School Details
Athabasca University is a Canadian institution, offering joint degree programs specifically to US students. Dedicated to the removal of barriers restricting access to education, AU increases equality of academic opportunity for students worldwide.
This open, distance learning university offers a range of online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Bachelor’s of communications, management, marketing are only a few of the expansive programs available; a master’s in arts, interdisciplinary studies and healthcare, or a doctorate degree in business could be the perfect fit for the individual seeking academic excellence.
Pursuing your degree online:
- Flexible start dates, you can apply any time
- Equal, open access education
- Expert student support systems
- Individualized or group study courses available
Accreditation & Licensing
Athabasca University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology online with Athabasca University. The study of anthropology allows students to understand human differences throughout the world and time. Athabasca serves a four-field approach to these studies, including the following specializations:
- Archaeology
- Biological anthropology
- Socio-cultural anthropology
- Linguistic anthropology
Develop enhanced critical and creative thinking methods while observing social, political, and cultural examinations. Explore various relationships of societies and civilizations, and learn how to document and analyze left behind materials. Take on a unique academic pathway and begin a BA in anthropology online today.
Athabasca University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in English to the online student. This program is for those pursuing an enhancement of critical thinking, writing, and reading skills. Students will examine styles and concepts in various literary fields, including but not limited to:
- Creative writing
- Children’s literature
- Drama
- Theory
Study literary works from diverse genres, countries, and time periods. This program offers a strong focus on Canadian literature. Students will enhance remedial writing skills, reading, and research techniques. Take on a BA in english with Athabasca online and advance your academic and professional pathways in several areas of writing, reading, research, and more.
A Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in French is available online with Athabasca University. This flexible degree allows students to finish their courses at their own pace. Students will learn to communicate effectively in both written and oral French, and may pursue professional pathways such as:
- Translator/interpreter
- Customs officer
- International relations officer
Read, analyze, and write critical essays with the help of devoted faculty. Study pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary as well as literature and culture. Students will discover distinct linguistic and cultural differences between French and English, and enhance creative and critical thinking with Athabasca University online.
A General Bachelor of Arts degree is available with Athabasca University online. This program is designed for those seeking development in critical and creative thinking. There are two concentrations of study offered, including humanities and social sciences. Courses include but are not limited to:
- History
- Languages
- Sociology
- Psychology
Students will gain a broadened perspective of global and local affairs as they take on independent research in their chosen major. This is typically a three-year program, but those interested in further graduate studies should pursue a fourth year of studies. Hone analytical skills and prepare to enter today’s workforce with Athabasca University online.
This program can also be completed as a Bachelor of Science degree.
Athabasca University offers an online Bachelor of Arts degree in History to the nontraditional student. This program teaches students how to effectively and thoroughly study a variety of events, contexts, and changes putting current events and issues into a greater context. Graduates with this degree may find pursuable career paths including but not limited to:
- Historic interpreter
- Museum technician
- Lobbyist
- Immigration officer
Study social changes through time, knowledge as a socially constructed and sanctioned device, and more. This program offers a strong focus on European and North American history, as well as global history and studies in African history. Develop interpretation, identification, and investigative skills and conduct critically analytical research and communicate results to a distinct professional standard.
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Humanities with Athabasca University online. Students will study culture, literature, history, art, and philosophy in pursuit of comprehension in human expression. This is an interdisciplinary program, drawing upon a number of academic areas, including but not limited to:
- Art history
- Cultural studies
- Music
- Religious studies
- Classics
Students will develop applicable skills such as critical thinking, interpretation, and methods of research. Possible career paths include government officer, journalist, art administrator, journalist, film or television producer, and more. Study human thought, linguistic traditions, and other distinguishable subjects with Athabasca University online, and take the next step in a unique academic and professional journey today.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Labour Studies is available online with Athabasca University. This interdisciplinary program provides students with abilities and methodologies to accurately assess the place of working people and labour in society. Studies include but are not limited to:
History
Sociology
Political economy
Women’s studies
Industrial relations
This degree may best benefit trade union leaders and members as a means to better understand social and political conditions of labour in society today. Students will take courses such as labour history, work organization, theory and practice of trade unions, and options from other academic areas. Graduates with this degree may pursue careers such as conciliators, training specialists, trade union officers, and more.
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Political Economy through Athabasca University online. Students will begin to analyze, debate, and evaluate the functions of politics, society, and economics to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Macro and Microeconomics
- Globalization and world politics
- Statistics for business economics
- International trade
Students may focus on Global or Canadian Political Economics. Skills and knowledge gained in this program are beneficial in today’s competitive market. Possible career paths such as research specialist, business advisory, foreign trade analysis, and more. Expand theoretical and interdisciplinary knowledge with AU online.
Athabasca University online offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science to the nontraditional student. This program is designed to give students a solid foundation of knowledge in the nature and sources of power and authority. Learn how governing steers society, the roles of the state, individual, and more.
Pursuable career paths may include:
- Campaign manager
- Policy analyst
- Lawyer
- Journalist
Study globalization in institutional and social contexts. Develop skills in information literacy, critical thinking, investigative, and evaluation. Decipher the best methods of reasoning, gathering evidence, and analyzing data to progress in a chosen professional field. AU online is a flexible and accessible option for the working adult student to earn a BA in Political Science.
Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s and Gender Studies through Athabasca University online. Enrolled students will take on a myriad of research-heavy projects, honing critical and creative thinking techniques. Develop skills of analysis, argumentation, and more through studies including but not limited to:
- Indigenous studies
- Feminist research
- Women and work in Canada
- Violence against women
Students will take on theories, concepts, and histories of feminism and gender. Studies will also include the roles of prejudice, inequality, oppression, and discrimination as they pertain the social constructs of gender from a global perspective. Graduates with this degree may find career paths in social services, crisis intervention, rehabilitation, teaching, advocating, and more.
A Bachelor of General Studies degree is available to the online student with Athabasca University. This popular and flexible program is customizable. Students may construct an individualized curriculum with the help of an academic advisor in pursuit of multidisciplinary studies. There are different routes of study available, including:
- Arts – Humanities, Social Sciences
- Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and more
- Applied studies – Business and administrative
Develop critical research and writing skills, methods of successful quantitative analysis, and more. Career paths for graduates with this degree range from human resources to research, sales, trades, volunteer work, and more. Learn how to integrate ideas, knowledge, and theories from multiple sources through general studies with AU online.
Athabasca University offers a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree to the nontraditional student. This degree-completion program is for those with a diploma or several years of experience in their professional field. Offered online, students are given the flexibility to work and fulfill personal commitments while taking on concentrations, including:
- Communication
- Criminal justice
- Governance, law and management
- Human services
Study relevant theories and issues within each specialization. Develop skills in leadership, administrative responsibilities, coordination and consultation. Take the reins in career advancement, or pursue continued education at the graduate level. Earn a BA of Professional Arts with AU online and expand your options today.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture is available through Athabasca University online. This pre-professional program supplies students with many options from different areas of study to optional pathways upon completion. Students may go on to pursue AU’s post-baccalaureate diploma, or graduate studies in architecture at other universities.
Areas of study include:
- Technical
- History
- Communications
- Theory
- Professional practice
- Design studios
Graduates of this program may find pursuable public and private careers in urban and construction planning and design. This program is considered an alternative pathway towards licensure. Study history, and ideas in architecture, materials, properties, and applications, modernism, and more with AU online.
Earn a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through Athabasca University online. This broad and flexible program is designed to enhance student’s holistic, reflective, and creative thinking and applications. Different areas of study include but are not limited to:
- Equity studies
- Global change
- Literary studies
- Heritage and social history
- Community studies
Students are led through the synthesis of theories, methods, and practices of arts, humanities, and social sciences. Develop multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to issues while honing problem-solving, team building, and social skills employers are looking for. Take on a master’s degree online with AU and enhance professional and academic capabilities through a variety of disciplines.
Business
Athabasca University offers a Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations program. For students seeking employment in social, legal, political, or economic contexts, this program might be the right fit. Athabasca covers areas of human resource management, labor relations, employee development, and management and leadership skill sets. This program was designed especially for this student who wants an foundation level understanding of labor relations and how it applies to the workplace, and how they can transfer those skills to any career field in business or in another discipline. Possible careers include: trade unionists, managers, or human resource specialists.
A Bachelor of Commerce is a core degree program that covers areas of business and strategic management. Athabasca University teaches grounding theory, ethics, and technical how-to skills related to marketing, statistics, finance, information systems, and more of these fundamental areas of business.
Program learning outcomes include:
- Understanding quantitative aspects of management services
- Demonstrate ethical perspectives to business practices
- Analyze alternative methods for managing and using capital
- Apply the knowledge learned to hypothetical and real-world scenarios
The degree is also available in the following concentrations:
- Accounting
- Business Technology Management
- Finance
Athabasca University provides students with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Management degree This program takes on an international perspective on business that is unlike other universities, exploring ethical, global, political, and environmental issues that many organizations demand experts in today. Students will learn about all the areas of business including accounting, information systems, economics, organizational behavior, and even law. They will also learn about problem solving, decision making, and leading employees and coworkers. This degree provides a great foundation to excel in a variety of work environments or to pursue a graduate degree program to further one's education.
The following concentrations are available:
- Human Resources Management
- Indigenous Nations and Organizations
- Marketing
A Doctor of Business Administration is the highest credential a student can earn to gain expertise with professional management practices. Athabasca University's DBA program is a research-based curriculum that teaches many of the following skills:
- How to develop creative solutions to organizational problems
- Communicate research findings
- Enhance professional growth among employees
The coursework was designed for experienced managers who are in business, government, or the non-profit sector. Each individual in the DBA at Athabasca will develop a deeper sense of the leader within.
Regionally-accredited Athabasca University offers the global online Executive MBA for professionals who wish to advance leadership and management skills in business administration. Gain real-world experience through courses that allow you to apply learning in your workplace. Most coursework is offered in shortened formats, with asynchronous lessons and assignments. Students must attend one in-residence elective. You can expect to enjoy small class sizes with interactive learning environments. Choose to complete the accelerated option or take the standard 2-3 year route.
Available options include:
- Executive MBA
- Accelerated Entry
- Hockey Management
- Accountant Pathway
- Health Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Computer Science & IT
Prospective students seeking computer-based system skills to utilize in a business need a broad yet computer specific education. Athabasca University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computing & Information Systems degree to teach students how to utilize IT and incorporate it into their organizations. The curriculum balances out two broad areas of focus:
- Computer Science – developing infrastructure and systems for computer processes
- Information Systems – acquiring and developing IT resources
Some of the program learning outcomes include applying this knowledge to analytical problems, collaborating or working independently on projects, and demonstrating professionalism in ethical practices.
Professionals who can analyze and synthesize data and information systems within the IT industry are in high demand as technology starts to take over companies. Positions within this industry can include:
- Information systems management
- Software design
- Research development
Athabasca takes pride in the MS program because of the skills and concepts learned and how they apply to on-the-job management. Some of the most fun parts of the program are to develop innovative strategies using computing, intelligence, digitization, and new technology trends.
Education
Distance education enrollments are increasing year after year. Practitioners experienced in working with students pursuing distance education are growing in demand. Athabasca University offers a professional doctoral degree for those seeking leadership in distance education academic roles. Career paths with a doctoral specialization in distance education can include:
- Academics, teachers, instructors
- Instructional design and technology
- Program planners
- Adult and continuing education mid-career professionals
Athabasca University acknowledges that distance education is a growing industry part of higher education. They have formed a Master of Education in Distance Education program to meet the demand of industries and organizations who need more distance education experts. The program educates how to design, implement, and manage distance education curriculum and training programs. Some of the areas that students will gain skills in include:
- Course development
- Course delivery and tech support
- Program evaluation and revision according to performance
- Management and administration
Healthcare
The Bachelor of Health Administration degree develop business administration and healthcare prospective students to meet the demands of the country’s national health systems. Individuals pursuing a health administration career can work with health teams in the government and organizations to improve the public health of many diverse individuals and cultures in the nation. Students will take liberal arts courses, as well as courses that cover basic health concepts and major causes of health problems and concerns. The approach of the Athabasca University program is to create a culture of risk management, safety, and quality control of Health Administration.
Science is a needed skill in the marketplace today as more careers are related to health care. Students wanting to pursue careers in health sciences can start by pursuing Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Science major. The program includes courses on physiology, sexuality, genetics, health, and nutrition. There is also lab components within the degree which allows students to get hands-on experience in addition to the online flexible format. With increased technological demands, professionals need focused and relevant knowledge that shape up to fit the needs in the healthcare marketplace.
A Master of Health Studies degree is a rigorous graduate education at Athabasca University, designed to prepare individuals with leadership potential and skill sets. The health system needs patient care workers with empathy, discernment, and professional development, but also the technical skills involving trends and policies. Athabasca’s program provides all of that through the coursework and research projects. Leadership is developed in the following processes of the healthcare system:
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
- Policy
- Change management
Math & Science
Mathematics is a discipline that encourages innovative thinking and creatitivity through problem solving. The Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics offered at Athabasca University is a model program that expresses contemporary practices as well as theories from mathematical scholars. Graduates have the potential for a variety of career paths:
- Research
- Finance
- Statistics
- Risk Management
- Operations Analysis
If one of those career paths is the end goal, prospective students should consider Athabasca University’s Mathematics program.
Nursing
The Master of Nursing degree at Athabasca University helps nurse practitioners move into leadership positions within their health and nursing systems. With the choice between a generalist pathway and a nurse practitioner curriculum pathway, individuals will learn how to better treat their patients and diagnose or treat illnesses. The outcome of this program is leadership positions within the healthcare system, and also preparing students to pursue doctoral studies in nursing if they choose.
The Post-Masters Diploma in Nurse Practitioner program from Athabasca University is an online nurse practitioner degree program. While this does not prepare students to work in acute care settings or to focus on a clinical specialty, you will gain the knowledge needed to work as a primary care provider. The curriculum prepares you to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries in clients. You will be able to work with patients of all ages. Graduates find positions in such settings as primary care offices or community health centers.
Psychology & Human Services
Learn to strengthen critical and creative thinking through a wide range of social, political, and cultural studies with this online bachelor’s degree in Psychology. The program strives to broaden your perspective on local and global affairs, encourage social and community involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning.
Core course topics for this online bachelor’s in psychology involve statistics, psychology as a natural science, research methods, personality theories, and developmental psychology.
This program prepares graduates for career fields including:
- Business management
- Government research
- Program evaluation
- Human services
- Law enforcement
Students of this bachelor’s in Sociology online will learn how the social, economic, political, cultural, and ecological aspects of our world are linked together. Sociology helps us understand social class, human spirituality, and the impact of poverty. The program teaches students about non-western, non-capitalist world views and social practices.
Athabasca University’s Sociology degree online covers topics such as power, inequality, racism, family, aging, crime, globalization, social movements, and technology.
An online Sociology degree can benefit careers in:
- Crime
- Family and gender studies
- Environment and health
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Race and ethnic relations
Athabasca University’s online master’s in Counseling meets academic requirements for professional counselors and counseling psychologists. Students will take core classes in fundamentals of counseling psychology and can choose a specialization in Counseling Psychology.
This online Counseling degree does require a 3-week in-person summer institute in Calgary, Canada, and two long weekend practicum seminars in Alberta, Canada. The remainder of the degree can be completed online in grouped study, with defined start and end dates.
Students will learn topics including:
- Intervening to facilitate client change
- Socioeconomic and systemic influences
- Professional ethics
- Assessment processes