The three-year Bachelor of Arts program, as a general degree or with a concentration, is a well-respected credential in Canada and the United States. While the three-year degree program is a highly marketable credential, it is not aimed at providing students with direct access to graduate level studies. Often a “make-up” or additional year is required to achieve that academic goal.

Students who are currently enrolled in the four-year Bachelor of Arts degree and who wish to transfer to the three-year degree program, may find it is not possible to transfer all their completed courses because of degree requirements. If, after completing any three- or four-year degree, you wish to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will be required to enrol in the BA second undergraduate (four-year) degree program. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credits. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

You are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in your program. The Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test may be used to indicate competence in English writing skills.

Classroom Setting

In addition to completing this degree through online and distance learning, students have the option to take Bachelor of Arts courses in a classroom setting at Grande Prairie Regional College (Grande Prairie, AB) or Mount Royal College (Calgary, AB).

Enrolment Restriction

Students who hold a previous degree must enrol in the Bachelor of Arts four-year second undergraduate degree program.

Program Plans

Athabasca University advisors have developed a program plan to assist you. Counselling Services offers an assessment Web site, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University."

Degree Conversion Provision

The degree conversion provision is available to Athabasca University students who have been awarded a three-year AU degree and wish to convert to a four-year degree. For more information about this regulation, please review the Degree Conversion Provision Policy.