General Arts and Science Program
(Diploma)
(R101)

2019-20202020-2021
Print ProgramAttend an Info SessionBook a Campus Tour

Compare up to 3 programs

Add to ComparisonOpen Comparison

Overview

Program Overview

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma at George Brown College is designed for students to strengthen their academic skills and refine their goals for further post-secondary studies. Articulation agreements with several universities enable pathways to a number of selected degree programs with advanced standing. The 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

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma is designed to develop the essential skills needed for advanced studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. The 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.

Students acquire knowledge and engage with ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches enable students to explore and relate relevant concepts and issues to individuals, the environment and the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
  2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
  4. 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.
  5. Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the humanities, social and behavioral sciences of vocational studies (business, technology).

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

Code Course Name
COMM1007 College English
GSCI1024 Environmental Science
HUMN1111 Critical Thinking: A Reasoning Experience
MATH1034 Mathematics for General Arts & Science
SSCI1011 Learning and the Brain
HUMN 1035 Introduction to Media Studies

SEMESTER 2

Code Course Name
SSCI1106 Introduction to Research
HUMN1114 Rhyme and Reasoning
GSSC1055 Fundamental Themes in Geography
STS1035 Exploring Career Options

MATH ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)

Code Course Name
GSSC1027 Personal Finance
MATH1094 Calculus
STAT1014 Quantitative Methods

SCIENCE ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)

Code Course Name
GSCI1065 Human Biology
GSCI1045 Nutrition
GSCI1146 Plants and Society

SEMESTER 3

Code Course Name
HUMN1029 Introduction to Philosophy I
HUMN1032 Foundations of Canadian Culture
HUMN1034 Introduction to Canadian Literature
SSCI1012 Introduction to Psychology I
SSCI1013 Introduction to Sociology I
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 4

Code Course Name
HUMN1030 Introduction to Philosophy II
HUMN1031 Canadian Studies
HUMN1033 Critical Approaches to Literature
SSCI1015 Introduction to Psychology II
SSCI1014 Introduction to Sociology II
Liberal Studies Elective

Detailed course outlines

Detailed course outlines

Articulation Agreement

The General Arts and Science (R101) two-year (four semesters) diploma program currently has articulation agreements with the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Bishop's University, Athabasca University, Royal Roads University, Vancouver Island University, Buffalo State University and the 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.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Many students complete the two-year (four semesters) diploma program and continue on to other college and university programs with advanced standing if they meet the grade point average and admission requirements for those programs. Our curriculum helps students develop the academic background, skills and discipline required to succeed in those programs.

Many others prefer to enter the world of work directly from the program. An education in the liberal arts and sciences is valued in many workplaces. Our program helps students develop the advanced communication and critical thinking skills required in the world of work, particularly for careers that encourage on-the-job professional development.

Future Study Options

NEW PATHWAY OPPORTUNITY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

The R101 Diploma program has a new pathway to university studies. Graduates with a program GPA of 3.0 or higher could be eligible for admission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto with 6.0 transfer credits if specific criteria are met. Eligible students also have the opportunity to enroll in spring/summer course(s) at U of T after successful completion of Semester 2 and to earn additional course credits toward a degree. Please contact the program co-ordinator, Maurizio Dodaro (mdodaro@georgebrown.ca), for more information and to learn about the requirements.

Vocation-specific college studies: Students who meet the grade point average (GPA) requirements could be granted exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs, depending on the length of their studies, their grades, the college and the program requirements.

University transfer options: After two years of full-time studies, students who meet the GPA requirements could 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 requirements. Students must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which they apply. There are articulation agreements with other post-secondary institutions for degree completion and professional credentials – for specific details, 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.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$3,784.00 *

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 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

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.

How to Qualify and Apply

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.

How to Apply

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.

Student Success

Brittany Barber
Brittany Barber returned to Canada after living in the United States for 13 years to attend the General Arts and Science program at George Brown College. After completing high school, she had no idea where to begin looking for a post-secondary education. She took a leap and moved back to Canada after finding out that a university preparatory program would allow her to earn transfer credits towards a degree. She plans to attend university after graduation, and hopes to eventually earn a Masters of Communication. She aspires to become a travel writer and author: “This program has helped me shape my priorities and become a responsible person. In addition to learning the course content, you learn a whole hidden set of underlying skills that are extremely beneficial. This program has helped me surpass my limits and approach new challenges with confidence.”

Before enrolling in the General Arts and Science program at George Brown College, Freddy Castillo was working. He saw the program as one that would nurture creative thinking and open a gateway to understanding the world on different levels. Freddy found that the General Arts and Science program teaches the fundamentals of writing and critical thinking while helping students develop interpersonal skills. In Spring 2014, Freddy was the recipient of the General Arts and Science Achievement Award for academic and leadership qualities. He says, “The GAS program has helped me in many ways to prepare for my future. I have learned time management to help better myself. I am able to apply skills learned in the classroom to the real world, and I am capable of not only joining conversations about worldly topics, but also starting them.”

Eric Aldridge

Eric Aldridge returned to school after spending 10 years working. He viewed college as an accessible pathway to a university education. He enrolled in the General Arts and Science University Transfer program at George Brown College, with the knowledge that he could earn 6 transfer credits towards an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto. “At the end of my first year at George Brown," he says, "I received the Academic Achievement Award for my program. Knowing that my professors recognized the effort that I put into my studies was extremely gratifying, and only motivated me to take on more during my second year.”

"George Brown prepared me and gave me the foundation to continue my studies in university." Nadine Narain, University of Toronto student

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 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

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.

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

General Arts and Science Program
(Diploma)
(R101)

2019-20202020-2021
Print ProgramBook a Campus Tour

Compare up to 3 programs

Add to ComparisonOpen Comparison

Overview

Program Overview

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma at George Brown College is designed for students to develop the essential skills needed for further post-secondary studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. The program includes a wide range of subjects within 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.

Full Description

The General Arts and Science two-year (four semesters) diploma is designed to develop the essential skills needed for advanced studies, including university transfer and professional specialization. The 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.

Students acquire knowledge and engage with ideas in a wide range of disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches enable students to explore and relate relevant concepts and issues to individuals, the environment, and the workplace.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
  2. Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  3. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
  4. 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.
  5. Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
Code Course Name
COMM1007 College English
GSCI1024 Environmental Science
HUMN1111 Critical Thinking: A Reasoning Experience
MATH1034 Mathematics for General Arts & Science
SSCI1011 Learning and the Brain
HUMN 1035 Introduction to Media Studies

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
Code Course Name
SSCI1106 Introduction to Research
HUMN1114 Rhyme and Reasoning
GSSC1055 Fundamental Themes in Geography
STS1035 Exploring Career Options

MATH ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)

semester courses
Code Course Name
GSSC1027 Personal Finance
MATH1094 Calculus
STAT1014 Quantitative Methods

SCIENCE ELECTIVE (ONE REQUIRED)

semester courses
Code Course Name
GSCI1065 Human Biology
GSCI1045 Nutrition
GSCI1146 Plants and Society

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
Code Course Name
HUMN1029 Introduction to Philosophy I
HUMN1032 Foundations of Canadian Culture
HUMN1034 Introduction to Canadian Literature
SSCI1012 Introduction to Psychology I
SSCI1013 Introduction to Sociology I
Liberal Studies Elective

SEMESTER 4

semester courses
Code Course Name
HUMN1030 Introduction to Philosophy II
HUMN1031 Canadian Studies
HUMN1033 Critical Approaches to Literature
SSCI1015 Introduction to Psychology II
SSCI1014 Introduction to Sociology II
Liberal Studies Elective
Detailed course outlines

Articulation Agreement

The General Arts and Science (R101) two-year (four semesters) diploma program currently has articulation agreements with the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Bishop's University, Athabasca University, Royal Roads University, Vancouver Island University, Buffalo State University, and the University of Sussex Law program. Students can transfer some credits earned in the R101 program and use them towards 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.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Many students complete the two-year (four semesters) diploma program and continue on to other college and university programs with advanced standing if they meet the grade point average and admission requirements for those programs. Our curriculum helps students develop the academic background, skills and discipline required to succeed in those programs.

Many others prefer to enter the world of work directly from the program. An education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences is valued in many workplaces. Our program helps students develop the advanced communication and critical thinking skills required in the world of work, particularly for careers that encourage on-the-job professional development.

Future Study Options

NEW PATHWAY OPPORTUNITY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

The R101 Diploma program has a new pathway to university studies. Graduates with a program GPA of 3.0 or higher could be eligible for admission to the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto with 6.0 transfer credits if specific criteria are met. Eligible students also have the opportunity to enroll in spring/summer course(s) at U of T after successful completion of Semester 2 and to earn additional course credits towards a degree. Please contact the Program Co-ordinator, Maurizio Dodaro (mdodaro@georgebrown.ca), for more information and to learn about the requirements.

Vocation-specific college studies: Students who meet the grade point average (GPA) requirements could be granted exemptions or advanced standing in other college programs, depending on the length of their studies, their grades, the college and the program requirements.

University transfer options: After two years of full-time studies, students who meet the GPA requirements could 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 requirements. Students must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which they apply. There are articulation agreements with other post-secondary institutions for degree completion and professional credentials – for specific details, please see the program website at georgebrown.ca/generalartsandscience

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 georgebrown.ca/generalartsandscience

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$4,069.00 *

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 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

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.

How to Qualify and Apply

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 georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.

International Students

Visit the International Admissions page for more information.

How to Apply

Apply To

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

Student Success

Brittany Barber
Brittany Barber returned to Canada after living in the United States for 13 years to attend the General Arts and Science program at George Brown College. After completing high school, she had no idea where to begin looking for a post-secondary education. She took a leap and moved back to Canada after finding out that a university preparatory program would allow her to earn transfer credits towards a degree. She plans to attend university after graduation, and hopes to eventually earn a Masters of Communication. She aspires to become a travel writer and author: “This program has helped me shape my priorities and become a responsible person. In addition to learning the course content, you learn a whole hidden set of underlying skills that are extremely beneficial. This program has helped me surpass my limits and approach new challenges with confidence.”

Before enrolling in the General Arts and Science program at George Brown College, Freddy Castillo was working. He saw the program as one that would nurture creative thinking and open a gateway to understanding the world on different levels. Freddy found that the General Arts and Science program teaches the fundamentals of writing and critical thinking while helping students develop interpersonal skills. In Spring 2014, Freddy was the recipient of the General Arts and Science Achievement Award for academic and leadership qualities. He says, “The GAS program has helped me in many ways to prepare for my future. I have learned time management to help better myself. I am able to apply skills learned in the classroom to the real world, and I am capable of not only joining conversations about worldly topics, but also starting them.”

Eric Aldridge

Eric Aldridge returned to school after spending 10 years working. He viewed college as an accessible pathway to a university education. He enrolled in the General Arts and Science University Transfer program at George Brown College, with the knowledge that he could earn 6 transfer credits towards an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto. “At the end of my first year at George Brown," he says, "I received the Academic Achievement Award for my program. Knowing that my professors recognized the effort that I put into my studies was extremely gratifying, and only motivated me to take on more during my second year.”

"George Brown prepared me and gave me the foundation to continue my studies in university." Nadine Narain, University of Toronto student

Contact Us

Call the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 416-415-5000, ext. 3688, or email gas@georgebrown.ca.

For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

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.

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

Explore related programs:
General Arts and Science – One-Year (R104)
Practical Nursing (S121)
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (A109)