Skip to main content

Bachelor of Commerce Major in Indigenous Business

Guide to Indigenous-focused business cover

Accelerate your career as a future business leader—
online and on your own time

Learn moreRead the Guide to Indigenous-Focused Business Studies

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 120
  • Next start: monthly

At Athabasca University, our Bachelor of Commerce, Indigenous Business Major offers a unique blend of business education and Indigenous perspectives.

  • 38

    Average age

  • 91%

    Employment rate

  • $73k

    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 Commerce Major in Indigenous Business

If you're passionate about bridging the gap between business and Indigenous communities, our Bachelor of Commerce, Indigenous Business Major is designed specifically for you. This program not only equips you with a strong business foundation but also immerses you in Indigenous cultural principles and governance, preparing you for specialized roles in leadership, management, community development, and negotiation.

Admission requirements

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

Please note: If you have a degree in administration, business, commerce or management, or a degree with a related major or concentration from AU or another university, you cannot apply to the Bachelor of Commerce, Indigenous Business Major program.

Program details

Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce, Indigenous Business Major is a business program unique to Athabasca University. This major:

  • focuses on principles of Indigenous (Aboriginal) business and governance
  • acknowledges and develops the role of traditional knowledge
  • blends cultural relevance into the core management curriculum

If you have career interests in Indigenous business, this program will allow you to concentrate your studies in areas such as:

  • leadership
  • management
  • community development
  • negotiation

Why take the Bachelor of Commerce?

The Bachelor of Commerce is one of the most highly recognized credentials in the Canadian business community.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business logo

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Commerce, Indigenous Business Major is a 4-year online degree program. If you already have a post-secondary diploma, you can take the shorter post-diploma route. There are no set start dates - you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

Post-diploma route

There are 2 possible routes into the post-diploma option, with an additional option available for students who have completed a business diploma in Ontario. Faculty of Business diploma to degree routes.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years (post-diploma route) or 4 years (degree route) 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 don't qualify for the post-diploma route, you can still get credit for courses at other institutions, or life experience. However, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU. More about transfer and advanced credit at AU

More about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Transfer credit will not be accepted if course(s) completed more than:

  • 10 years ago in the business and administrative studies area of study at the senior (300/400) level;
  • 5 years ago in CMIS (all levels);
  • 10 years ago in statistics (all levels).

If you are currently working in the field and provide evidence of work being completed, this restriction may be waived. Transfer credit being used to satisfy options other than those in the business and administrative studies area will not be restricted.

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.