Bachelor of Arts Major in History

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 90 or 120
  • Next start: monthly

AU’s History major is designed to not just teach you dates and events, but to equip you with the critical thinking skills needed to make sense of the present

  • 35

    Average age

  • 89%

    Employment rate

  • $65k

    Median income

  • 95%

    Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

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About Bachelor of Arts Major in History

The social changes of our era are part of a longer, more complex process; the study of history puts current issues and events into context. The history program at Athabasca University will help you:

  • see contemporary events in broader historical contexts
  • explain changing social attitudes as the result of specific contexts and events
  • recognize the ways knowledge is socially constructed and sanctioned
  • interpret historical evidence, assessing for possible bias

AU offers a wide variety of history courses, with strengths in Europe and North America, and a growing number of courses on global history and the history of Africa. You'll gain perspectives that allow you to see current happenings in a broader historical frame, understand shifts in social attitudes as products of their times, and identify how knowledge itself is shaped by society. It's not just about learning history, it's about understanding how the threads of the past weave into the fabric of now.

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for either the 3-year or the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Program details

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. The program is designed to:

  • broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
  • encourage community and social involvement
  • prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Arts, History Major is an online degree program, with both a 3-year and a 4-year option. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

Bachelor of Arts, History Concentration (3-year online degree)

  • A 3-year degree is a well-respected and marketable credential in Canada and the United States.
  • It does not provide direct access to graduate-level studies.
  • You can extend your 3-year degree to a 4-year degree at a later date, if you wish. Learn more about degree conversion.

Bachelor of Arts, History Major (4-year online degree)

  • A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
  • The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
    • Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
    • You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
    • To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
  • List of minors:
    • Anthropology
    • Canadian Studies
    • English
    • French
    • Global Studies
    • Humanities
    • Inclusive Education
    • Labour Studies
    • Philosophy
    • Political Economy
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Public Administration
    • Sociology
    • Women's and Gender Studies
  • AU does not offer an Honours BA.

Completing this certificate puts you on your way to achieving your Bachelor of Commerce, General or Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Indigenous Business.

Finish the concentration option in 3 years of full-time study, the major option in 4 years, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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