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

Career Options

  

Many students use the one-year (two semesters) certificate program to qualify for admission to various college and university programs. Others transfer to the two-year (four semesters) General Arts and Science diploma program (R101). R101 diploma graduates may apply to other college and university programs with advanced standing if they meet the grade point average and admission requirements for those programs.

Some R104 certificate graduates prefer to enter the world of work directly from the program. A liberal arts and science education helps students develop the communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers and required in the world of work, particularly in careers that encourage on-the-job training and professional development.

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.

Latest Alumni Stories

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.