Accreditation

AU is a publicly funded post-secondary institution, one of four public comprehensive universities in the Province of Alberta, Canada. You can rest assured that your AU experience represents a rigorous, high quality university education. We are a respected and recognized university with a proven track record.

Canada

AU is recognized by the Government of Alberta and reports to the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Advanced Education. AU's quality assurance mechanisms and program proposals are reviewed by the Campus Alberta Quality Council. AU has the mandate for the provision of university-level distance education programs in Alberta. Through Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act, the government authorizes The Governors of Athabasca University to govern the university and to grant degrees. Members of the board are appointed by Orders in Council of the Government of Alberta.

AACSB accreditation

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.

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 accreditation ensures continuous improvement and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.

Follow the link below to learn more about AACSB accreditation on the Faculty of Business website:

Learn more about AACSB accreditation

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Athabasca University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 27, 2024 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.

Athabasca University (AU) has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 2005. It is among a small group of internationally accredited institutions and the only Canadian university with this accreditation. As a public post-secondary institution in Canada, AU’s degree-granting authority is established by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education through legislation, and our participation in MSCHE is entirely voluntary.

After extensive reflection and consultation, AU has voluntarily withdrawn its accreditation from MSCHE, which is anticipated to take effect as of March 31, 2025.

Memberships

AU is a full member of the following associations:

Updated December 13, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)