The Bachelor of Professional Arts Human Services major is offered by Athabasca University's Centre for Work and Community Studies.

The BPA Human Services responds to the career and professional needs of career practitioners in the human services fields of early childhood, child and youth care, social services, and other closely related fields such as teacher assistants and counsellors. The program complements the diploma programs offered at community colleges in Alberta and across Canada.

Enrolment Requirements

The BPA Human Services major is available to:

• graduates of an approved two-year human services related diploma;
• graduates of a previous undergraduate university degree in an unrelated discipline (with at least one year of professional practice relevant to the Human Services major); or,
• students with a minimum of two years of university level coursework (with at least one year of professional practice relevant to the Human Services major).

Coursework and credentials must have been obtained from a college, university or institute of technology approved by Athabasca University. Individuals who have questions about the eligibility of their previous education for admission are strongly encouraged to contact the program coordinator.

Program Planning

Students are strongly encouraged to plan an individualized program of study to

• consolidate and formalize their previous learning
• build on their existing knowledge
• broaden their knowledge base
• explore areas of interest, and
• prepare themselves for future education and career choices.

Plan your program of study carefully to ensure that you meet all of the degree requirements. A maximum of 12 credits may be completed at the 200 level including any 200-level courses in the required common core. You must also complete a minimum of 18 credits at the 400 level. If you need assistance, or for general information regarding the Human Services major, please contact the program coordinator.

Prior Learning

Some students may qualify for

a) a maximum of 60 credits of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) towards entry to this program, or,
b) a maximum of 30 credits may be awarded towards the remaining credits in the program.

To learn more about PLAR opportunities within the Human Services major, please contact your program coordinator or the Centre for Learning Accreditation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Classroom Setting

In addition to completing this degree through online and distance learning, you have the option to take courses for the Bachelor of Professional Arts (Human Services) in a classroom setting at Lethbridge Community College (Lethbridge, Alberta). See Section 9 for more information.

To Bachelor of Professional Arts program.

Students must complete the following degree requirements within the Bachelor of Professional Arts program.