Athabasca University

Programme overview

This is a 120-credit, fully online Bachelor of Arts major in Women’s and Gender Studies. The program emphasizes critical, historical and cultural analysis of prejudice, discrimination, marginalization and oppression, and promotes feminist insights, resistances and interventions aimed at solidarity and social justice. Students may enrol at any time; there are no set start dates and you can register for courses immediately.

What you'll study

Students develop a broad understanding of how gendered experiences vary and intersect with Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, disability and related axes of difference. The curriculum trains students in feminist theory, critical thinking, applied social justice and creative problem solving to prepare them for community, workplace and civic engagement.

Entry requirements

There are no formal admission prerequisites for the four-year program. Applicants need to be at least 16 years old and may begin studying regardless of prior education. Transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) are available; if transfer credit is granted, a minimum of 30 credits must still be completed at Athabasca University.

Career prospects

The degree provides preparation for many kinds of graduate study and for work that draws on gender-based analysis, advocacy, community development and policy insight. AU reports a 94% employment rate, a median income of $45k and 97% student satisfaction for related cohorts (source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Tuition is charged per course on a pay-as-you-go basis and varies by student location and course. AU publishes estimated program costs in its Calendar and offers financial aid and awards; students are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries and other funding options through the university. Example per-course fee breakdowns are provided by province in AU materials, and an initial application fee is required to begin enrolment.