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Athabasca University

Bachelor of Arts (Three years—90 credits)

Regulations effective September 1, 2016.

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

The mission of the Bachelor of Arts is to strengthen your critical and creative thinking by offering a broad range of social, political, and cultural programs of study. A liberal arts education from Athabasca University is designed to broaden your perspective on local and global affairs, encourage community and social involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity.

The three-year Bachelor of Arts program 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 an additional year of study 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.

Students may also be interested in the University Diploma in Arts, which is designed for students who wish to obtain an intermediate credential that provides a grounding in the intellectual skills required of university studies. It is also a foundation for further studies in Humanities and Social Science.

English Writing Skills Requirement

Students must meet the following English writing skills requirement:

  • hold credit in ENGL 255 (Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program.);
    or
  • have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level;
    or
  • receive credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.

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 other institutions.

Enrolment Restriction

Students who hold a previous degree must enrol in the Bachelor of Arts four-year second undergraduate degree program. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credits.

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.

Concentrations

Bachelor of Arts Degree General
(3 years—90 credits)

Program Structure
Total credits in the program 90
 
Minimum Credits Required
At the senior (300 or 400) level 54
In the Arts (Humanities and Social Science) 66
12
12
Science 6
 
Maximum Credits Allowed
In any one discipline
45
Applied Studies and/or Science 24
At the junior (200) level 36
At the preparatory (100) level
6
At the junior level in one discipline 15
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits 6
 
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. 30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. 24

Bachelor of Arts Degree with Concentration (3 years—90 credits)

Program Structure
Total credits in the program 90
 
Minimum Credits Required
At the senior (300 or 400) level 54
In the concentration 36
Senior-level credits in the concentration 24
 
In the Arts (Humanities and Social Science) 66
12
12
Science 6
 
Maximum Credits Allowed
In any one discipline
45
Applied Studies and/or Science 24
At the junior (200) level 36
At the preparatory (100) level
  6
At the junior level in one discipline 15
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits
*A maximum of 30 PLAR credits is allowed if you choose the Labour Studies Concentration.
6*
 
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University. 30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. 24

 

Information effective Sept. 1, 2016 to Aug. 31, 2017.

Updated June 28 2016 by laurab

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