Bachelor of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies

Athabasca University’s online Women’s and Gender Studies program will develop or expand your knowledge of the established field of women’s studies and the emerging field of gender studies.

Discover how feminist and gender theories, concepts, history, methodologies, research and activism inform the lives and experiences of women across time and place. You will also learn about gender as a social construct within a variety of contexts.

Develop your awareness of the historical, cultural and political bases of prejudice, discrimination, inequalities and oppression. Consider and analyze how intersecting systems of oppression condition humans’ lives, including

• patriarchy 
• heteronormativity
• racism
• colonialism
• capitalism

You will explore feminist insights and alternatives that foster solidarity, equity and social justice among diverse human experiences and ways of life.

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

• Critically analyze the diversity of gendered experience in relation to race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, ability, age, and indigeneity.
• Analyze prejudice, discrimination, inequalities and oppression through historical, cultural and political lenses.
• Analyze feminist and gender theories by describing their evolution over time and place.
• Apply appropriate feminist methods and approaches to women’s and gender studies research projects.
• Distinguish the interdisciplinary nature of women’s studies theories, methods and approaches by tracing the influences of other disciplines on women’s studies and vice versa.
• Apply university-level skills in the academic research process, critical analysis, and argumentation to a variety of women’s and gender studies projects.
• Apply feminist insights and alternatives that foster solidarity, equity and social justice among diverse human experiences and ways of life.

Possible career options

• Addictions Counsellor
• Advocate for women’s/children’s rights
• Program Co-ordinator
• Researcher
• Teacher
• Program Advisor
• Child Welfare Worker
• Education Co-ordinator
• Residential Counsellor
• Lobbyist
• Journalist
• Mental Health-Care Counsellor
• Social Service Worker
• Fundraising Consultant
• Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
• Crisis Intervention Worker
• Life Skills Worker
• Rehabilitation Advisor
• Organizer/Coordinator 

• 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.