Bachelor of Professional Arts Major in Governance, Law, and Management

At a glance

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

The landscape of organizational management has evolved, moving away from rigid "command and control" structures to emphasize flexibility, innovation, and ongoing learning. Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management is designed to equip you for success in this dynamic, knowledge-driven economy.

  • 37

    Average age

  • 100%

    Employment rate

  • $61k

    Median income

  • 100%

    Student satisfaction

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

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About Bachelor of Professional Arts Major in Governance, Law, and Management

Discover the power of choice in Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management program. Tailor your educational journey by specializing in areas that resonate with your career goals—whether it's governance, Indigenous cultural competency, women-focused or gender studies, political studies, legal studies, policy and management, or people and management. From understanding the complexities of public sector governance to diving deep into environmental policy or advocacy from the margins, you get to focus on what matters most to you.

Admission requirements

The Bachelor of Professional Arts is designed for students who have completed an approved 2-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited college or institute of technology.

If you don't have a diploma, you may want to consider our University Certificate in Public Administration. A combination of the certificate (or other post-secondary education) and related work experience may give you entrance to the Bachelor of Professional Arts program (see "Transfer credit" tab).

You will be considered a pre-program student until your admission requirements are confirmed. You can still take courses during this time.

In addition, applicants must also complete AU's English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.

Program details

Overview

Welcome to Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management—a program designed with you, the forward-thinker, in mind. Whether you're a diploma graduate or a mid-career professional, this online program is your stepping stone to leadership roles in the public sector or as a solid foundation for law school. With the flexibility to fit your life, you can confidently build the skills you need to elevate your career.

This interdisciplinary program will give you an understanding of:

  • the social forces and environment that shape modern governance
  • legal institutions and the differences in power among groups in society
  • the skills needed to take on leadership roles in public sector organizations

A variety of courses in each focus area means you can create a relevant degree that meets your professional needs. As justice is an elective stream, the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Governance, Law, and Management Major is also a good choice if you want to apply to law school after graduation.

Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?

AU's Bachelor of Professional Arts program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study 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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