Accreditation and memberships

Athabasca University is 1 of 4 research-intensive publicly funded institutions in Alberta. You can be confident your AU experience represents a rigorous, high-quality university education. We are a respected and recognized university with a proven track record.

Canadian accreditations

AU is recognized by the Government of Alberta and reports through the Ministry of Advanced Education. Our quality assurance processes and program proposals are reviewed by the Campus Alberta Quality Council.

We have the mandate to provide university-level distance education programs in Alberta. Through Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act, the government authorizes the Athabasca University Governing Council to govern the university and grant degrees. Members of the Governing Council are appointed by Orders in Council of the Government of Alberta.

AU’s Faculty of Business Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Management degrees are accredited by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada (CPHR).

AACSB accreditation

A.A.C.S.B logo and member seal

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) announced on Feb. 16, 2022, that Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business earned accreditation as one of the world’s best business schools.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.

Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.

Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, fewer than 6% of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.

AACSB will evaluate the Faculty of Business every 5 years to maintain accreditation.

AU Faculty of Business memberships

Our Executive in Residence program encourages new thinking and supports students as they start and grow businesses. The executive in this volunteer role acts as a business resource and mentor to our students and alumni.

Learn more about the program and our current executive in residence.

Other memberships

Updated February 02, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)