General Arts Certificate 

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Credential

Certificate

Length

1 year

Delivery

In-person

Work Integrated Learning

Optional placement

International Student

Accepted | Not PGWP Eligible

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.

Upcoming Intakes

Intakes Domestic Students International Students
Fall 2026 Closed Closed
Winter 2027 Open Open

i Intake availability is subject to change. Apply early to secure your spot.

What You'll Learn As A General Arts Major

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Humanities & Critical Thinking

Explore subjects such as English, philosophy, and art history while developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Social Sciences & Human Behaviour

Study topics in psychology, sociology, history, and political science to better understand people, societies, and institutions.

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Communication & Academic Writing

Strengthen your reading, writing, research, and communication skills through university-level coursework.

Career Opportunities

The General Arts Certificate provides a foundation for further education and careers that value strong communication, research, and critical thinking skills. Graduates may pursue opportunities in a variety of fields or continue their studies in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Possible career paths include:

Administrative Assistant Community Services Worker Research Assistant Communications Assistant Educational Assistant

Many students use the certificate as a pathway to further studies in areas such as Psychology, Sociology, History, Political Science, English, and other arts-related disciplines.

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Program Details

High School Diploma (or equivalent):

You must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • English 30-1
  • Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Mathematics 31
  • Four subjects from Group A, B or C (Only one Group B subject may be presented for admission)

Mature Students (21+):

Applicants 21 years or older can be admitted by completing the following courses with a minimum average of 60%, with no mark below 50%:

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 86 with no score below 21
  • IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.5 with no score below 5.0
  • CAEL: minimum score of 70
  • MELAB: minimum score of 85
  • Duolingo: minimum score of 115
  • PTE (Academic): minimum score of 58
Required Credits Course List
Min. 6 credits
Fine Arts & Humanities
  • English* (ENGL 103, ENGL 104, ENGL 125, ENGL 221, ENGL 289) 
  • Philosophy  (PHIL 101, PHIL 102, PHIL 125, PHIL 217, PHIL 230, PHIL 250)
  • Art History (ARTH 101, ARTH 102)
Min. 6 credits
Social Science
  • Sociology (SOCY 100, SOCY 224, SOCY 225, SOCY 260, SOCY 271, SOCY 301, SOCY 304)
  • Psychology (PSYCH 103, PSYCH 104, PSYCH 105, PSYCH 223, PSYCH 239, PSYCH 241, PSYCH 282)
  • History (HIST 260, HIST 261)
  • Political Science (POLSC 101, POLSC 211)
Min. 6 credits
English

English* (ENGL 103, ENGL 104, ENGL 125, ENGL 221, ENGL 289)
Min. 12 credits
Elective		 Taken either from the Fine Arts and Humanities, Social Science, or the Science course lists
Optional WIL 100 or GOVN 100 - Work Integrated Learning

Please Note:

Keyano College reserves the right to modify the syllabus, curriculum, or schedule of any course/program, or to cancel a course/program entirely, at any time and for any reason. Such changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, regulatory requirements, or to ensure the highest quality of education.

Students will be notified of any significant changes as soon as possible. Keyano College is not responsible for any inconvenience or disruption caused by these changes. It is the responsibility of the students to stay informed about any updates or modifications to their courses.

Tuition & Fees (2026–27)
Term Domestic Students International Students
Fall $3,163.00 $8,511.00
Winter $3,163.00 $8,511.00
Annual Total $6,326.00 $17,022.00

Please note

  • These estimates are based on 100% enrolment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $35-$135.
  • *Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website.
    ** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.

Refunds, Withdrawals, and Deposits

For information about withdrawals, tuition refunds, program cancellations, and deposit policies, please refer to the Refund Policy page.

Students have the option to complete WIL 100 or GOVN 100, a 3-credit Work Integrated Learning course in the Spring term. Through this placement, students can gain practical experience in a workplace setting while building skills and connections relevant to their future studies and careers.

Approved Elective 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 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

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.

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Have questions about applying? Contact admissions@keyano.ca or 780-791-4801.

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