General Arts Certificate Program

Build a strong foundation for academic and career success.

  • Credential: Certificate
  • Length: 1 year (2 terms full-time) or longer (part-time)
  • Delivery: In-person (Fort McMurray campus)
  • Work-Integrated Learning: Optional
  • Transferability: Recognized by Alberta post-secondary institutions (meets junior-level BA requirements)
  • Minimum Credits: 30 credits
  • Start Date: Fall or Winter intake

The General Arts Certificate Program at Keyano College offers a flexible and transferable introduction to post-secondary studies in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Designed for students who want to explore academic interests, strengthen core skills, and prepare for further university education, this one-year certificate provides a broad educational base.

Students develop essential communication, critical thinking, and research skills through engaging coursework and optional work-integrated learning opportunities. Upon completion, students are well-positioned to enter Bachelor of Arts programs across Alberta or explore entry-level roles in culturally-focused fields.

What You’ll Learn

Graduates of the General Arts Certificate will be able to:

  • Demonstrate foundational knowledge in English, humanities, and social sciences
  • Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
  • Use research and analytical skills in academic and workplace contexts
  • Identify personal academic interests for future degree pathways
  • Pursue entry-level positions in fields such as education, government, advocacy, and non-profits

While the General Arts Certificate is primarily designed as a transfer program, it also equips graduates with a versatile skill set valued across many entry-level roles.

Learning Outcomes (Post-Grad)

Graduates of the General Arts Certificate will be able to:

✔️ Demonstrate foundational knowledge in English, humanities, and social sciences

✔️ Think critically and express ideas through written and verbal communication

✔️ Apply research and analysis techniques in academic and real-world settings

✔️ Explore further academic pathways, such as transfer into a Bachelor of Arts program

✔️ Consider entry-level roles in education, government, advocacy, or cultural institutions

Career Opportunities & Pathways

Graduates may pursue opportunities in:

  • Education & Youth Support
  • Educational Assistant
  • Student Support Worker
  • Community Education Program Assistant
  • Public Service & Government
  • Administrative Support
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Municipal Program Assistant
  • Non-Profit & Advocacy
  • Program Assistant
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Worker
  • Media & Communication
  • Social Media Assistant
  • Communications Support
  • Content Creation Intern
  • Cultural & Heritage Organizations
  • Museum or Gallery Assistant
  • Event Planning Assistant
  • Research Support Staff

These roles allow graduates to build experience while pursuing further education or training.

Program Structure

Category Requirements

Students must complete at least 30 credits, with flexible course selections based on their interests and transfer goals.

Fine Arts and Humanities

(Minimum 6 credits)


Choose from:

  • English: ENGL 103, 104, 125, 221, 289

  • Philosophy: PHIL 101, 102, 125, 217, 230, 250

  • Art History: ARTH 101, 102

Social Sciences

(Minimum 6 credits)

Choose from:

  • Sociology: SOCY 100, 224, 225, 260, 271, 301, 304
  • Psychology: PSYCH 103, 104, 105, 223, 239, 241, 282
  • History: HIST 260, 261
  • Political Science: PLSC 101, 211

English

(Minimum 6 credits)

Choose from:

  • ENGL 103, 104, 125, 221, 289

    Note: Courses used here cannot also count toward the Fine Arts and Humanities requirement.

Electives

(Minimum 12 credits)

Choose from:

  • Any additional Fine Arts and Humanities, Social Science, or approved Science courses.

Work-Integrated Learning (Optional)

Students may apply for an optional career exploration course that allows them to connect their academic interests with real-world experience.

Admission Requirements

High School Admission

Applicants must present:

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent)

  • Minimum 60% average, no mark below 50% in:

    • English 30-1

    • Four courses from Groups A, B, or C (maximum one from Group B)
      (See Credit Calendar for grouping details)

Mature Student Admission

Applicants must:

  • Be 21 years of age or older by the first day of class

  • Submit:

    • English 30-1

    • One additional course from Groups A, B, or C

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must meet one of the following:

  • TOEFL iBT: 86 (no section below 21)

  • IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 5.0)

  • CAEL: 70

  • MELAB: 85

  • Duolingo: 115

  • PTE Academic: 58

See the Credit Calendar for additional options.

Course List

All courses listed may not be offered every academic year. To search for current offerings, use Catalog & Course Search>Section Search on selfservice.keyano.ca

Course Code  Name Credits
ARTH 101 Introduction To History of Art I 3
ARTH 102 Introduction To History of Art II 3
ENGL 103 Case Studies in Research 3
ENGL 104 Introduction to Critical Analysis 3
ENGL 125 Aboriginal Writing 3
ENGL 126 Reading Popular Culture 3
ENGL 206 The Short Story 3
ENGL 221 Reading Politics - Class and Ideology 3
ENGL 289 Children's Literature in English 3
ENGL 376 Canadian Literature Since 1960 3
HIST 260 Canadian History to 1867 3
HIST 261 Canadian History 1867 - Present 3
PHIL 101 Intro To Philosophy: Values/Society 3
PHIL 102 Intro To Philosophy: Know & Reality 3
PHIL 217 Bio/Soc Values 3
PHIL 217 Bio/Soc Values 3
PHIL 230 Greek Philosophy 3
PHIL 250 Contemporary Ethical Issues 3
SPCH 207 Developing Professional Speaking Skills 3
WRITE 103 Scientific Writing 3

Course Code  Name Credits

BIOL 107

Introduction To Cell Biology

3

BIOL 108

Introduction to Biodiversity

3

BIOL 208

Principles Of Ecology

3

CHEM 101

Intro To University Chemistry I

3

CHEM 102

Intro University Chemistry II

3

CHEM 261

Organic Chemistry I

3

COMSC 101

Introduction to Computing

3

COMSC 174

Introduction to Computing I

3

COMSC 175

Introduction to Computing II

3

EAS 100

Planet Earth

3

EAS 105

Dynamic Earth Through Time

3

EAS 208

Introduction To Global Change

3

MATH 100

Calculus I

3

MATH 101

Calculus II

3

MATH 102

Applied Linear Algebra

3

MATH 1113

Elementary Calculus I

3

MATH 1115

Elementary Calculus II

3

MATH 1120

Basic Linear Algebra I

3

NUTR 100

Nutrition

3

PHYS 124

Particles and Waves

3

PHYS 126

Fluids, Fields, and Radiation

3

SOILS 210

Introduction to Soil Science Resources

3

STAT 151

Introduction To Applied Statistic I

3

Course Code Name Credits
POLSC 101 Intro To Government and Politics 3
POLSC 211 History of Political Theory 3
PSYCH 103 Introduction to Psychology 3
PSYCH 104 Basic Psychological Processes 3
PSYCH 105 Individual & Social Behavior 3
PSYCH 223 Developmental Psychology 3
PSYCH 241 Social Psychology 3
PSYCH 282 Behaviour Modification 3
SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology 3
SOCY 224 Sociology Of Deviance & Conformity 3
SOCY 225 Introduction to Criminology 3
SOCY 260 Inequality and Social Stratification 3
SOCY 271 The Family 3
SOCY 301 Sociology Of Gender Roles 3
SOCY 304 Sociology of Sports 3

Tuition and Fees

Visit our Tuition & Fees page for the most current program costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The certificate fulfills junior-level course requirements for Bachelor of Arts programs at universities across Alberta.

Yes. An optional work-integrated learning course is available to help students gain experience in a relevant field.

Absolutely. The certificate offers flexible scheduling and can be completed over a longer period part-time.

Discover your Academic Passions and Prepare for Future Success

Apply today or contact admissions for more information

admissions@keyano.ca

+1-780-791-4801

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