Athabasca University is a world leader in online and distance postgraduate education and bachelor degree programs. Students can study anywhere, any time, and at their own pace. Through AU, students from across Canada and 90 countries around the world obtain a top-quality postsecondary education without leaving their home or workplace.
Established in 1970, AU outgrew its original Edmonton campus by 1978 and moved north to Athabasca, Alberta. The university maintains satellite locations in Calgary and Edmonton.
Established in 1970, AU outgrew its original Edmonton campus by 1978 and moved north to Athabasca, Alberta. The university maintains satellite locations in Calgary and Edmonton.
AU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in the humanities and social sciences, education, the health disciplines, science and technology, and business. Researchers, including eight research chairs, conduct research in a number of areas in these fields.Anyone 16 or older is eligible for admission to the undergraduate study, regardless of previous educational experience. Students are admitted year-round and can start most undergraduate courses at their convenience
STUDENT ENROLMENT
Part-time (undergraduates)
37,500
Part-time (graduates)
4,800
TUITION FEES
CANADIAN STUDENTS
Undergraduate tuition fees:
$4,760 – $6,290
Graduate tuition fees:
$13,760
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Undergraduate tuition fees:
$14,330
Graduate tuition fees:
$15,760
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
General
Get a broad liberal arts education with Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Arts (General). The general Bachelor of Arts program concentrates on 2 major areas of study: Humanities and Social SciencesCredits: 90
in Anthropology
Anthropology, in its broadest sense, is the study of what it is to be human. The discipline differs from all others that study human beings because it is holistic, historic, global and comparative. It helps us understand…Credits: 120
in English
The English program at Athabasca University explores a wide range of literary works from diverse genres, countries and historical periods.Credits: 90 or 120
in French
Learn how to communicate effectively in both oral and written French as you learn about the literature and culture of France, Quebec and other Francophone areas.Credits: 90 or 120
in History
The social changes of our era are part of a longer, more complex process; the study of history puts current issues and events into context.Credits: 90 or 120
in Humanities
Study the manifestations of what makes us human, such as culture, literature, history, art and philosophy. Humanities at Athabasca University is an interdisciplinary program that draws upon a variety of academic areas.Credits: 120
in Labour Studies
Labour Studies is an interdisciplinary program that assesses the place of labour and working people in society. Courses draw on history, sociology, political economy, women’s studies, industrial relations and other field…Credits: 120
in Political Economy
Political Economy is concerned with the interplay between politics, society and economics. It explains the crucial role of political factors in determining economic outcomes.Credits: 120
in Political Science
Political Science is the study of power, authority and governance in human affairs. In today’s world, these areas are rapidly changing and becoming more complex, with a range of public, private and non-governmental ins…Credits: 120
in Psychology
Psychology focuses on the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Athabasca University’s online Psychology program is designed to develop or expand your knowledge of this field.Credits: 90 or 120
in Sociology
Sociology helps you both understand and change the world you live in. The study of sociology links together the social, economic, political, cultural and ecological aspects of a changing global society.Credits: 90 or 120
in Women’s and Gender Studies
Athabasca University’s online Women’s and Gender Studies program will develop or expand your knowledge of the established field of women’s studies and the emerging field of gender studies.Credits: 120
General
The Bachelor of Commerce provides a thorough grounding in all core areas of business, from accounting to strategic management, and everything in between.Credits: 120
in Accounting
With Athabasca University’s online Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, you will get an in-depth understanding of the technical and theoretical aspects of accounting.Credits: 120
in Business Technology Management
The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Technology Management gives you the business skills you need for any industry, with a focus on how products and services are bought and sold via the Internet and other electronic syst…Credits: 120
in Finance
Athabasca University’s online Bachelor of Commerce in Finance integrates finance and economics courses to give you a broad exposure to the growing financial management sector.Credits: 120
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University, mainly because of its flexibility. There are few restrictions on the specific courses that make up the degree, and no res…Credits: 90
By developing business administration, organizational, analytical and managerial skills, graduates of Athabasca University’s Health Administration degree program are able to help meet the increasing demands placed on p…Credits: 90
The Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations looks at employment relations in social, legal, political and economic contexts.Credits: 90
General
The Bachelor of Management at Athabasca University takes a strong international perspective on business. The program explores the ethical, global, political and environmental issues that organizations face every day.Credits: 90 or 120
in Human Resources Management
Human Resources (HR) is no longer just an administrative function. Today, HR is a part of an organization’s business planning and long-term strategy. This means that HR managers need grounding in accounting, finance an…Credits: 120
in Indigenous Nations and Organizations
The Bachelor of Management in Indigenous Nations and Organizations is a business program unique to Athabasca University.Credits: 120
in Marketing
Marketers identify customer needs, develop new products and services, and promote them locally and internationally.Credits: 120
in Communication Studies
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies (BPA-CS) is a degree-completion program that brings together your real-world knowledge and experience with theory and research from the comm…Credits: 120
in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice systems are complex and require an understanding of crime as well as the institutions and professionals that operate within these systems. Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal…Credits: 120
in Governance, Law and Management
Organizations have shifted from “command and control” management to flexibility, innovation and lifelong learning. The Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management (BPA-GLM) is a degree-completion prog…Credits: 120
in Human Services
The Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (BPA-HSRV) is a degree-completion program designed to meet to the career and professional needs of workers in the human services fields of child and youth care, correct…Credits: 120
General
Obtain a general education that allows you to focus on more than one area of study and prepares you for the challenges science presents to the modern world with Athabasca University’s online Bachelor of Science (BSc) p…Credits: 120
in Applied Mathematics
Our Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics encourages innovative thinking through the application of mathematical methods. The first online program of its kind in Canada, Athabasca University’s program builds an un…Credits: 120
in Architecture
Take part in Canada’s first online architecture program. Athabasca University and Architecture Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) have formed a partnership to offer the program, which provides 2 rou…Credits: 120
in Computing and Information Systems
Hone your information technology (IT) skills with the Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems Major (BSc-CIS). This program will build the skills you need to develop and run computer-based systems in bus…Credits: 120
in Human Science
As the demand for highly skilled professionals in the Health Science field increases, Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science Human Science Major (BSc-HS) will prepare you to pursue or further a professional career …Credits: 120
in English Language Proficiency
Certificate of Completion in English Language Proficiency is made up of specific courses to improve your English language skills. After completing this program, you should be able to use English to communicate in a varie…Credits: N/A
Athabasca University’s Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to meet the specific education needs of current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who are registered in Alberta.Credits: 120
Athabasca University’s Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing is designed to meet the specific educational needs of current Registered Nurses (RNs). You will build on your established nursing practice, augmenting your knowledge a…Credits: 120
in Accounting
Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point to develop the skills and knowledge of an accounting professional.Credits: 30
in Advanced Accounting
The University Certificate in Advanced Accounting builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Accounting.Credits: 33
in Computers and Management Information Systems
Get a management perspective on using computers and information systems effectively in the business environment with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Computers and Management Information Systems.Credits: 30
in Computing and Information Systems
Learn the general principles of computer information systems and their applications with the online University Certificate in Computing and Information Systems. You will also gain essential programming and web developmen…Credits: 33
in Counselling Women
Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Counselling Women (UC-CW) is specifically designed for those who work directly with women in crisis intervention. The program applies feminist theory to the pract…Credits: 30
in Finance
Get a grounding in the knowledge you need for a career in the growing financial management sector.Credits: 30
in French Language Proficiency
Learn to communicate effectively in both oral and written French with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in French Language Proficiency. This certificate allows you to get an AU credential by taking o…Credits: 30
in Heritage Resources Management
Heritage Resources Management involves working with those things of the past – both intangible and tangible – that a society determines are of value and worth preserving.Credits: 30
in Human Resources and Labour Relations
Get a better understanding of industrial relations and human resource matters with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations (UC-HRLR).Credits: 30
in Management Applications
Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Management Applications will help you develop a broad administrative perspective through a curriculum that includesCredits: 30
in Management Foundations
Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Management Foundations will provide you with a foundational knowledge in business management.Credits: 30
in Marketing
Get the frameworks and tools necessary to understand consumers, market trends and competitive marketing strategies with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Marketing.Credits: 30
in Public Administration
Learn about administration in all 3 levels of government, as well as in non-profit and quasi-governmental organizations with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Public Administration.Credits: 30
in Arts
Achieve success as an independent learner in a variety of disciplines by learning how to think critically, write clearly and speak persuasively with Athabasca University’s online University Diploma in Arts.Credits: 60
in Inclusive Education
Athabasca University’s online University Diploma in Inclusive Education is intended primarily for teachers who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the area of special needs.Credits: 24
Advance your research skills and professional management practices, processes and programs with Athabasca University’s online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).Credits: 21
in Distance Education
Athabasca University’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Distance Education is a professional doctoral degree for distance education practitioners and those with related career experience.Credits: 18
in Interdisciplinary Studies Adult Education
Adult education is education for life, not just for a living; it has a “social” purpose – that of supporting participatory democracy and community development.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Canada, North, and the Globe
Canada is a quintessential Northern nation. Courses address issues having to do with “the North” as a unique socio-political as well as natural region of our planet, encompassing Canada as well as tensions specific t…Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Community Studies
Community Studies explores issues of social justice and social change as they relate to community-based organizing, community economic development, education, and social movements.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies is the exploration of the links between the arts and other human activities in complex societies. It includes both high art and popular culture, both ancient texts and new hypertexts.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Educational Studies
Educational Studies provides a “critical foundations approach” to understanding educational issues and practices by drawing upon a range of theories and methods from history, sociology, cultural studies, economics, polit…Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Equity Studies
Equity Studies is a disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and multi-disciplinary approach to social justice and inequality. Ranging across the local, regional, national, and global, Equity Studies explores inequalities betwee…Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies – Global Change
Global Change explores claims and realities of economic and cultural globalization; the role of emerging technologies in global change; the effects of neo-liberal globalism on the nation state, local spaces, and internat…Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies – Heritage and Social History
The Heritage and Social History focus area will provide a unique opportunity for students to study theoretical and applied issues in heritage and social history using an interdisciplinary approach.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Literary Studies
Literary Studies encourages students to take an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to the study of literature. Works from the English-speaking world as well as works in English translation will be read.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Work, Organization & Leadership
Work, Organization, and Leadership draws from the humanities, social sciences, labour studies, gender studies and cultural studies to examine contemporary developments in the world of work, organizations and leadership.Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies- Writing and New Media
Writing and New Media provides an opportunity to students interested in all aspects of writing, both professional and creative, and explores the ways in which the new media of publication and communication (the internet,…Credits: 33
in Interdisciplinary Studies
With Athabasca University’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS), you will learn to think holistically, critically and reflectively. You will find the connections and points of overlap between specialize…Credits: 33
Athabasca University launched the first fully interactive online MBA program in the world, and since then has continued to build a legacy of online excellence in graduate management education. Today, AU’s MBA remains o…Credits: 48
Athabasca University’s online Master of Counselling (MC) is designed to meet the graduate academic requirements for professional counsellors or counselling psychologists.Credits: 36
in Distance Education
Build strong distance-education skills, knowledge and values with Athabasca University’s online Master of Education in Distance Education (MEd) program.Credits: 33
Prepare for a leadership position in the health system with Athabasca University’s Master of Health Studies (MHS). This online program will give you the skills to discern emerging trends and provide leadership to healt…Credits: 33
Whether you want to move into a leadership position in health care or broaden the nursing services you can provide, Athabasca University’s online Master of Nursing (MN) program is for you. You can choose between a Gene…Credits: 33
in Information Systems
Analyze and synthesize information systems concepts and skills and apply management principles to the Information Technology (IT) industry with Athabasca University’s online Master of Science in Information Systems (MS…Credits: 30 or 39
in Data Analytics
Get the technical skills and tools you need to analyze, manage and use data with Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Analytics (PBCDA).Credits: 12
in Information Security
If you’re already working in the information technology (IT) field and want to move into information security, Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Security (PBC-IS) is for you.Credits: 12
in Information Technology Management
If you’re already working in the information technology (IT) field and want to add a management perspective to your training, Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Information Technology Man…Credits: 12
in Instructional Design
If you want to improve your instructional design expertise in a short time, the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Instructional Design (PBCID) is an excellent way to build your skills and knowledge.Credits: 9
in Technology-Based Learning
Technology-based learning is an expanding field with changing needs. Get up-to-date on current theories and technologies with the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning (PBCTBL).Credits: 9
in Architecture
Explore advances in sustainable environmental design and urban theory, as well as management theory and practice, with Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Architecture (PBDA).Credits: 27
in Counselling
Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Counselling (PBDC) program is designed for students who either do not want to complete a full master’s degree or who do not meet the admissions criteria for t…Credits: 18
in Distance Education Technology
Learn the current principles and practices of technology use in distance education and training with Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Distance Education Technology (PBDDET).Credits: 18
in Heritage Resources Management
Heritage Resources Management identifies the elements of the past that a society defines as its heritage, then determines how to conserve and use them in a way that respects them as a public trust.Credits: 18
in Instructional Design
If you are interested in pursuing instructional design as a profession, Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Instructional Design (PBDID) program is for you.Credits: 18
in Leadership and Management
In today’s complex and global workplace, leaders have a more challenging role than ever before. Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Leadership and Management (PBDLM) will help you develop your…Credits: 18
in Legislative Drafting
Learn how to rewrite complex legislative language into plain language with Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Legislative Drafting (PBDLD) program.Credits: 15
in Management
Get a solid foundation in general management with Athabasca University’s online Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Management (PBDM). This graduate-level program builds on and complements your existing management knowledge …Credits: 15
in Counselling
If you already have a master’s degree in counselling or applied psychology, Athabasca University’s online Post-Masters Certificate in Counselling (PMCC) program will help you develop an additional area of specializat…Credits: 12
Nurse Practitioner
Get the skills you need to work as a community-based nurse practitioner with Athabasca University’s online Post-Masters Diploma: Nurse Practitioner (PMD: NP).Credits: 30
RESIDENCE
Athabasca University does not provide on-campus housing given that all of its courses are offered online or by distance education.
Note: In addition to tuition fees, universities generally charge fees for goods and services supplied to students. This includes areas such as student associations, sports and health. These additional fees vary widely per university and per student and can run from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Check with the university for details.