Student Success & The Northern Experience
The General Arts and Science program is designed to help you make an informed decision about your post-secondary program and career choice.
While learning in different areas of study while working toward a college certificate or diploma, you can earn credits that may be transferable to other college or university programs.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you? Connect with us to learn more.
Course Information
2024-2025 Academic Year
One-Year Certificate - Semester 1 & 2
In this course, students will learn essential skills for success in college and the workplace. This course focuses on developing and strengthening oral and written communication skills, and critical thinking ability. During this course, students will engage in a variety of forms of communication with a focus on upholding the principles of academic integrity. Students will develop the skills necessary to create discipline-specific documents, practice business etiquette and professionalism, and apply critical thinking strategies to practical scenarios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan and draft concise, coherent and well-organized writing assignments that are tailored to specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
In this course, students will develop professional communication skills required for success in the workplace. Students will continue to develop and strengthen their oral and written communication skills and critical thinking abilities. During this course, students will use various modes of communication to complete assignments designed to meet program and professional expectations. Students will utilize a variety of technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in a digital environment. Students will develop the necessary skills to create polished workplace documents such as letters, resumes, cover letters and reports tailored to specific audiences. Students will learn to conduct themselves with professionalism in both workplace interviews and job searches. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to create clear, concise and coherent workplace and employment documents that are error-free and designed for specific audiences and purposes.
42 Hours
This class provides an introductory overview of Canada’s land, people, history, and government. Through various formal lessons and in-class activities, students learn fundamentals facts about Canada. Students enforce their knowledge by completing take-home assignments; they also conduct an oral presentation on indigenous culture. The topics covered in this class are the following: Canada’s provinces and territories, Canada’s weather, travelling in Canada, Canada’s soil and rock, Canada’s water, Canadian forests, Canada’s regions, Canada’s population, ages of Canadians, Canada’s official languages, Immigrants in Canada, Canadians and job industries, unemployment in Canada, the history of indigenous Canadians, Canada and the world wars, the Constitution Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian holidays, Canada’s levels of government, voting in Canada, the federal government, provincial governments and municipal governments.
42 Hours
In this course, students will examine the musculoskeletal system in depth. Bones, joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, connective tissue, and muscles of the body will be studied. Group and individual work will be performed using anatomical models and diagrams to facilitate comprehension. Students will study the muscular attachments and actions of selected muscles. Determining active muscle contraction and joint actions during various basic exercises for the trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities will be explored.
56 Hours
This course is designed as an introductory course to the complex world of personal finance. Students will be introduced to concepts of banking, asset and liability management, as well as investments and risk management. Students will complete practical exercises to show a demonstrated knowledge of the content, and complete a financial plan for their future.
42 Hours
Improving your knowledge and understanding of the history of the Indigenous peoples of what we now call Canada is an important step to enable Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, organizations, and communities to work together more respectfully. Throughout this course you will have the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect about many topics that are relevant in the learning journey towards reconciliation.
42 Hours
In this course, students will gain practical experience with the essential features of Microsoft Office – MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Basic computer skills are required as prerequisite. Students will gain hands-on experience with file management, software settings, system security, Word Reports (APA Functions), tables, advanced presentation functions, summarizing and analyzing data in Excel through a series of learning activities, projects, and exercises that focus on real world examples. Students gain practical knowledge that can be applied directly to the workplace setting.
42 Hours
Thinking/Problem Solving will enable the learner to assess the arguments of others by equipping them with the skills to assess the truth in claims put forward in support of a conclusion, and to assess the structure and consistency of the argument itself. The learner will also discover how to effectively construct arguments to advocate for their own positions. As a result, the learner will develop their ability to critique the claims of others, to understand and articulate their own opinions, and to make the best decision in a given set of circumstances. Learners will also gain insight in the values and ethics and the role this plays in the presentation of an argument. Topics covered will include epistemology, logic, recognizing, evaluating constructing arguments, as well as recognizing reasoning errors. Learners will also develop the skill of fair-mindedness.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Two-Year Diploma - Semester 3 & 4
Nutrition plays a significant role in promoting health and preventing disease. Major nutritional concerns facing Canadians of all ages and walks of life are obesity and chronic diseases influenced by diet. This course will introduce the student to basic health and nutrition principles that promote healthy food choices and positive lifestyles. Diet modifications that may be required by individuals across the lifespan will be discussed.
42 Hours
Students will explore and examine the many layers of diversity that surround individuals and identifiable groups in society and they will see how these many layers contribute to a rich, diverse Canadian cultural landscape. As part of this examination, students will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal attitudes, assumptions and views toward diverse population groups.
As a brief introduction, students will begin developing their understanding of diversity by identifying, discussing, and defining core terminology like privilege, cultural competence, and cultural safety. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of diversity by looking at origins of differences among various population groups in Canada and by looking at society’s attitudes associated with Canadian Regionalism, demographic trends, First Nations peoples, immigration, and various other established minority groups. Also, learners will become aware of government policies and influence on certain segments of Canadian society and its role in dealing with social inequalities. Finally, students will look at and reflect on the media’s role in perpetuating stereotypes and swaying personal views of diversity in Canada.
42 Hours
In this course, students are encouraged to explore their personal health a wellness journeys while studying a wide variety of topics, issues and information. The determinants of health will be studied with group discussion and self-reflection. Students will use research methods to study the emotional, social, physical, environmental, and occupations factors that contribute to health and wellness. Specific topics related to health and wellness will include, mental health, aging, substance abuse, chronic disease, illness, gender identity, healthy environment, poverty, culture and race will be examined.
42 Hours
Students will review mathematical concepts and operations of basic arithmetic skills and their applications. Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio and proportions are topics covered.
42 Hours
Canada has a long history of stable, democratic governments. That history has not been without its challenges. In the present age, governments are faced with many issues and concerns. In light of this, it is vitally important that Canadians understand our system of government and the role we all play in determining the direction of our country. This course endeavors to provide the basics of the Canadian government; its foundations, its structures, its institutions, and its processes. This course is designed to enable the student to understand the operation, structure, function, and interaction of the three levels of government. In addition, the historic, economic, social, and political environments in which the government exists will be discussed.
42 Hours
This course provides an examination of various theoretical explanations of criminal and deviant behaviour including the sociological, biological and psychological perspectives. Criminology theory is related to various types of criminal activity and the reality of crime in Canada including victimology is examined through crime statistics and correlation of criminal behaviour. The impact of theory on the development and effectiveness of the criminal justice system is discussed with the emphasis of future trends within the system.
42 Hours
One of the traditional surprises for employees in any company/organization is the degree of resistance and conflict inherent in their work. They experience frustration caused by their inability to effectively consolidate group energies and skills into action. Paradoxically, this resistance and conflict often comes from the administrations that hired them or those work groups they are helping.
This course presents conflict and conflict resolution as natural and healthy in organizational leadership roles. In fact, effective leaders are continuously evaluating the existing structures, processes, paradigms, practices, and qualitative objectives they encounter. They embrace change and by definition change creates conflict. Effective leaders create conflict and have the capacity, skill, and character to get people through it.
This course is designed to have the learner understand that conflict is a natural phenomenon, present in all relationships. Learners will examine the origins of conflict and its effects on individuals, groups, and organizations. Participants will learn to recognize the behaviors related to different parts of conflict relationships.
Through understanding the current models of conflict resolution, mediation, alternative dispute resolution, problem solving, and group facilitation, participants will learn to apply different techniques to appropriate situations. With a strong focus on prevention by design, participants will learn how to assist individuals and groups in resolving their differences and conflicts and lead in the establishment of a culture of collaboration and a focus on achieving common goals.
42 Hours
Concurrent Disorders is a term used to describe cases where a person is struggling with both mental health and substance abuse. People who are struggling with mental health are significantly more likely to abuse substances. The inverse is also true, making it paramount that students learn how to work with and support this population. This course will introduce students to the nature of concurrent disorders; discuss competencies related to inter-professional collaboration and explore cultural and societal influences that impact people experiencing concurrent disorders. Students will have an opportunity to hear from experts in the field and participate in activities to help build their own capacity to be able to work with those affected by co-occurring disorders.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives.
42 Hours
Career Ready Graduates
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Develop communication skills to a level required by business and industry
- Use critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
- Develop a general knowledge of a variety of subjects that will contribute to developing insights into self and society
- Function successfully in a post-secondary educational environment
- Transfer the credits gained in approved courses towards a baccalaureate (B.A./B.Sc) at selected universities or to other college programs.
Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List
CIP Code: 24.0102
International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Explore the historical background and theoretical approaches in the various disciplines of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Develop and apply critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret different and competing perspectives in academic context.
- Examine the relationship between research and the development of valid and reliable knowledge in Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Communicate competently at the required level, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, students may find employment in all occupations requiring a general education or with firms/agencies that provide their own training.
A wide variety of entry-level positions exist in all economic sectors, such as business, finance, retail and sales, hospitality, arts, culture, recreation and sports.
Many graduates of this program continue their studies in other college or university programs.
Admissions Information & Requirements
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, U)
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate.
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+.
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Tuition, Fees & Payments
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Tuition
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
| Ancillary Fees by Campus (2024-25) | Domestic | International |
| Timmins (PC) | $945.50 | $1,558.00 |
| Distance (CK, CH, OL) | $772.50 | N/A |
Find Your True North.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.
Does Northern College sound like a good fit for you?
Here’s how to take your first steps on your new exciting and rewarding career path.