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Associate Degree in Arts | First Nations

Associate of Arts

This specialization program allows students to focus on First Nations Studies while still receiving the benefits of an Associate Degree. This program has been designed to facilitate maximum transfer-ability to a full Degree program or to conclude after two years at CMTN.

First Nation Studies- associate degree

ENGL 101Introduction to Composition3
or ENGL 151 Technical Writing I
ENGL 102Introduction to Literature3
or ENGL 152 Technical Writing II
3 credits of any Math/Computer/Science/Stats Course:3
FNST 110Ethnobotany: Plants & First People3
3 credits of any Science Course3
ANTH 111First Nations of Canada3
ANTH 112First Nations of B.C.3
FNST 120Aboriginal Languages - Preservation and Revitalization3
HIST 209A History of Native People of Canada3
or ARTH 210 Northwest Coast Art Museum and Gallery Studies
3 credits of any 1st year Aboriginal Language Course:3
FNST 101Introductory to First Nations Studies3
FNST 200Aboriginal Community Research3
FNST 210Aboriginal Health: Community Wellness & Healing3
3 credits of any Arts Course3
3 credits of any Arts OR Science Course3
Category 2 Courses
3 credits of any 1st year Arts Course3
3 credits of any 2nd year Arts Course3
3 credits of any 1st year Arts OR Science Course3
Category 2 or 3 Courses
3 credits of any 1st year Arts Course3
3 credits of any 2nd year Arts Course3
3 credits of any 2nd year Arts OR Science Course
Total Credits60

Existing CMTN courses with First Nations Content - Category 2 and 3.  The courses listed in Category 2 and 3 are not an exhaustive list of courses with First Nations content and may include other university credit courses.

 
 
  1. Apply direct to the University Credit Program.
  2. Submit proof of English Studies 12 or First People's English 12 or equivalent.
  3. Once admitted, register in the courses required for this specialization.

English proficiency is required for all students entering CMTN programs.  Please visit our English Language Alternatives page to see how this requirement can be met. 

Need help with the application process?  Contact an Educational Advisor.

Admission to an intake does not guarantee completion in 2 years. 

Fees Domestic International
Full-time 30 Credits 30 Credits
Tuition $3,146.70 $13,373.40
Mandatory fees $240.00 $290.88

Lab fees (17.16 per credit)1

$52.50 $52.50
Student Union fees2 $109.28 $109.28
Health and Dental Insurance4,5 $285.00 $602.04
Total Tuition:

$3,833.48

$14,428.10
Books & supplies2 $2,000.00 $2,000.00
Field School fees3 $900.00 $900.00
Total: $6,733.48 $17,328.10

Tuition and fees effective August 1, 2024 for the 2024/25 Academic Year.

1Lab fees are mandatory. All associate degrees require a minimum of 3 credits in laboratory science, and students may take up to 42 lab credits.

2Costs are approximate and may vary depending on courses taken. Student union fees are term based.

3Field schools have additional costs between $100 - $900 per field school, depending on the location and the activities. Field schools are not a mandatory component of all associate degrees, however, students are strongly encouraged to attend a field school during the spring/summer semester. Associate Degrees specializing in Environmental Geoscience are encouraged to attend a minimum of two field schools. Field schools are subject to different deposit requirements and refund rules.

4The Coast Mountain Students Union (CMSU) is pleased to announce that Extended Health and Dental Insurance has been approved by student referendum held in March 2021. Additional information will be provided by CMSU July 2021, including details of the coverage and directions for the opt out process for students with equivalent coverage. For any inquiries about the plan or referendum, please contact Golnoosh Namazi, organiser@mycmsu.ca

5Basic Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Health insurance costs will be charged every term until students provide proof of MSP.

Career opportunities 

First Nations students receive credentials and/or qualifications to work in their communities (administrative, research or supervisory positions). All students acquire the tools to carry out honourable and useful research with First Nations communities because they learn and understand the importance of knowing the community they are working with (e.g. background, history, cultural protocols).

For those wanting to complete university degrees, an Associate's Degree in First Nations Studies can ladder into other degree programs, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, or a Bachelor of Education.