Skip to main content

Bachelor of Arts General

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 90
  • Next start: monthly

Discover a rich and diverse education with Athabasca University's Bachelor of Arts, General program, where you'll delve into both the humanities and social sciences.

  • 36

    Average age

  • 89%

    Employment rate

  • $65k

    Median income

  • 95%

    Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

Be a part of the AU student community

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.

About Bachelor of Arts General

Whether you're captivated by history and literature or intrigued by sociology and psychology, our flexible undergraduate degree lets you explore your interests while also offering specialized tracks for more focused studies. Get a broad liberal arts education with Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Arts, General. The general Bachelor of Arts program focuses on 2 major areas of study:

The humanities focus on the manifestations of what makes us human and include disciplines like the following:

  • history
  • languages
  • literatures
  • philosophy
  • religious studies

The social sciences focus on the study of human societies and include disciplines such as the following:

  • anthropology
  • global studies
  • sociology
  • political studies
  • psychology

You will also take some courses in science to ensure a well-rounded education.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for either the 3-year or the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Program details

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. You will learn:

  • analysis of local and global affairs
  • community and social involvement
  • critical thinking and applied analysis of arts

The general Bachelor of Arts gives you the greatest opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects in the humanities and social sciences. If you would prefer to focus your studies on a particular area, you may be interested in a 3-year BA with a concentration, or a 4-year BA with a major.

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Arts, General is a 3-year online degree program. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

A 3-year degree is a well-respected and marketable credential in Canada and the United States. It does not provide direct access to graduate-level studies.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 3 years of full-time study or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


Take your first step to online learning

We'll send you helpful information about programs, financial options, applying, and studying at AU.