 does not count as a course required for graduation and you will be charged for this extra course.
If you are required to take COMM 1000 and/or MATH 1127, you may need to delay taking your math and science electives. Program pathway advising is available.
Articulation Agreement
The General Arts and Science (R101) two-year (four semesters) diploma program currently has articulation agreements with the following universities:
Students can transfer some credits earned in the R101 program and apply them toward a university degree as outlined in the specific articulation agreements. Students must adhere to program-specific and institutional requirements at the universities to which they apply.
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 behavioral 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
Email the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences 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 200 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 Program (Diploma) (R101)
Program Description
Program Overview
The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program helps you strengthen your academic skills and refine your goals for further post-secondary studies. Through our articulation agreements with several universities, you'll be able to enter many degree programs with advanced standing. As part of this program, you'll take a wide range of required courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. You'll also get to choose two liberal studies electives to broaden your thinking and analytical skills.
Full Description
The two-year General Arts and Science diploma program gives you the essential skills you need for further academic studies, including preparing for university. In a supportive environment, you'll enjoy a diverse range of courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and science, getting you ready to study at the diploma or degree level.
This program will equip you with research, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. You'll explore various subjects and approaches, all within a supportive environment that boosts your confidence to pursue different academic paths.
For more information on our educational pathways, please review the Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities section of this program page.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Degree Pathway
George Brown College's General Arts and Science (R101) diploma program offers a pathway to university studies.
Graduates with a program GPA of 3.0 or higher may be eligible for admission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (U of T) with 6.0 transfer credits if specific criteria are met. Eligible students also have the opportunity to enrol in spring/summer course(s) at the U of T after successful completion of semester 2 and to earn additional course credits toward a degree.
A degree pathway to a number of universities, including York University, give students advanced standing in an undergraduate degree.
For more information and to learn about program requirements, please contact the program at gas@georgebrown.ca.
Vocation-specific College Studies
Students who meet the grade point average (GPA) requirements, may be granted exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs depending on the length of study, grades achieved and admission requirements as outlined by the college and program of interest.
University transfer options
After two years of full-time study, students who meet the GPA requirements may be eligible for admission to many university liberal arts and humanities programs, usually with transfer credits equivalent to at least one year of university studies, depending on their grades, the university and the program's admission requirements.
Students must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which they apply. For details and to review the list of degree completion and professional credentials articulation agreements with other post-secondary institutions, please see the General Arts and Science program page.
Other: Graduates of this program may apply for entry into the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, and into George Brown’s degree programs in business, hospitality and technology. For specific requirements, see the General Arts and Science program page.
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 |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HUMN 1029 | Introduction to Philosophy I |
| HUMN 1032 | Foundations of Canadian Culture |
| HUMN 1034 | Introduction to Canadian Literature |
| SSCI 1012 | Introduction to Psychology I |
| SSCI 1013 | Introduction to Sociology I |
| Liberal Studies Elective | |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HUMN 1030 | Introduction to Philosophy II |
| HUMN 1031 | Canadian Studies |
| HUMN 1033 | Critical Approaches to Literature |
| SSCI 1015 | Introduction to Psychology II |
| SSCI 1014 | Introduction to Sociology II |
| Liberal Studies Elective | |
* 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.
Articulation Agreement
The General Arts and Science (R101) two-year (four semesters) diploma program currently has articulation agreements with the following universities:
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of Waterloo
- Bishop's University
- Athabasca University
- Royal Roads University
- Vancouver Island University
- Buffalo State University
- University of Sussex Law program
Students can transfer some credits earned in the R101 program and apply them toward a university degree as outlined in the specific articulation agreements. Students must adhere to program-specific and institutional requirements at the universities to which they apply.
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 behavioral 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
Email the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences 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.
