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Explore your passion for humanities and social sciences

General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation Ontario College Certificate program

Get a taste of college studies. Sharpen your thinking and analytical skills. Use this as a first step to further your education.

Program code GASF
Duration 1 Year
Credential Ontario College Certificate
Program Delivery Full-time +
Part-time
Program delivery method(s) Hybrid What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

The General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation program will introduce you to a diverse range of subjects from the humanities and social sciences. Through a combination of subjects, diverse learning methods, and exploration of contemporary local and global issues, you will foster the critical thinking and analytical skills to broaden your knowledge and worldview. This program sets the stage for the transition into further post-secondary studies, whether at college or university, through excellent credit transfer opportunities and articulation agreements. You’ll gain confidence in your academic abilities while gaining essential and transferable employability skills, all of which will prepare you to thrive in your chosen path.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Winter 2025 Barrie
Fall 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

What are the admission requirements for the General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation program?

General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Pathways

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

What career paths can I take as a graduate of this program?

Your General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation certificate gives you many career opportunities

While most students choose General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation as a pathway to further studies, some graduates are sought after for employment in occupations requiring liberal studies and critical thinking with organizations that prefer to administer their own training program. Program courses provide students optimum transfer credits to other college and university programs. The certificate from this program is recognized by several Ontario, national and international colleges and universities.

Why study General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation at Georgian?

Liberal arts education

Explore the humanities and social sciences through introductory courses in literature, psychology, sociology, and critical thinking. Small classes provide you with opportunities for meaningful interaction with dedicated faculty who emphasize reading, academic writing, analysis and discussion.

Strategies for success

Develop solid communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving and personal management skills. Build confidence and learn to prioritize, meet deadlines and work independently.

Pathways

Upon graduation, apply to one of Georgian’s many programs with credits transferred, continue into the second year of the General Arts and Science diploma program or apply directly to university programs. There are so many possibilities.

What courses are included in the General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation certificate program?

Course overview

8 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
2 Program Option or General Education Courses 
1 General Education Course

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the

  • HUMN 1006 – Exploring Literature
  • HUMN 1017 – Critical Thinking Foundations
  • PSYL 1022 – Psychology 1
  • SOCL 1003 – Sociology 1
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration or contact the program co-ordinator about option courses.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Do you have questions about General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Foundation? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Ways to connect

Open House

Visit us in person at Open House on Saturday, Nov. 16 at all campuses.

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One-on-one appointments

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