Bachelor of Professional Arts Major in Human Services

At a glance

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

The Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major is a degree-completion program designed to meet the career and professional needs of workers in the human services fields of child and youth care, corrections, counselling, early childhood education, personal support services, rehabilitation, social services, and other related fields.

  • 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 Human Services

Welcome to Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services Major, a unique degree-completion program that's tailored just for you—the dedicated professionals in child and youth care, corrections, counselling, and more. Here, your hard-earned knowledge and work experience are not only recognized but also enriched with a comprehensive understanding of the broader contexts that impact your field. Whether you're looking to complete your degree in as little as 2 years or at a pace that suits your lifestyle, our flexible, online program ensures you're well-equipped for leadership roles, without putting your life on hold.

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. You can also apply to the program with a combination of post-secondary education and related work experience.

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

The Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major is a degree-completion program designed to meet the career and professional needs of workers in the human services fields of:

  • child and youth care
  • corrections
  • counselling
  • early childhood education
  • personal support services
  • rehabilitation
  • social services
  • other related fields

Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major brings together your knowledge and experience with theory and research from the human services fields. You will learn about:

  • helping others respond to challenges in an ethical manner
  • advocacy, human rights, and policy-making
  • interpreting clients' situations in a rapidly changing environment
  • initiating an activist stance in professional activities

When you graduate, you will have a sound knowledge of the multiple contexts that shape your practice:

  • cultural
  • economic
  • historical
  • political
  • theoretical

You will also be prepared to take on leadership positions, including performing greater administrative, counselling, supervising, and managing functions in your field.

Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major?

AU's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services Major 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 engage with you in understanding the broader contexts that inform your life and work.

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.

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Resources and links

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