Athabasca University

What you'll study

The major provides in-depth technical and theoretical training in accounting and complementary business subjects. Core topics and areas explicitly included in program materials are:

• Financial and management accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation
• Financial management
• Management science
• Commercial law
• Economics
• Marketing
• Management information systems / accounting information systems

The degree totals 120 credits. A post-diploma route is offered for students with a recognized Canadian post-secondary diploma, which can shorten completion time.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements; applicants must be 16 years of age or older and may enrol immediately. Note that applicants who already hold a degree in administration, business, commerce or management, or a related major or concentration from Athabasca or another university, are not eligible to apply to this specific Accounting Major.

Career prospects

The program is positioned to prepare students for careers in accounting and related business roles and to support progression toward professional designations such as the CPA. Athabasca University reports an average student age of 34, a 94% employment rate, a $76,000 median income and 92% student satisfaction (source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Scholarships & funding angle

Tuition is charged on a pay-as-you-go basis per course registration and varies by location and course. Estimated program costs appear in the University Calendar. Athabasca University provides financial-aid options and awards to help students manage costs. Specific per-course fee examples for Alberta residents are published (0-, 1-, 3-, 4-credit fee breakdowns), and students can request transfer-credit assessment by sending transcripts. The university also outlines time limits on transfer credit in certain subject areas (e.g., senior-level business/statistics/CMIS) with possible waivers if current work evidence is provided.