Athabasca University

Programme overview

Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Commerce (General) is a fully online, technically oriented business degree covering foundational business functions and ethical perspectives. The program is AACSB‑accredited and designed for flexible progression: the degree route is four years, while diploma holders can complete the post‑diploma route in as little as two years of full‑time study. Monthly admissions let students start at any time and study at their own pace; there is no fixed time limit for completion.

What you'll study

The curriculum addresses core business theory and applied skills across key areas. Topics and course areas named by the program include:

• Marketing
• Statistics
• Financial and management accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Information systems
• Strategic management
• Organizational behaviour
• Commercial law

Students may choose the general degree or select one of six majors (examples noted in program text: accounting, marketing, Indigenous business) if they prefer a specialised pathway.

Entry requirements

There are no formal academic admission requirements; applicants must be at least 16 years old and may enrol at any time. A restriction applies: if you already hold a degree in administration, business, commerce or management (or a related major/concentration) from AU or another university, you are not eligible to apply to this Bachelor of Commerce program.

Career prospects

The program aims to develop assessment, problem‑solving and leadership capabilities for business roles. Institutional outcome data reported by AU include an average student age of 33, a 94% employment rate, a median income of $76,000, and 92% student satisfaction (source: 2024 AU institutional data and 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey). Graduates typically move into roles that leverage marketing, finance, accounting and management knowledge and may apply coursework directly to workplace projects while studying.

Scholarships & funding angle

Tuition is charged per course on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis after an initial application fee; estimated program costs are published in the AU Calendar. The university offers financial aid and awards to support students. Fee tables are provided by AU showing per‑credit and per‑course charges that vary by faculty and location; students with prior diplomas can receive transfer credit which may shorten completion time and reduce total cost. Transfer restrictions apply for older credits in certain subject areas unless waived with evidence of current work in the field.