General Arts and Science Program (Diploma) (R101)
Program Description
Program Overview
George Brown College's General Arts and Science (R101) is a two-year (four semesters) diploma program designed to help you strengthen your academic skills and refine your goals for further post-secondary studies. Articulation agreements with several universities enable pathways to a number of selected degree programs with advanced standing. This program includes a wide range of required courses within arts and humanities, social sciences and science, as well as a choice of two liberal studies elective courses to ensure breadth in thinking and analytical skills. Courses emphasize the development of skills in research, writing, oral communications and critical thinking, providing excellent preparation for work or further college or university studies.
Full Description
George Brown College's General Arts and Science (R101) is a two-year (four semesters) diploma program that will help you develop the essential skills you need for advanced studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. This program includes a wide range of subjects within the arts and humanities, social sciences and science.
It emphasizes advanced skills in research and writing, oral communications and critical thinking, providing excellent preparation for work as well as for further vocational and university studies.
You will acquire knowledge and engage with ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches enable you to explore and relate relevant concepts and issues to individuals, the environment and the workplace.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Degree Pathway to The University of Toronto
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.
For more information and to learn about program requirements, please contact the program co-ordinator, Maurizio Dodaro (mdodaro@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
- 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 total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the 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.
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
Call the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 416-415-5000, ext. 2009, or email 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 Casa Loma Campus at 160 Kendal Ave., 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.
