Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management

Organizations have shifted from "command and control" management to flexibility, innovation and lifelong learning. The Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law and Management (BPA-GLM) is a degree-completion program that will prepare you for success in today’s knowledge-based economy.

Athabasca University’s BPA-GLM is designed for recent diploma graduates and mid-career professionals who want to pursue careers in the public, voluntary or non-profit sectors. This interdisciplinary program will give you an understanding of

• the social forces and environment that shape modern governance
• legal institutions and the differences in power among groups in society
• the skills needed to take on leadership roles in public sector organizations

A variety of courses in each focus area means you can create a relevant degree that meets your professional needs. As Justice is an elective stream, the BPA-GLM is also a good choice if you want to apply to law school after graduation.

Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?

AU’s Bachelor of Professional Arts (BPA) 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 bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.

Graduates from the Bachelor of Professional Arts-Governance, Law, & Management (BPA-GLM) program will demonstrate the ability to:

• Evaluate key assumptions, concepts, practices and methodologies that are used to explain governance, law, and management activities.
• Apply theoretical perspectives from governance, law, and management to anticipate and avoid or ameliorate occupational problems.
• Execute appropriate responses to critical issues based on a careful analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources, recognizing the limits of these analytics.
• Communicate ideas orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences using structured and coherent arguments, informed by key concepts from a range of disciplines.
• Critically assess legal frameworks, institutions, processes, and the larger context of governance based on specific criteria, understanding the limits of current knowledge.
• Integrate legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct into decision-making relating to governance activities, legal frameworks, and management practices.
• Integrate diversity, inclusivity, and social justice into the decision-making process.

Possible career options

• Government or Not-for-Profit Manager
• Policy Development
• Customs Officer
• Policy Researcher
• Advocate
• Lobbyist
• Fundraiser
• Recruitment Officer
• Foreign Service Officer
• Correctional Services Worker
• Immigration Officer

• 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.