Athabasca University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Arts (3-year), General is a multi‑disciplinary liberal arts degree that gives students broad exposure to social, political and cultural knowledge and research tools. The program emphasises independent and lifelong learning, developing communication and critical thinking capacities and the ability to undertake independent intellectual or creative work. While it is a well‑respected and marketable credential in Canada, the 3‑year General degree is not structured to provide direct entry to graduate programmes; students needing graduate access are required to complete additional coursework with a major.

What you'll study

Coursework introduces students to a variety of liberal arts fields and encourages comparison across disciplines. Learning outcomes include:

• Independent learning: self-directed intellectual, creative or ethical thinking and fluency with digital communication and research tools.
• Communication skills: conveying ideas effectively across disciplines, formats, media and audiences.
• Critical thinking: evaluating assumptions, synthesising diverse perspectives and producing evidence‑based responses with cultural awareness.
• Blending theory and practice: broadening perspectives on framing social questions and assessing information quality.
• Self-reflection and tapahtêyimisowin: recognising limits of self-knowledge and reflecting on self and community with humility, respect, generosity and kindness.

Entry requirements

The published program text does not list specific admission criteria. It notes that students transferring from a Bachelor of Arts (4‑year) into the 3‑year General programme should consult an advisor and the program planning document to manage course requirements. Students seeking a shorter credential may also consider the University Diploma in Arts, which focuses on foundational humanities and social sciences skills.

Career prospects

The degree is described as a marketable credential suitable for diverse career paths that value communication, critical thinking and independent learning. Because the 3‑year General credential is not intended for direct progression to graduate studies, students planning postgraduate programmes should expect to take additional courses that establish a major.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The source text does not specify scholarships or funding. Prospective students should explore institutional scholarships, external awards for humanities and social sciences, and financial aid options available to undergraduates at their institution; contacting an academic advisor or the university financial aid office will provide programme‑specific guidance.