Athabasca University

What you'll study

The History major requires 45 designated History credits, including 30 senior-level (300/400) credits with at least 12 credits at the 400 level. Specific course-type requirements include:

• 6 junior (200) level credits in Canadian history: HIST 224, HIST 225.
• 6 junior (200) level credits in European or world history: HIST 201, HIST 202, HIST 205, HIST 209, HIST 210, HIST 216, HIST/GLST 208.
• At least 6 senior (300/400) level credits in European history drawn from courses such as HIST 304, 327, 371, 372, 373, 383, 407, 486, 492; HIST/GLST 384; HIST/CLAS/HUMN 309, 312; HIST/HUMN/RELS 313.
• At least 6 senior (300/400) level credits in North American history.
• At least 6 senior-level credits in the history of areas outside North America or Europe.

There are 15 elective credits tied to related courses across disciplines; examples listed include ANTH 320, ANTH 377, GLST/HIST/LBST 335, GLST/HIST 208, HIST/GLST 367, HIST/GLST/WGST 460, HIST/CLAS/HUMN 309, HIST/CLAS/HUMN 312, HIST/HUMN/RELS 313, HIST/INST 368, HIST/INST 369, HUMN/HIST 202, HIST/INST 370 and other HIST offerings.

Program structure constraints: total program 120 credits; minimum 75 senior-level credits (including 18 credits at 400 level); minimum 96 arts credits (with at least 18 humanities and 18 social science); science minimum 6 credits; residency requires at least 30 credits completed through Athabasca University. Maximums and limits on prior learning and credits in a single discipline also apply.

Entry requirements

Students follow the program regulations effective at their enrolment date and must declare a major when entering the BA (4-year). The English writing skills requirement is met by credit in ENGL 255 (students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 255 early), or a grade of B- (70%) or better in an AU English course above preparatory level, or credit for an English course with a B- or better. Students may change majors or add a minor (30 credits, with at least 15 at the 300/400 level) but must meet all major requirements. Degree-conversion and second-undergraduate-degree provisions exist with specific regulations.

Career prospects

Athabasca University states program learning outcomes that outline possible career options; the BA (4-year) with a Major emphasizes analytical and independent research skills and is intended to prepare graduates for occupational diversity and many graduate programs. Graduates are expected to have sufficient skills to undertake independent research in their major.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific scholarships and funding are not listed on this page; prospective students should consult Athabasca University’s financial aid and awards offices and the undergraduate scholarship pages for scholarships, bursaries and external funding that apply to BA students.