Athabasca University is Canada's Open University. Because we're online, open, and flexible, students can pursue learning regardless of location, life circumstances, academic history, or age. Athabasca University is a leading Canadian distance education institution renowned for its flexible and accessible learning programs. Established in 1970, it has become a pioneer in online and distance education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. As Canada's Open University, Athabasca University provides learners with the opportunity to study at their own pace and from any location, making education accessible to a diverse range of students. The university's innovative online platform, coupled with its dedicated faculty and staff, ensures a high-quality learning experience. Athabasca University is committed to empowering learners, regardless of their background or circumstances, to achieve their educational goals and pursue lifelong learning.

Program learning outcomes
The mission of the Bachelor of Arts is to strengthen your critical and creative thinking by offering a broad range of social, political, and cultural programs of study. A liberal arts education from Athabasca University is designed to broaden your perspective on local and global affairs, encourage community and social involvement, and prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity.

The 3-year Bachelor of Arts programs are well-respected credentials in Canada and the United States. While the three-year degree program is a highly marketable credential, it is not aimed at providing students with direct access to graduate level studies. Often an additional year of study is required to achieve that academic goal.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts with a major are expected to have gained sufficient analytical and critical thinking skills to be able to engage in independent research in their chosen major. Athabasca University does not offer an honours BA.

Students may also be interested in the University Diploma in Arts, which is designed for students who wish to obtain an intermediate credential that provides a grounding in the intellectual skills required of university studies. It is also a foundation for further studies in humanities and social science.