Overview
Aboriginal Studies (ABST) offers you a chance to better understand the cultures, traditions, history, and contemporary concerns of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and especially in the CNC region.
This program is an excellent entry into post-secondary social science and humanities for academically inclined students who are motivated to connect with the rich cultural traditions of Canada's First Nations and earn university program credits.
Careers and opportunities
Aboriginal Studies provides a good academic foundation for a broad range of eventual private, non-profit and government sectors, including:
- Community development
- Education and childcare
- Counselling and social services
Associate degrees from CNC transfer into university programs and give you preferential admission at public universities and university-colleges in BC. (Consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide and check with CNC advisors to verify transferability of credits.)
What you will learn
Aboriginal Studies courses include:
- First Nations language and literature
- Introductions to cultural and physical anthropology (archaeology)
- History of Canada and its Aboriginal peoples
- Other subjects and electives in math, science, humanities, and social science
Associate of Arts Aboriginal Studies Courses
Aboriginal Studies (ABST) offers you a chance to better understand the cultures, traditions, history, and contemporary concerns of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and especially in the CNC region. The Associate of Arts degree with an Aboriginal Studies concentration prepares you for careers in private, non-profit, and government sectors, and especially for employment by Aboriginal organizations and communities. The program also guarantees you 60 transfer credits towards a four-year degree at any public college or university in British Columbia.
Required Courses
Electives
100- or 200- level MATH or CSC;
Any university-studies CSC or MATH course(s), which may include Statistics courses taught in Business or Psychology
200-level ABST
Minimum 9.0 credits. Non-ABST courses with an Aboriginal focus may be substituted with the permission of the Dean or designate.
200-level Arts
Any 200-level non-ABST university studies Arts course(s)
200-level; elective
Any university-studies 200-level Humanities or Social Sciences course(s)
100- or 200- level Math of Science
Any university-studies BIO, CHEM, CSC, GEOG, MATH, PHYS course(s)
100- or 200- level lab science
Any university-studies BIO, CHEM, GEOG, PHYS course(s) with a laboratory component
100-or-200 level electives
Any university-studies course(s)
| COURSE CODE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
LENGTH |
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Fall 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Spring 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Intersession 2025 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Intersession 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
Entry Requirements
- Successful completion of one of the following:
- Grade 12 (with English 12 or English 12: First Peoples) or
- ABE/Academic Upgrading Advanced Certificate or
- GED Certificate or
- Grade 11, with an outstanding academic record, in the year of application
Note 1: It is recommended that high school students consult their counsellors to ensure they select the most appropriate high school courses for their chosen career paths.
Note 2: The GED certificate meets the general admission requirements but does not meet specific program or course prerequisites.
Note 3: You will need to comply with the prerequisites of the specific courses you select.
Additional program-specific admission requirements
- Students who received less than a "B" in English 12 or its equivalent are encouraged to select English 103 as their first university credit English course.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Open admission
Any program of study that does not have a selective admission process or fixed capacity and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Invest in your future
Please check the Fee Schedule for up-to-date information.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.