Athabasca University

What you'll study

The major provides an interdisciplinary grounding in the social forces shaping governance, the functioning of legal institutions, and leadership skills for public‑sector organisations. A variety of courses in each focus area lets students tailor the degree to professional aims; justice is offered as an elective stream and the program can serve as a pathway toward law school. The full degree requires 120 credits.

Entry requirements

Admission is intended for students who have completed an approved two‑year diploma or equivalent from an accredited college or institute of technology. Applicants without a diploma are advised to consider AU's University Certificate in Public Administration; a combination of certificate (or other post‑secondary education) plus relevant work experience may also enable admission. Applicants remain pre‑program students until their admission is confirmed, but may take courses while documents are processed. All applicants must complete AU's English Language Assessment (ELA) before enrolment.

Career prospects

The program is positioned for learners aiming at leadership roles in the public sector or professions that benefit from governance, policy and legal awareness. AU reporting indicates strong graduate outcomes for the broader program area, reflecting employability and median income measures collected in institutional and graduate surveys.

Scholarships & funding angle

Athabasca University provides information on financial aid and awards to help overcome financial barriers; tuition for courses is charged per registration with estimated program costs published in the Academic Calendar. Students can explore AU's financial aid and awards options while planning study.