Athabasca University

What you'll study

Coursework is interdisciplinary and explores the social dimensions of work and labour. Topics explicitly included in the program are:

• labour history
• work organization
• women and unions
• the theory and practice of trade unions

The 4-year BA also allows the option of pursuing a double major (meeting requirements for both majors) or completing a minor (30 credits) from a range of subjects offered by the university.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements for this 4-year program; applicants must be at least 16 years old. You can apply online anytime, pay the one-time application fee, and begin registering in courses immediately. If you request transfer credit, provide transcripts for prior post-secondary study; AU requires a minimum of 30 completed credits at Athabasca to award the degree.

Career prospects

The program is tailored to those active in or aiming to work with trade unions and labour organizations and equips graduates with critical thinking applicable across public, private and nonprofit sectors. Institutional data and the 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey indicate an average student age of 35, a 94% employment rate for graduates, a median income of $45,000, and 97% student satisfaction.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Athabasca University provides financial aid and awards to help students overcome financial barriers. Tuition is charged per course registration on a pay-as-you-go basis and course fees vary by student location and other factors; estimated program costs are published in the university Calendar. AU also grants advanced credit for certain union education programs and for other forms of prior learning.