Athabasca University

Athabasca University is the only university in Canada that uses distance learning as its primary delivery method. Its mission is "the removal of barriers that traditionally restrict access to and success in university-level studies." Athabasca began as a pilot project in 1972 and graduated its first student in 1977.

Athabasca University offers a wide range of degrees and subjects at the bachelor's level. Some of the undergraduate courses are difficult to enroll in if you live outside Alberta, because they rely on regional television and radio broadcasts to present courses are available to students throughout North America, and the university is moving toward making any required television and radio programs available on tape.

Athabasca University recently started offering two master's programs. The first is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), which began operation in 1990. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for admission to the program. The MBA is not completely home study; students must attend two weekend school sessions and one summer school session, which adds to the expense of the program. The MBA is available worldwide and the university provides extensive support, including online tutorials and discussion groups. A final report or project is required.

The second graduate program offered by Athabasca University is a Master of Distance Education (MDE), which is a natural course for a distance university to offer. This master's program provides a formal credential for professionals in the field of distance education and training.

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2 comments:

Chris said...

One other comment regarding Athabasca's MBA, there are no residential weekend courses or summer school. But students must complete at least one of their elective courses in residence. These are one week long and are offered across Canada and internationally.

Chris said...

Just a little correction regarding Athabasca University's MBA program. It began in 1994 and does not require a GMAT. The program is delivered online and is the largest Executive MBA in Canada, with over 800 students currently in the program from all across Canada and several countries around the world. On three occasions it has been ranked as one of the top Executive MBA programs in the world by the Financial Times of London.