New USask certificate creates pathways for Arts and Science students

By Kristen McEwen

The College of Arts and Science is introducing a new certificate program that will open possibilities for university students.

The Foundational Pathways in Arts and Science certificate is designed to capture the course areas that are needed for all Arts and Science programs—setting students up for success if they continue into a degree program.

“Students at the College of Arts and Science are developing skills at every level of their education that will ultimately lead to rewarding careers,” said Dean Brooke Milne.

“This certificate is a credential that recognizes these skills and is an initiative that I have sought to establish for the last two years. I am delighted to see this certificate available to students and believe it will be an important pathway of accessibility for a growing and more diverse group of learners across our entire province."

The certificate will allow students who have successfully completed 24-credit units, to receive a credential in return for their effort—whether they choose to go onto pursue additional studies, like a degree program, or other interests.

“Arts and Science courses are valuable courses, and they do set you up for success in any area that you want to pursue,” said Vice-Dean Academic Dr. Jennifer lang (PhD). “This certificate is a recognition of the value that you get across the courses that are included.”

It includes introductory courses required for any degree program in the College of Arts and Science to build a strong academic base. The new certificate also meets college learning and distribution requirements, while allowing students to explore their areas of interest and specialization.

“The certificate recognizes the breadth of Arts and Science courses as a legitimate credential,” Lang said. “Whether you go into another program like Nursing or Education, this (certificate) actually encapsulates courses and recognizes them as a legitimate credential.”

The 24-credit unit certificate has the following requirements:

• English Language Writing course (3 credit units)
• Indigenous Learning course (3 credit units)
• Quantitative Reasoning course (3 credit units)
• Choose one course from each area (9 credit units): Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences
• Choose 6 credit units from any of the following: Fine Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, non-category and additional courses

For students who are perhaps the first in their family to attend university, this certificate is a way to introduce what university looks like.

“I think it will be very impactful for anyone who is uncertain if a three- or four-year degree is possible,” Lang said. “I think (the certificate) could give them the courage and the affirmation that they need to show them that they can go on and do a degree program if they so choose.”

For individuals who cannot complete several years of a university degree, they will still be leaving with something valuable. The knowledge, experience, and skills students have gained will be recognized, she said.

The certificate is being offered on our Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses, and at regional colleges offering USask Arts and Science courses. The certificate helps make courses accessible and recognizable across the province, Lang said.

“An Arts and Science foundation is a solid pathway for students to move forward in any area of life,” she said.

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