Two Liberal Studies students sitting in a student lounge at the Barrie Campus while holding and looking at a textbook

Gain valuable skills to prepare for your career or future studies

General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies Ontario College Diploma program

Sharpen your skills. Build a solid foundation. Be prepared to start your career or continue your studies.

Program code GASL
Duration 2 years
Credential Ontario College Diploma
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 program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills through various subjects within the humanities and social sciences. The program will encourage you to expand your worldview by exploring contemporary issues through a range of subjects and by applying a variety of diverse learning methods. General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies is designed to open doors and build pathways for your future studies, whether at college or university, with our connections to excellent credit transfer opportunities. Upon completion of this two-year diploma program, you will be eligible for university articulation agreements. Alternatively, if your chosen path is to explore workplace opportunities, the skills you’ve developed will be transferable to many entry-level positions. With a liberal studies education, you’ll experience personal growth and development and gain confidence in your academic abilities and essential employability skills, as you prepare to thrive in your chosen path.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

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

General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies 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 diploma gives you many career opportunities

While most students choose General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies 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 diploma from this program is recognized by several Ontario, national and international universities.

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

Liberal arts education

Delve further into the humanities and social sciences through courses in sociology, psychology, philosophy, literature and political science. Expand your critical thinking skills and become a well-rounded, creative citizen, ready to meet the needs of employers in an ever-changing, global workplace.

Strategies for success

Gain essential employability skills, including communication, leadership and professional decision making, as well as the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and work independently.

University pathways

With more emphasis on reading, academic writing, analysis and discussion in the second year, our graduates are ready for more. Take advantage of Georgian’s articulation agreements by pursuing university in fields such as psychology, sociology, literature, political science and more.

If you’re looking for our one-year program, please visit the General Arts and Science- Liberal Studies Foundation certificate program page. 

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

Course overview

16 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
2 Program Option or General Education Courses 
4 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies program outline.

  • 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.

Three Business students at a table with laptops while a professor stands in front of a whiteboard giving a lecture

Business

Build a solid foundation in business. Valuable hands-on experience to launch your career from here or take advantage of pathways to further studies.

A Child and Youth Care practitioner engaging in a discussion with a youth client while taking notes

Child and Youth Care

Practise your skills in our interactive simulation labs. Cutting-edge community placements. Graduate job-ready or pursue further studies.

Two students sitting at a table in the Georgian College library with a laptop while another student stands next to them

General Arts And Science – Liberal Studies Foundation

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

Two law clerk professionals looking at a laptop screen in an office setting with binders, books and clients in the background

Law Clerk

Learn from professionals in the community. Gain experience during field training. Specialized courses using current industry tools and standards.

Do you have questions about General Arts and Science – Liberal Studies? 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.
Learn more and RSVP

Campus tours

Take a guided, in-person tour
of our campuses.
Book a campus tour.

One-on-one appointments

Book a phone appointment
with a recruitment specialist.
Connect with a recruiter.

Join our mailing list

Join our email list for event updates, contest information and more.
Sign up for Georgian updates.