Ready Where You Are
Athabasca University Viewbook
Wherever You Are, AU Is Ready
We call ourselves Canada's Open University because, well, it's true. We're all about removing barriers to world-class education, so you aren't held back by wherever you are and whatever else you need to do. It's pretty simple, really. When you give people amazing opportunities, amazing things happen.
We've been doing distance post-secondary learning way before it was cool. 50 years, in fact.
So take the next step. Take a leap, even. Because no matter where you are in your life, your career, or on the map, AU is ready for you.
Table of Contents
A Message From Our President
Athabasca University is Canada’s open, flexible, and online university. We provide high-quality, fully accredited programs and courses to people wherever they live, at whatever time is right for them. We are flexible and accessible to anyone, so you can fit education into your busy life.
At AU, your past learning experience, your life circumstances, your work and family obligations, aren’t obstacles to learning; they’re part of what motivates you and makes you unique.
AU puts you in control of your education, giving you the flexibility to start when it’s convenient, at a pace that fits your schedule and your life. You can work full-time, raise a family, and pursue any of your other goals while also earning your bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, diploma, or certificate with us. All our programs are accredited and recognized around the world.
I hope that as you look through this guide, you find the courses and programs that meet your goals, for you education and your life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Clark, President, Athabasca University
Accreditation
Our Credentials (And Credibility)
F-A-Qs About AU
Q: Is AU recognized in Canada?
A: You better believe it. We're a publicly-funded post-secondary institution (and one of only four Comprehensive Academic and Research Institutions), recognized by the Government of Alberta. As such, we adhere to the strict standards of quality set by the province for higher-education institutions.
Q: Is AU recognized internationally?
A: In 2006, we were the first public Canadian university to receive accreditation in the United States through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of six regional organizations in the U.S. that does so. Moreover, we have international partnerships and collaborations with post-secondary institutions around the globe. We love the world, and the world loves us.
Q: How big is AU?
A: Pretty big. We have over 45,000 learners and 1,000 faculty and staff members. Our over 850 courses are studied by a student body that spans 87 countries.
Q: How does an AU education compare to that of a traditional university?
A: Let's talk fruit. Because it's apples to apples. We offer a rigorous, high-quality university education that is directly comparable to other post-secondary institutions. The only difference is that we do it online (and we're really good at it, too).
Q: Will an education from AU help me increase my employment opportunities?
A: Absolutely. We pride ourselves on a very high rate of employment for our learners upon graduation. In fact, 90% of former AU learners say they are in a job related to their field of study. Plus, 73% of our learners work while they study, so they can secure career advancement as soon as they graduate.
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"AU has allowed me to broaden my horizons and to learn at my own pace — when and where I can find the time. Since enrolling last year, my newly acquired skills have already afforded me opportunities for career advancement. I spent 10 years as a financial advisor, and am now taking the leap into management with future potential of leading my own team or maybe even an entire district."Norah Surcon (Current Learner, Bachelor of Commerce) |
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AU By The Numbers
Ready For Anything. Ready For Anywhere.
More than
95%
of our grads are satisfied with
the quality of their AU education
More than
95%
of our grads would recommend
AU to others
Nearly
90%
say they are in a job related
to their field of study
AU serves over 45,000 learners around the world.
AU offers over 850 courses in more than 55 undergraduate and graduate programs in a range of arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.
AU employs over 1,000 faculty and staff members across Canada.
AU maintains over 350 collaborative agreements with other Canadian and international post-secondary institutions, with professional associations and employer groups and with First Nations institutions and communities.
AU is home to five faculties, more than 18 programs, and over 70 majors and specializations.
PowerED™ at AU offers online, on-demand professional development courses for individuals and organizations.
Intro To AU
A Long Distance Relationship That Works
AU is Online. AU is Ready.
Flexibility and openness. They're essential in relationships. They may be even better in your education. The unique learning experience at AU has been perfected to let anyone get a leading post-secondary education regardless of where, or who, you are. By pairing cutting-edge technology with leading distance-learning practices, we offer learners a high-value education without the financial or time constraints of the traditional university experience. So when it comes to reaching your potential, go ahead: you do you, we'll handle the rest.
Study How You Want
Step outside the bounds of a traditional class schedule and discover the freedom that comes with completing coursework on your own time, at your own pace. We provide all the resources you need to complete your courses, while semesters are open and self-directed, letting you learn on your own schedule. With AU, your education happens when it fits your life. Whether you're juggling a full-time career, raising a family, or living in a remote arctic outpost (seriously, it's happened), we make post-secondary work for you.
Where you can attend AU:
Anywhere on earth
Where you can't:
The moon (probably)
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"I'm a very family-oriented person. Choosing to do my degree through Athabasca University means I've been able to live at home with my family, work at my family's business, and play soccer on the Grande Prairie Regional College team. These things mean so much to me."Leticia Oliveira (Bachelor of Commerce, 2015) |
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Tuition + Financial Aid
Intuitive Tuition
All-Inclusive Costs
Pricey campus bookstore? Never heard of it. With AU, the cost of a course covers everything you need to begin your studies. This includes eTexts, class materials, and access to a tutor or success centre. It's an all-in-one bundle that sets you up for success without breaking the bank.
With AU's online programs, you could save upwards of $20K a year compared to some other universities. Nice.
Less Fees, Less Problems
Here's a fact: Nobody has ever received a better education by paying more fees.
All of the courses you take at AU are individually priced and pay-as-you-go. That means you can space out your studies, and your costs, as you see fit. Think of it like choosing items off the world's most educating menu — pay only for what you want right now, and leave the excessive fees and administrative costs behind.
Want to start budgeting? Estimate the cost of your courses with our tuition calculator.
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"AU has also provided one unexpected benefit. AU has given me a newfound confidence in myself. I realize that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I now see that no matter how hard or how much I have going on, if I lean on my support team, I can make it."Natricia Walters (Current Learner, Bachelor of Commerce) |
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Financial Support
If you're in need of a financial boost, we can help. AU learners have access to a wide range of funding options, including scholarships, awards, bursaries, and financial aid.
Chat with an AU advisor to learn more, or explore AU's student financial aid options.
Timeline
Ready Since 1970
1970A New UniversityAU is established by Order in Council of the Government of Alberta. |
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1976Degrees By DistanceBachelor of Arts: Liberal Studies and Bachelor of General Studies become the first degrees offered by AU. |
1977A Year of FirstsAU purchases its first computers, offers courses via television for the first time, and confers degrees on its first two graduates. |
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1984A Campus of its OwnFour years after it was granted land in Athabasca, AU moves into its newly built campus, maintaining satellite learning centres across the province. |
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1986Leading Distance EducationAU establishes the Centre for Distance Education cementing its role as a global leader in distance education scholarship. |
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1990Expanding OfferingsThe first students are accepted into AU's Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Commerce, and Bachelor of Science, and AU debuts Certificates in Accounting and Labour Studies. |
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1994Moving OnlineAU's Centre of Innovation Management, now the Faculty of Business, launches the world's first fully interactive and online MBA program. |
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2000Evolving FieldsAU's Faculty of Health Disciplines launches the Master of Health Studies program to great demand. |
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2001Supporting Indigenous ScholarshipAU establishes the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research, staffed entirely by Indigenous people. |
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2004A Shifting PointAU transforms its governing practices to align with other Canadian institutions and establishes the faculty system present today, creating greater flexibility for learners to study across multiple subjects within a single degree. |
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2007Open AccessThe AU press is founded with the principal aim of reducing barriers to knowledge by providing free online access to their publication. |
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2013Awarding DoctoratesAU awards five degrees to member of the first cohort of the Doctor of Education (Distance Education), the first doctorates issued by the institution. |
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2018The Learning Environment of TomorrowAU becomes the first Canadian post-secondary institution to partner with Amazon Web Services to revolutionize the digital cloud-based learning experience. |
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2019A Path of ConciliationThe Centre of World Indigenous Knowledge and Research is renamed Nukskahtowin as par of AU's renewed commitment to reciprocity and working in partnership with Indigenous peoples, nations, and communities in our reconciliation journey. |
2019Meeting Evolving NeedsPowerEDTM by AU is established, offering online and on-demand professional development courses, micro-credentialing, and certificates in a fully digital environment. |
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2020
Beyond 50
This is just the beginning. AU celebrates its first 50 years, and continues
to innovate and build the university of the future.
Transfer Credit
Transfer Credit At AU
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Nobody wants to be taught what they already know. We celebrate the value of our learners' past experiences (academic or otherwise) through a robust transfer credit system. By receiving transfer credit towards an undergrad program, you may be able to reduce the number of courses you need to graduate, saving you time and money. If you've already put in the work, you may as well put that to work.
There are three types of transfer credit available:
1. Credit for previous education
2. Credit for work & life experience
3. Challenge for credit
Chat with an AU advisor to discuss what transfer credits may be available to you. You may uncover potential credits you didn't even know you have.
From AU To Anywhere
Attending another post-secondary school and need to fit additional courses into your busy schedule? Our online undergraduate courses start at the beginning of every month. It's a match made in transfer credit heaven. Register as an AU non-program (visiting) learner and supercharge your academic journey by getting credit for completed AU courses in your program at another institution.
Remember: We can advise you on which of our courses may transfer into a program at another institution, but the decision to accept courses for transferability lies exclusively with your home institution.
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"In 2008, I completed a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication with a minor in English. I benefited immensely from the creative writing courses AU offered. It is my wish to instruct one of those very courses someday."Marthese Fenech (Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication, 2009) |
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Applying To AU
Applications, AU Style
Applying For An Undergrad Program
As Canada's Online University, we do admissions a little differently. To make sure your education fits with your life, you can enrol for any of our undergraduate programs at any time, year-round. After you enrol, you'll be required to register for courses, all of which start at the beginning of each month.
Ready to get started? Learn more about applying to become an undergraduate student.
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"I was offered a teaching position in a rural community for the upcoming school year. We packed up our family and relocated. A few months later, I completed my Bachelor of Arts from AU while teaching full-time in a remote location. Without the flexibility distance learning afforded me, I would not have been able to complete my degree at that time."Crystal Zaugg (Bachelor of Arts and Masters Education, 2011) |
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Applying As A Non-Program Learner
Only want to take a few undergraduate courses without registering for an entire program? No problem. We make enrolling as a non-program student simple, so you can start registering for the courses you need right away.
Learn more about taking AU undergraduate courses as a non-program student.
Applying For A Graduate Program
The application process to enrol in an AU graduate program varies by program. Unlike our undergraduate programs, our graduate programs have specific intake dates and requisites. We encourage you to take a moment (or two) to read through the requirements of your desired graduate program before applying.
Find all of the details on our graduate programs, including their next intake dates, in our program listings.
We're an open university. That means to qualify as an undergraduate student, you have to be 16 or older. That's it. No other conditions apply.
So what are you waiting for? We're ready where you are.
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"While taking my courses, I was employed full-time, and also researching and writing an intensive book on hydro-electric dams on the Peace River. AU does not forget its alumni, and I continue to receive (and accept) invitations to local special events. I definitely advise attendance at Athabasca University to friends and colleagues who wish to pursue further education."Shirlee Smith Matheson (Bachelor of Arts, 1992) |
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Studying At AU
Student/Life
School. Life. Balanced.
Most of your courses at AU will be completed through individual, self-directed study. Instead of attending lectures and managing weekly assignments, you'll be given modules specific to each course. Each module will contain everything you need, including readings, resources, and coursework. You'll also have ongoing access to a course website and tutorial support. All of this empowers you to complete your modules on your own time, at your own pace, with comprehensive support on-hand when you need it.
A Matter Of Time
Our self-directed courses provide you with the immense freedom of receiving the education you need, while living the life you want. And we're proud of that. But it will take a commitment from you. To complete your courses on time (and most importantly, to do well!), will require about 10-15 hours of study time per week, per course.
Plan for 10-15 hours of study time a week for each undergrad course you take at AU.
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"My journey landed me here, at AU, but it certainly doesn't stop now. Because of AU, I was able to reach my highest potential in gaining a job that I had always dreamt of. It is not like any other I have done before. I pursued what needed to be pursued, and I chased my dreams. I am now in a much healthier and happier place in life."Zainab Mahmood (Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, 2020) |
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Graduate Studies
AU graduate programs are curriculum-based or thesis-based, depending on the program. For thesis- and research-based programs, AU's tenured scholars will review your research proposal to see if it aligns with their area of study. As with other AU courses, all research and dissertation writing will be done online, with full access to AU's vast suite of academic resources, which include libraries and research databases.
For curriculum-based programs, coursework will be completed in much the same way as the undergraduate programs are completed: online and on your own time!
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"My professors were there to answer my questions — they always took the time and were very patient. One professor in particular was very inspiring to me. She would explain things with real-life terms in a way that I could understand."Claudia Heigl (Bachelor of Commerce, 2012) |
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So What About Exams?
Exam season is so last season. Instead of writing your exams during a fixed period in the semester, AU lets you decide when you want to write. So no matter when you're ready to complete your course, we'll be ready for you.
All exams at AU are written either on-site, at a supervised location, or at home, with virtual supervision. Regardless of where or how you write, all AU exams are overseen by an approved invigilator (aka an exam supervisor). Since there are no pre-set dates on which you have to write exams, you'll be responsible for scheduling yours ahead of time.
Our Canada-wide exam invigilation network (i.e., all of the places you can write your exams) has been established for the benefit of our Canada-based learners. If you live within 100km of one of these approved centres, you'll be required to complete your exams there.
Convocating At AU
Just because we're an online university doesn't mean we don't love a little pomp and circumstance. Like traditional universities, convocation at AU is a cherished tradition, one we've adapted for our globe-spanning community of learners.
When it's your turn to graduate from AU, you'll be invited to celebrate your remarkable accomplishment, in-person, at the annual AU convocation ceremony. With friends and family in attendance, you can walk across the stage and step boldly into your future. Life-long memories are guaranteed. Dry eyes are not.
2020 was one-of-a-kind. So was our convocation. In response to COVID-19, we took our ceremonies online, where we commemorated our incredible class of learners with the distinction they deserved.
Ready to get started with AU? Because we're ready for you.
Programs
Programs and Courses At AU
We offer over 850 courses across more than 55 undergraduate and graduate programs. Check them all out below. No matter what you want to do, or where you want to go, we're ready.
Undergraduate Programs
| Undergraduate Program | Major/Specializations |
| Bachelor of Arts |
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Bachelor of Commerce |
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| Bachelor of General Studies |
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| Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations (3-year and 3-year Post Diploma) |
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| Bachelor of Management
(3-year and 3-year Post Diploma) |
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| Bachelor of Professional Arts |
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| Bachelor of Science |
Architecture
Science (General)
BSc Majors:
Minors (Can only be taken with a major):
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| Certificate of Completion |
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| Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing |
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| Post-RN Bachelor of Nursing |
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| University Certificate |
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| University Diploma |
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| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate |
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| Degree/Diploma/Certificate Type | Study Areas |
| Doctorate |
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| Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies |
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| Master of Business Administration |
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| Master of Counselling |
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| Master of Education |
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| Master of Health Studies |
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| Master of Nursing |
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| Master of Science |
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| Graduate Certificate |
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| Graduate Diploma |
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| Post-Masters Certificate |
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| Post-Masters Diploma |
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Ready to get started with AU? Because we're ready for you.