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Discover how Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Arts opens endless possibilities for your future.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts
Be ready for what’s next
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Arts degree program is designed to give you more options—to tailor your studies for your interests, complete the program with online and flexible delivery, and for your path ahead after graduation. The program covers a wide array of topics—fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
As a globally recognized leader in distance education, we bring the classroom to you. At Athabasca University (AU), our
commitment is to provide students an exceptional online learning experience that transcends geographical and educational barriers. We do this by offering world-class, flexible, and accessible education to learners across the world.
Join us for a journey of intellectual discovery and personal growth that will give you the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world.
Program at a glance
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Pathways
90 Credit
3 years, full time |
Bachelor of Arts, General |
2 discipline areas: Humanities and Social Sciences
120 Credit
4 years, full time | Bachelor of Arts with a major |
Majors: Anthropology, English, French, History, Humanities, Labour Studies, Political Economy, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies
Part-time
Complete the 90- or 120-credit pathway, earning the same degree as full-time students but with the flexibility that suits your own personal timeline
Admission Requirements
We’re here — let’s talk it over
Our academic advisors are available to help you understand the application process and make the right decision. Just reach out!
How to apply
Applying is easy and fully online. You can start taking courses as soon as you’ve been accepted and any credit from other institutions has been transferred.
There are no formal admission requirements. All you need is to be 16 or older and a desire to learn. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Financial aid and scholarships
As Canada’s Open University, we strive to remove the barriers of learners who have unmet financial need and want to encourage any adults to reach for their academic goals. You might also be eligible for scholarships as your studies progress, which are typically based on academic achievement while taking the program.
Explore financial aid options and scholarship opportunities on our website.
Already have credits?
Start dates
Most courses start monthly. If you are receiving any financial aid, you will need to work with an advisor to plan out your course start dates.
Graduation requirement
30 credits must be completed through AU for both the 90- and 120-credit program pathways.
Transferring credit from other institutions is easy and a great way to shorten the time to complete your degree. There are a few ways you can do this:
• Transfer credit from a post-secondary program you did not complete
• Transfer credit from a diploma program you have completed. Often, you can have your previous diploma recognized as a block transfer of 60 credits towards your degree.
Learn about transferring credits to AU.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
AU’s Bachelor of Arts current learners at a glance
The BAlance of your powers
AU’s Bachelor of Arts program is designed to get you ready to succeed. Whether you’re looking to advance through a dynamic career, or to take the next step in academia, this program ensures you are well-prepared for the rapidly changing world. It equips you with a broad range of skills and knowledge aligned with the demands of the job market and the requirements for further academic pursuit.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Effective Communication
Cultural and Historical Awareness
Research Skills
Interdisciplinary Understanding
Ethical and Social Responsibility
Problem-Solving Skills
Global Perspective
Professional Readiness
Lifelong Learning
A major advantage for what’s next
The 120-credit Bachelor of Arts program pathway has 11 majors to choose from, providing a clear area of focus for your studies and opening the door to a world of choices after graduation.
Anthropology
Explore human societies and cultures through time and across the globe. Understand social structures, cultural practices, and human evolution. Ideal for those interested in cultural studies, archaeology, and human ecology.
Career opportunities include:
• Cultural resource management
• Museum curation
• Nonprofit research and management
• Government policy and consultation
• International development
• Social research
• Heritage conservation
English
Dive into literature and explore diverse genres, historical periods, and literary theories. Perfect for aspiring writers, editors, educators, and literature enthusiasts.
Career opportunities include:
• Writing and editing
• Content creation
• Communications, marketing, and public relations
• Education
• Journalism and reporting
History
Delve into the events, figures, and movements that have shaped the world. Ideal for those interested in research, teaching, and careers in museums or heritage conservation.
Career opportunities include:
• Archival management
• Museum and heritage sector
• Historical research
• Education
French
Immerse yourself in the French language and Francophone cultures. Tailored for students aiming for bilingual proficiency, cultural insights, and international communication skills.
Career opportunities include:
• Translation
• International relations
• Education
• Bilingual customer service
• Government services
Humanities
A broad program of study encompassing culture, literature, philosophy, and art. Suited for students seeking a well-rounded education with critical thinking skills applicable to various fields.
Career opportunities include:
• Cultural organizations
• Non-profit sector
• Public service
• Creative industries
PROGRAM
Labour Studies
Understand the dynamics of work, labour relations, and employee rights. This major is crucial for careers in human resources, labour advocacy, and policy-making.
Career opportunities include:
• Human resources
• Labour relations
• Public policy
• Union administration
Political Economy
Examine the interplay between politics, economics, and society. Suitable for those interested in economics, politics, and roles in governmental or non-profit sectors.
Career opportunities include:
• Economic analysis
• Policy development
• Non-profit sector
• International organizations
Psychology
Explore the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. This major is ideal for those pursuing careers in psychology, counseling, education, and human resources.
Career opportunities include:
• Human services
• Mental health support
• Community outreach
• Research assistance
Note: clinical practice in psychology often requires additional qualifications.
FEATURED
Political Science
Explore political systems, governance, and political behaviour. Ideal for careers in government, law, international relations, and political analysis.
Career opportunities include:
• Government services
• Political consulting
• International organizations
• Journalism
Sociology
Investigate societal structures, relationships, and social issues. Key for careers in social work, community development, policy analysis, and academia.
Career opportunities include:
• Social research
• Community development
• Public policy
• Social work
Double up to stand out
Students in the 120-credit program pathway can opt to pursue a double major, combining two areas of interest, subject to meeting the requirements for both fields.
With the double major option, students are required to complete a specific number of credits under both majors. This might limit your course selection and require additional credits above the 120 credits required for the program. If you’re considering a double major, talk with an academic advisor.
A minor edge
Students in the 120-credit program pathway can opt to pursue a minor for a secondary focus to complement their major. Minors are offered in a range of disciplines, including: Anthropology, Canadian Studies, English, French, Global Studies, History, Inclusive Education, Labour Studies, Philosophy, Political Economy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies.
To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
Women’s and Gender Studies
Gain university-level feminist skills of critical thinking, applied social justice, and creative problem solving to bring positive change to your communities, workplaces, and everyday lives.
Career opportunities include:
• Advocacy and Community Organizing
• Counseling
• Diversity Specialist
• Education
• Non-Profit Leadership and Management
• Social Services
FEATURED
Want a bit of everything?
Take the 90-credit (3-year) Bachelor of Arts program pathway to focus your studies on 2 primary discipline areas—humanities and social sciences—and some courses in science to ensure a well-rounded education.
Humanities: history, languages, literatures, philosophy, religious studies
Social sciences: anthropology, global studies, sociology, political studies, psychology
Take your studies to the next level
A Bachelor of Arts degree from AU serves as a solid foundation for graduate studies, providing an avenue for academic careers or advanced professional training in fields such as law, education, or counselling. To pursue graduate studies at AU, you will need to complete either the 120-credit (4-year) program pathway, or an additional year of study after completing the 90-credit (3-year) program pathway.
Find more information and a full list of Bachelor of Arts program options, majors and minors on our website.
A closer look: Anthropology
The great thing about anthropology is how it completely changes and broadens your perspective about people. In many ways I am not at all the same person I was when this journey began. I am smarter, I am more confident, I am more aware, and I am more a citizen of the world.
—Lorri Lyster
Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology major graduate “
Bachelor of Arts students with a major in anthropology will delve into the study of various aspects of human life, including social structures, languages,
Read Lorri’s full story here
A closer look: Women’s and Gender Studies
Bachelor of Arts students with a major in Women’s and Gender Studies will gain a thorough understanding of the diversity of gendered experiences, as they intersect with Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, disability, and beyond. It’s an ideal program for those looking to use gender theories to deepen understandings of diverse ways of knowing and ways of living.
The Women’s and Gender Studies program is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, which analyzes prejudice, discrimination, inequity, marginalization, and oppression through historical, cultural, and political lenses. In our contemporary political climate, this broad perspective equips students with versatile skills and knowledge, applicable to feminist insights, resistances, and interventions that foster solidarity and social justice.
A closer look: Psychology
Bachelor of Arts students with a major in psychology are offered a deep dive into the scientific exploration of human behaviour and mental processes. Designed for both new students and those looking to expand their knowledge, this program lays a comprehensive foundation in psychological science.
A psychology major equips learners with valuable insights and skills applicable across a variety of fields, including business, human services, and law, and serves as a solid base for those considering graduate studies. This major promises to enhance your career prospects by providing a thorough grounding in psychology.
Being able to work at my own pace creates a sense of personal accountability that was missing in my life. Creating papers that echo my unique world view has helped to rebuild my selfconfidence.
—Josh Flis Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major student “ Read Josh’s full story here
The AU Advantage: The Write Site
One of the key advantages of studying at AU is the access to the Write Site, a comprehensive online resource dedicated to supporting students with academic writing. The Write Site offers a variety of services:
• Personalized Writing Coaching: Students can receive feedback on their writing and discuss questions with writing coaches.
• RealTime Coaching: This service allows students to meet with a writing coach at any stage of the writing process, including planning, drafting, and revising.
• Resources and Guides: The site provides an array of resources like the English Grammar Handbook, ESL support, and guides on the writing process and academic writing genres.
• Forums and webinars: Connect with writing coaches and other AU students through the site’s Writing Forum, a virtual meet-up; or check out a variety of Write Site webinars.
The Write Site is an essential tool for students at AU, helping them improve their writing skills, which are crucial for academic success and professional communication.
Another AU Advantage: The Writer in Residence
The Writer in Residence program at AU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a distinctive feature that enhances the educational experience for students and faculty alike. Each year, a new writer of prominence is invited to serve in this role, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience in writing and publishing. The program offers:
• Mentorship and Guidance: The Writer in Residence offers one-on-one consultations, providing personalized feedback and advice on writing projects across various genres and stages.
• Literary Engagement: Through workshops, readings, and other events, the Writer in Residence engages the university community in literary activities, sparking creative inspiration and fostering a love for the written word.
• Resource for Faculty and Research: The Writer in Residence serves as a valuable resource for faculty, offering insights into creative writing and literature, and contributing to the academic and research environment.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: The program is designed to be accessible to the entire AU community, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the expertise and experience of the Writer in Residence.
This program not only enriches the university’s cultural landscape but also provides practical support and inspiration for aspiring writers, enhancing the overall academic experience at AU.
Interested in applying to our Bachelor of Arts program? Apply Now