Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies Major

Overview

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

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies Major is an online, 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

Bachelor of Arts, Labour Studies Major (4-year online degree)

• A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
• The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
  • Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
  • You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
  • To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
• List of minors:
  • Anthropology
  • Canadian Studies
  • English
  • French
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Inclusive Education
  • Philosophy
  • Political Economy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Sociology
  • Women's and Gender Studies

Note: AU does not offer an Honours BA.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 4 years of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

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

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Transfer and advanced credit

AU grants advanced credit in the labour studies program for some union education programs. For example, if you have completed:

• a Labour College of Canada Intensive Program, you may be eligible to receive 9 credits
• the Canadian Auto Workers Paid Educational Leave course, you may be eligible to receive 3 credits
• the Canadian Postal Workers’ Union Education Program, you may be eligible to receive 6 credits
• the Alberta Union of Public Employees, you may be eligible to receive 6 credits
• the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, you may be eligible up to a maximum of 12 credits

We also grant credit for other union education programs and for other forms of prior learning, including life and work experience.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.

Tuition and fees

$feesIntro.text

Courses

Learn the dynamics of work, industry, and labour relations with our specialized courses in Labour Studies. Courses draw on history, sociology, political economy, women's studies, industrial relations, and other fields. Starting with foundational courses like Introduction to Labour Studies and progressing to advanced topics such as the History of Canadian Labour, our curriculum is designed to offer a well-rounded, insightful education, with flexibility to transfer up to 30 credits to meet major requirements.

Our program course plans 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 requirements

Program course plan

Calculate course fees

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.

Career options

With our online degree in Labour Studies, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Whether you aspire to be a trade union leader, a policy advocate, or a researcher focusing on labour issues, this degree offers you the academic and practical insights needed to make meaningful contributions in various professional settings.

Some top careers in the labour field are:

• labour/union organizer
• affirmative action co-ordinator
• placement manager
• union staff representative
• training specialist
• personnel consultant
• conciliator
• employment counsellor
• human resources administrator
• union labour educator
• trade union officer