Graduate Diploma in Management

At a glance

Credential: graduate diploma
Credits: 18
Next start: see program details

Get a solid foundation in general management with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Diploma in Management. This graduate-level program builds on and complements your existing management knowledge and expertise.

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About Graduate Diploma in Management

Take the next step in your management journey with Athabasca University's Graduate Diploma in Management. This 18-credit online program provides a well-rounded foundation in key management areas like strategy, human resources, and finance, making it perfect for those looking to bolster their existing skills or find an alternative entry route to our online MBA program. Plus, with flexible admission requirements, you don't need an undergraduate degree if you have at least 8 years of managerial experience, offering a tailored approach to your education.

Admission requirements

There are 3 possible routes into the Graduate Diploma in Management. An undergraduate degree is not required if you have at least 8 years of managerial experience.

See full Graduate Diploma in Management admission requirements

Program details

Overview

The program instills effective critical thinking and analytical skills across all key management areas:

strategy
human resources
operations
marketing
finance
economics

The Graduate Diploma in Management program is phase 1 of AU's online Master of Business Administration and you will take your classes with MBA students.

Why take the Graduate Diploma in Management?

If you would like to further your management education, but aren't sure if an MBA program is for you, the Graduate Diploma in Management is an ideal way to complete graduate-level courses while building your knowledge and skills.

If you don't have a prior undergraduate degree, but do have substantial management experience (8 years or more), the Graduate Diploma in Management provides an entry route into AU's online MBA program. After completing the Graduate Diploma in Management, you can apply to transfer into phase 2 of the MBA program.

The Graduate Diploma in Management is an 18-credit online graduate program. If you have taken previous graduate courses, you may be eligible for transfer credits.

All courses are online grouped study, with defined start and end dates. There is a comprehensive examination at the end of the program.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline	Start date
March 15, 2025	May 2025
June 15, 2025	Aug. 2025
Oct. 15, 2025	Jan. 2026

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

The Graduate Diploma in Management program is phase 1 of AU's online MBA. After completing the Graduate Diploma in Management, you can apply to transfer into phase 2.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 14 months of study. You can take up to 3 years to complete all requirements.

Tuition and fees

The following fees are effective for courses starting Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is added to all other goods and services; for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

program application and admission fees
Program Application Fee (non-refundable), required each time a person applies	$233
Program Admission Fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$913
Non-program fee	$124

Program tuition fees

program fees and phase 1 fees
Program Application Fee (non-refundable)	$233
Program Admission Fee (non-refundable)	$913

Phase 1 (6 courses at $3,341 each)	$20,046
Total	$21,192

Estimated program tuition cost (2024-2025)

The total tuition cost for a student who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $21,192.

Fees are subject to change. The Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) Fee (18 credits x $14/credit = $252) is not included in the above calculation.

Other fees

other fees
Course Withdrawal Processing Fee¹	$453
AU Graduate Student Association Fee (per credit)	$14
Comprehensive Examination Fee (repeats)	$310
Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee (1 time)(non-refundable)	$348
Program Transfer Fee	$134
Letter of Permission Fee	$100
Program Continuation Fee	$698

¹ The Course Withdrawal Processing Fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. Refer to the information on course withdrawal under Course regulations and procedures.

The university reserves the right to suspend students if their program fees are overdue.

Fee information effective Sep. 1, 2024 to Aug. 31, 2025.

Courses

The Graduate Diploma in Management at Athabasca University is a structured yet flexible 18-credit program designed to deepen your understanding of essential management principles. The program includes an orientation course, 6 core courses covering topics like strategic management, human resources, and finance, and concludes with a comprehensive exam. While most students invest 20 to 25 hours per week in their studies, the program offers opportunities for advanced standing based on your prior education and experience, potentially streamlining your journey toward a graduate diploma.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Management.

Our program regulations can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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Career options

Earning a Graduate Diploma in Management from Athabasca University opens doors to a range of career opportunities in various sectors including corporate management, health care administration, and nonprofit leadership. Whether you're looking to move up the career ladder or pivot into a new industry, this diploma equips you with the essential skills to excel in roles that require strategic decision-making and leadership.

Depending on your work experience and sector, some careers could include:

chief executive officer (CEO)
chief operations officer (COO)
director of human resources
general manager
project management director
supply chain director
chief financial officer (CFO)
director of marketing
director of strategy and planning
healthcare administrator
nonprofit executive director
director of business development
chief information officer (CIO)
director of sales
operations manager

Resources and links

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

Program resources

Additional resources

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