Academic and Career Connections

Overview

Whether you're a recent high school graduate or you've been out of school for a few years, Academic and Career Connections (ACC) can help you get the required academic credits you need to get into a post-secondary program.

ACC can help you kickstart earning credits towards other NSCC certificate or diploma programs. Choose from a range of courses that help you upgrade your math, physics, chemistry, biology and/or communication (English) credits while you evaluate hundreds of career possibilities. You get to know yourself better, so you can feel confident in your pursuit of a future career that perfectly complements your unique skills, talents and traits.

With each course, instructors work with you to provide a challenging and rewarding learning experience. We offer flexible study options, including online for specific courses.

Our program options include:

• Full-time - Certificate program (includes a portfolio requirement)
• Part-time - Pre-requisite courses (as needed)

If you're looking to take two or fewer courses, Adult Learning Program – Academic Upgrading may be an option for you.

Study options

• If you apply for the part-time study option, you must meet all the admission requirements.
  • Once admitted, you’re referred to a campus for course selection. Some courses will also be available online.
  • The time to complete the program through part-time study will vary and will depend on the schedule you choose and the number of courses you complete each term.

Other info

• Course selection – As a second step to the admissions and enrolment process, we'll help you determine your next steps and provide you with details on the course selection process and registration.
• You can take all the necessary courses to obtain a certificate or just a few specific courses, depending on your educational goals.
  • If you require two or fewer courses, Adult Learning Program – Academic Upgrading may be an option for you.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
eCampus	Part time	Asynchronous online Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.	Seats available
Institute of Technology Campus Halifax	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

Tuition for part-time study is calculated on a per-course basis and is paid at the beginning of each term.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Academic and Career Connections
• Academic and Career Connections - Part-time

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

Academic Career Connections Elective Course Requirement. Students must take 8 credits from a prescribed list of courses.

In addition to their prescribed electives, learners will complete 24 credits (360 hours) of open elective credit that are consistent with the goals outlined in their portfolios.