Master of Business Administration

Overview

Develop the advanced leadership and management skills needed to succeed in any sector with Athabasca University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program is designed for working, experienced managers, and professionals.

The Athabasca University MBA for executives will enable you to:

• develop and hone a high-level strategic organizational view
• think critically and become a more effective decision maker
• link theory and practice in varying contexts
• enhance your change management skills
• further develop your leadership and related interpersonal skills – networking, communicating online, collaboration, and teamwork

AU’s MBA for executives program integrates theory and practice by focusing on real-world business problems. You will use your own work scenarios and experiences as case studies, allowing you to connect your learning directly to your company and your industry.

Why take the Master of Business Administration?

Athabasca University launched the first fully interactive online MBA program in the world, and since then has continued to build a legacy of online excellence in graduate management education. Today, AU's Faculty of Business is AACSB-accredited and among the top 6% of business schools around the world.

Application deadlines and start dates

All courses (core and elective) are 8 weeks long and 3 credits (with the exception of some 6-credit, 10-week in-residence electives). The applied project is 9 credits, to be completed within a 5-month period. The MBA is 48 credits total.

MBA program structure and course descriptions

If you already have a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree completed in the last 10 years, and at least 3 years of management experience, you may be eligible for the MBA accelerated entry route.

Don’t have an undergraduate degree? We recognize the value of your past managerial experience – if you don’t have an undergraduate degree, but do have significant management experience (a minimum of 8 years), you can still apply to the MBA for executives program.

There are 3 intakes each year, in Jan., May, and Aug.

All course activities take place in one online learning environment in small groups of 8 to 10 students under the guidance of a professor. Courses have pre-defined start and end dates, and clearly defined expectations for discussions and assignments. Students are required to take a least one in-residence elective (Canada, US, and International options),combining online work with a week of on-location, face-to-face instruction.

Attend an MBA webinar

Join our program experts to learn how AU’s online MBA can work for you. Attend a live session or watch a previously recorded webinar.

Routes and options

Online MBA for executives

The AU MBA for executives is completed in 2 phases. After successful completion of phase 1, you will be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Management.

Phase 2 includes both core and elective courses, and the opportunity to choose either to continue with electives or to complete an applied project.

Online MBA - Accelerated Entry

If you already have a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree having completed the degree in the last 10 years, and at least 3 years of management experience, you may be eligible for the MBA.

Learn more about accelerated entry

Online MBA for Accountants

AU offers special transfer credit arrangements for accountants. If you qualify for the accelerated entry, you’ll earn your MBA even faster.

Learn more about the online MBA for Accountants

Online MBA for Health Leaders

Earn both your MBA from Athabasca University and the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. The CHE is Canada’s only professional credential available to health leaders. Learn more about the online MBA for Health Leaders.

Learn more about the online MBA for Health Leaders

Online MBA for Supply Chain Managers

If you already have your Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation, and are accepted into the online MBA program, AU will grant direct transfer credit for up to 9 total credits which allows you to finish your online MBA in Supply Chain Management program up to 6 months faster.

Learn more about the online MBA route for Supply Chain Management Professionals

If you have earned the SCMP designation and a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree, you can finish your AU online MBA for executives in as little as 17 months.

Learn more about the accelerated online MBA route for Supply Chain Management Professionals

For individuals who have successfully completed the AU online MBA for executives program within the previous 5 years, SCMA will grant advanced standing within the SCMP program for 2 modules and 3 workshops. AU MBA graduates will be exempted from the challenge exam typically required for advanced standing.

Get your SCMP designation online

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years (accelerated entry route) or 2.5 to 3 years (regular route) of study.

If you are in the accelerated route MBA program, you have up to 4 years to complete all requirements. If you are in the regular route MBA program, you can take up to 5 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

Fees

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

MBA Standard Route

Course fees due upon registration.

MBA for Accountants - Standard Route

MBA for Supply Chain Managers – Standard Route

MBA accelerated route

MBA for Accountants - accelerated route

MBA for Supply Chain Managers - accelerated route

Estimated program tuition cost (2023-2024)

Total tuition costs for the MBA will vary based on how a student chooses to complete Phase 2. For a student who takes all courses from Athabasca University and chooses to complete 2 online electives, 1 in-residence elective and an applied project, tuition would be $50,828. If the student instead chose to complete 5 online electives and 1 in-residence elective, tuition would be $55,700. Application and admission fees are included in the above calculation. AU Graduate Student Association fees are not included.

Tuition fees for students in the Accelerated Admission Route will vary based on how a student chooses to complete Phase 2. For a student who takes all courses from Athabasca University and chooses to complete 4 online electives, 1 in-residence elective and an applied project, tuition would be $31,107. If the student instead chooses to complete 7 online electives and 1 in-residence elective, tuition would be $35,979. Application, admission, and applicable transfer credit fees are included in the above calculation. AU Graduate Student Association fees are not included.

Other fees

¹ The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. Refer to the information about course withdrawal under Course regulations and procedures.

Fee information effective Jan. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2024.

Courses

The Athabasca University MBA program is structured in 2 phases, with the first phase covering an orientation and 6 core courses in subjects like strategic management and human resources, culminating in a comprehensive exam. The second phase allows for flexibility, offering 2 options: you can either take 4 advanced courses followed by 3 electives and an applied project, or opt for 6 electives. This arrangement lets you tailor the program to your career goals while adhering to set start and completion dates for a focused learning journey.

Our program regulations 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.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

Focus areas

Career options

Pursuing an MBA at Athabasca University opens doors to advanced leadership and managerial roles, equipping you with the practical skills and strategic mindset that employers highly value. Whether you're looking to climb the corporate ladder, make a career change, or launch your own venture, our accredited program provides you with the tools to make an immediate impact in your organization and industry.

Some possible career options may include:

• marketing director
• product director
• director of business analytics
• director of business development
• business intelligence analyst
• change management consultant
• supply chain consultant
• risk management consultant
• business process improvement consultant
• chief executive officer (CEO)
• chief operating officer (COO)
• chief financial officer (CFO)
• chief marketing officer (CMO)
• chief human resources officer (CHRO)