Program overview
Athabasca University’s online women’s and gender studies program will develop or expand your knowledge of the established field of women’s studies and the emerging field of gender studies.
Discover how feminist and gender theories, concepts, history, methodologies, research, and activism inform the lives and experiences of women across time and place. You will also learn about gender as a social construct within a variety of contexts.
Develop your awareness of the historical, cultural and political bases of prejudice, discrimination, inequalities, and oppression. Consider and analyze how intersecting systems of oppression condition humans’ lives, including
- patriarchy
- heteronormativity
- racism
- colonialism
- capitalism
You will explore feminist insights and alternatives that foster solidarity, equity, and social justice among diverse human experiences and ways of life.
Why take the Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. The program is designed to
- broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
- encourage community and social involvement
- prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Arts, Women’s and Gender Studies Major is an online, 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
Bachelor of Arts, Women’s and Gender Studies Major (4-year online degree)
- A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
- The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
- Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
- You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
- To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
- List of minors
- Anthropology
- Canadian Studies
- English
- French
- Global Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Inclusive Education
- Labour Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Economy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- AU does not offer an Honours BA.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 4 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.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for 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.
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.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
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.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, plus those specific to your major or minor.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- Critically analyze the diversity of gendered experience as it intersects with Indigeneity, race,ethnicity, class, sexuality, disability, and beyond.
- Analyze prejudice, discrimination, inequity, marginalization, and oppression through historical,cultural, and political lenses.
- Use gender theories to deepen understandings of diverse ways of knowing and ways of living.
- Apply feminist insights, resistances, and interventions that foster solidarity and social justice.
- Apply appropriate intersectional feminist methods to research, creative, and community-basedprojects.
- Be prepared to employ women’s and gender studies perspectives in a broad range of academic disciplines.
- Apply the university-level feminist skills of critical thinking, applied social justice, and creative problem solving to bring positive change to communities, workplaces, and everyday lives.
Possible career options
- Addictions Counsellor
- Advocate for women’s/children’s rights
- Program Co-ordinator
- Researcher
- Teacher
- Program Advisor
- Child Welfare Worker
- Education Co-ordinator
- Residential Counsellor
- Lobbyist
- Journalist
- Mental Health-Care Counsellor
- Social Service Worker
- Fundraising Consultant
- Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
- Crisis Intervention Worker
- Life Skills Worker
- Rehabilitation Advisor
- Organizer/Coordinator
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- graduate studies in women’s studies or other related/unrelated disciplines
- public health/medicine
- social work
- community development
- human services
- journalism
- urban planning
- law
- education
- library science
- teaching English as a second language (TESL)
* Some universities will not accept a 3-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.