Program overview
Organizations have shifted from "command and control" management to flexibility, innovation and lifelong learning. The Bachelor of Professional Arts, Governance, Law, and Management Major is a degree-completion program that will prepare you for success in today’s knowledge-based economy.
Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts, Governance, Law, and Management Major is designed for recent diploma graduates and mid-career professionals who want to pursue careers in the public, voluntary, or non-profit sectors. This interdisciplinary program will give you an understanding of
- the social forces and environment that shape modern governance
- legal institutions and the differences in power among groups in society
- the skills needed to take on leadership roles in public sector organizations
A variety of courses in each focus area means you can create a relevant degree that meets your professional needs. As justice is an elective stream, the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Governance, Law, and Management Major is also a good choice if you want to apply to law school after graduation.
Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?
AU’s Bachelor of Professional Arts program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 2 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
The Bachelor of Professional Arts is designed for students who have completed an approved 2-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited college or institute of technology.
If you don’t have a diploma, you may want to consider our University Certificate in Public Administration. A combination of the certificate (or other post-secondary education) and related work experience may give you entrance to the Bachelor of Professional Arts program (see "Transfer credit" tab).
You will be considered a pre-program student until your admission requirements are confirmed. You can still take courses during this time.
In addition, applicants must also complete AU’s English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.
To self-enrol in the English Language Assessment, please follow the steps below:
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 significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). You can use PLAR credits either toward program entry, if you don’t have a related diploma, or toward program requirements, which could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.
You must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to complete the common core courses of the Bachelor of Professional Arts, plus those specific to your major.
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.
Note:
- Preparatory (100) level courses are not permitted in this program.
- Program allows a maximum of 12 credits at the junior (200) level.
- Program requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 400 level.
- Program requires a minimum of 15 credits in governance (GOVN) specific course work.
In addition, applicants must also complete AU’s English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.
To self-enrol in the English Language Assessment, please follow the steps below:
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
Graduates from the Bachelor of Professional Arts-Governance, Law, & Management (BPA-GLM) program will demonstrate the ability to:
- Evaluate key assumptions, concepts, practices and methodologies that are used to explain governance, law, and management activities.
- Apply theoretical perspectives from governance, law, and management to anticipate and avoid or ameliorate occupational problems.
- Execute appropriate responses to critical issues based on a careful analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources, recognizing the limits of these analytics.
- Communicate ideas orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences using structured and coherent arguments, informed by key concepts from a range of disciplines.
- Critically assess legal frameworks, institutions, processes, and the larger context of governance based on specific criteria, understanding the limits of current knowledge.
- Integrate legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct into decision-making relating to governance activities, legal frameworks, and management practices.
- Integrate diversity, inclusivity, and social justice into the decision-making process.
Possible career options
- Government or Not-for-Profit Manager
- Policy Development
- Customs Officer
- Policy Researcher
- Advocate
- Lobbyist
- Fundraiser
- Recruitment Officer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Correctional Services Worker
- Immigration Officer
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- Master of Public Administration
- law
- journalism
- police studies
- education
- library science
* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.