Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy

Political Economy is concerned with the interplay between politics, society and economics. It explains the crucial role of political factors in determining economic outcomes.

Athabasca University’s Political Economy program provides the knowledge and skills that students and employers need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. You will develop your knowledge of

• global political and economic issues
• the dynamics and needs of a global, knowledge-based society and marketplace
• local and global political and economic practices, policies and institutions

You can focus your studies in either Global Political Economy or Canadian Political Economy.

This program is North America's first distance education undergraduate degree program in Political Economy.

Why take the Bachelor of Arts?

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

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• Advance the knowledge of global political and economic issues from a variety of perspectives.
• Analyze the dynamics and needs of a globalized society in an increasingly knowledge-based economy with persistent structural inequality.
• Debate the evolving theoretical and conceptual debates in the dynamic field of political economy.
• Critically evaluate existing theory, policy, and practices in the era of economic globalization and global climate change.
• Apply the theoretical knowledge to research on specific problems/issue areas.
• Determine local and global linkages within political and economic practices, policies, and institutions to extend knowledge in the interdisciplinary area of political economy.
• Create connections with political and economic policy communities in the academic, government, non-governmental, and the private sectors.

Possible career options

• Research Specialist
• Analyst in foreign trade, business, the market or public finance
• Business Advisor
• Policy Co-ordinator
• Benefit Administrator
• Manager of not-for-profit organization
• Writer
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

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

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.