Bachelor of Arts: Political Economy Concentration (3-Year)

Number of credits required from Athabasca University: 30 credits.

Maximum credit awarded in this program for prior learning through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) processes: 6 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• exhibit generalist and specialist knowledge of the theories of political economy.
• critically assess challenges that are transforming the public and corporate sectors as well as civil society.
• exhibit a working knowledge of local and global political and economic practices, policies and institutions.
• demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics and needs of a globalized and increasingly knowledge-based society and marketplace.
• compete successfully and confidently in world-class businesses.
• use effective leadership skills in government, the private sector or voluntary sector.
• demonstrate a developed knowledge base and acquired skills.

Program Goals

The general program goals are to

• make accessible to both beginning students and professionals in Canada , and globally, a high quality academic program designed to understand and engage with transformations in political economy at the levels of the national Canadian state and the global community.
• provide both beginning students and professionals the opportunity to develop knowledge of global political and economic issues.
• provide students the opportunity to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the world's polities, economies, cultures and regions.
• prepare students of Canadian studies for Canada 's leadership role in North America and the global community.
• make accessible to professionals the retooling skills and an academic credential necessary for successful employment in an era of globalization.

Possible Career Options

• Research Specialist
• Analyst in foreign trade, business, the market or public finance
• Business Advisor
• Policy Co-ordinator
• Benefit Administrator
• Manager of not-for-profit organization
• Writer
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Possible Further Education Options

At Athabasca University

• Bachelor of Arts: Political Economy Major (4-year) (effective September 1, 2005)
• Master of Arts – Integrated Studies (MAIS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education in Distance Education (MEd)
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Distance Education Technology

At Other Educational Institutions*

• education: bachelor/master
• law
• journalism
• police studies
• social work
• teaching English as a second language (TESL)

* Some universities will not accept a three-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.

Updated March 25, 2009