Athabasca University 0 FACULTYOF BUSINESS » cover photo:

“You learn to juggle and you learn to prioritize. You truly learn the diff erence between what’s important and what’s urgent, and you become really good at it.”

Satvir Tkachuk, MBA ’17 Vice President Human Resources Manitoba Public Insurance “We are all driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to see each student realize their full potential. I am continually amazed at the extraordinary level of new knowledge created by each student as they move through the MBA program. The caliber of people involved – from students, to faculty to professors, to staff – is among my greatest source of pride in my role as Dean of the Faculty of Business.”

Deborah Hurst, PhD Dean Faculty of Business

Contents 5 Athabasca University 18 MBA accelerated route 7 Earn your MBA with Athabasca University 19 MBA accelerated route admissions 8 Work Life Family Grad Studies 20 Online MBA for Accountants 9 How online courses work in the MBA 21 Accelerated route MBA for Accountants 10 Moving beyond memorization to mastery 22 Online MBA for Supply Chain Managers 11 A team devoted to your success 23 Online MBA for Health Leaders 12 Curriculum 24 Online MBA in Hockey Management 14 Tailoring your program 25 Tuition and Fees - MBA for Executives 16 MBA Admissions 26 Tuition and Fees - Accelerated route business.athabascau.ca 4 Athabasca University An evolution in advanced learning

Athabasca University (AU) launched the world’s fi rst fully interactive online MBA program, and since then has continued to build a legacy of online excellence in graduate management education. Today, Athabasca University continues to be one of the largest providers of online education worldwide.

40,000+ AU students 4,000+ MBA grads 1st online MBA in the world

Athabasca University is a public university, fully accredited by the Government of Alberta, and reporting to the Government of Alberta through the Ministry of Advanced Education. In addition, AU is accredited in the United States (US) through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), one of six regional organizations in the US that accredits universities, and is a member of: › Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) › International Council for Open and Distance Education › Association of Commonwealth Universities › International Education Council › Canadian Association for Graduate Studies › MBA Roundtable › Canadian Virtual University › Universities Canada

“The MBA has helped me realize a more holistic view of the business by learning facets of every department from HR, to marketing, to fi nance, to operations. To be able to bring it all together adds tremendous value to any organization.”

Len Hoang, MBA ’17 Area Director Nando’s Canada business.athabascau.ca 6 “As an Indigenous woman that has a Masters degree in business, the opportunities are immense. I think it’s really important to know where you’ve come from, where you’re going, and to do whatever it takes to get there.”

Marcia Trudeau-Bomberry, MBA ‘16 President Wiikwemkoong Minor Hockey Association

Earn your MBA with Athabasca University The secret to our success is the same today as it was when we fi rst introduced our program over 20 years ago – an online environment that facilitates richer interaction than a traditional classroom.

The launch of the AU online MBA in 1994 broke down barriers In each course, students work in groups of eight to ten under of time and space for both learners and faculty and because of the guidance of a professor who facilitates active discussion our unique delivery system, we can employ faculty from all over and collaboration by guiding conversations and providing the world. insights and tools to help clarify points or themes.

As experts in their respective fi elds, with both academic In our unique online learning environment, interactions qualifi cations and industry experience, our faculty ensure that between students and academics is extremely high. Ideas, managers and executives gain practical implementation skills in insights, and skills are shared daily; views are exchanged all curriculum areas. and arguments defended. This is a crucial ingredient of a graduate level management education that has powerful Students representing a broad cross-section of industries, relevance to the real world of business. companies, and geographic locations bring an exceptional diversity of knowledge, perspective, and expertise to the rich online classroom experience. Work | Life | Family | Grad Studies We can’t promise it will be easy, but we can make it possible.

Time and location are barriers for many students when it At AU, you don’t need to take leave from work for a month, comes to classroom based learning. Organizing your life a year, or even every second Friday. In fact, you are never to attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school at set hours required to be online at a specifi c date or time – a feature of can be next to impossible. At Athabasca University (AU), you our program that allows you to study from any time zone, in schedule your school hours to fi t the rest of your life, and your any part of the world, any time of the day or night. program can travel with you, wherever you are in the world. Courses have pre-defi ned start and end dates, and clearly All of your course activities take place in one online defi ned expectations for discussions and assignments. learning environment that you can access on your laptop, However, you control your study hours – working at times home computer, work computer, tablet, and even your and places that are right for you as you participate in smart phone. asynchronous discussions and complete assignments.

business.athabascau.ca 8 “Athabasca University gave me the knowledge, confi dence, and tools to succeed. The online MBA program provided practical learning opportunities where I was able to immediately apply my education directly to current work experiences. The online program provided fl exibility and control over my schedule as well as an excellent work-life balance – I would recommend it to anyone.”

Justin Penasse, MBA ‘15 Vice President, ONFC Crisis Counsellor Entrepreneur

How online courses work in the MBA Peer-to-peer learning is key

Athabasca University’s MBA students are experienced managers with interesting and diverse backgrounds that span many diff erent industries, sectors, countries, cultures, and geographic locations. This diversity of opinion and life experience adds depth to the program’s curriculum, and helps students understand how theories can be applied in a variety of contexts.

Asynchronous Paced Asynchronous learning means you are never required Too much fl exibility can be as challenging as not to be online at a certain date and time. We have enough. AU’s courses have set start and end dates, students and academics across Canada and around the include a work plan with assignment deadlines, and world engaged in learning and teaching 24-hours a day. requirements for group work and collaboration within each course to keep you on track.

Online/Offl ine You control when and where Whether you are in Toronto or Dubai, at home, or mid- You are expected to contribute 20 to 25 hours to fl ight, you can engage with others and never worry your studies over roughly fi ve to six days per week, about missing a lecture. Our robust learning environment but when and where are completely up to you: early allows you to work online or offl ine, so you can draft your mornings, over your lunch hour – what works for you, work remotely and upload once you can connect to the works for us. Internet again. Moving beyond memorization to mastery Changing your perspective

How do you think through and respond to questions? Can you help others to understand your point of view by sharing insights and examples? Are you able to integrate new theoretical knowledge into your overall management perspective?

At AU we will encourage you to: Foster ideas Participation in group discussions is an integral part of the AU response, or to make sure you understand someone else’s peer-to-peer model, we want you to learn from each other. argument – is of fundamental importance to your studies and Cultivate the strength of your arguments, connect academic will help move you beyond memorization to mastery. theories and concepts to organizational issues, and most Make lasting connections importantly, eff ectively share ideas and thoughts with your peers. The AU online MBA for executives program allows you to Think it through expand your networks outside of your geographical area. Your fi rst answer isn’t always your best answer, that is one of You will develop relationships with students from across the challenges of a traditional MBA classroom model. At AU, time zones and countries, in diff erent industries and levels of we believe that having time – to think and refl ect, to craft a management – you are not constrained by time or location.

business.athabascau.ca 10 “I began my AU journey as an undergrad student, where staff assisted me with a plan to complete my business degree. After fi nishing my degree, I knew I could take on an MBA. The MBA journey was an amazing experience supported by great AU staff . I made life-changing connections with people from all across Canada and not only learned a great deal about business theory, but also about myself.”

Steve Madden, MBA ‘15 General Manager Grande Spirit Foundation

A team devoted to your success Tenured faculty Graduate enrolment advisors Academic faculty members for Athabasca University’s MBA for All MBA students are assigned an enrolment advisor upon executives are tenure track professors who conduct research, acceptance into the program. Enrolment advisors will work lead academic disciplines, develop courses, and teach within with you throughout your program to help you manage your master and doctoral level programs. schedule and ensure you meet your degree requirements.

Course professors Course development and production Professors work with small groups of eight to ten students in Course development and production are responsible for the each course, ensuring a high standard of student–academic editing, design, and distribution of all learning materials for interaction. Most professors are PhD qualifi ed, all have signifi cant your MBA. They ensure students have all the proper course industry expertise, and many are full-time faculty members at materials and applications required for successful completion. other universities. Student and alumni relations IT HelpDesk This group works to ensure you are happy with your The HelpDesk provides the resources and assistance you need Athabasca University MBA experience and that you remain to participate eff ectively in the online learning environment. connected with our school after you graduate. They arrange HelpDesk staff work extended hours to ensure your initial online events, send news updates, and manage social media learning environment is successfully setup, and will continue to eff orts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, be available for any technical assistance needs. and more. Curriculum

The work you do throughout your MBA program will give you the tools and confidence you need to take your career to the next level. Athabasca University’s MBA curriculum is challenging and requires you to connect the program to experiences in your own organization.

Time commitment Learn it today, do it tomorrow Students on average spend 20 to 25 hours per week on their The Athabasca University MBA for executives will enable you to: studies and are expected to be active online five to six days › Develop and hone a high-level strategic organizational view per week. › Think critically and become a more effective decision maker Core courses are completed in a pre-determined sequence and › Link theory and practice in varying contexts are each eight weeks long (with the exception of some Enhance your change management skillsa in-residence electives). The program schedule provides small › Further develop your leadership and related interpersonal breaks between each course and two longer breaks annually. › skills – networking, communicating online, collaboration, The MBA for executives program can be completed in two and and teamwork a half to three years, with a maximum of five years to complete all requirements.

If you have an undergraduate degree in business, you may qualify for our accelerated admission route — see page 18.

Award of Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM)

business.athabascau.ca 12 The MBA for executives program is completed in two phases:

Phase one – Foundation Developing a global management perspective

Phase one is comprised of six foundational courses (plus orientation) followed by a week-long comprehensive exam. The comprehensive exam is case-based, completed online, and requires you to integrate and apply all that you have learned up to this point.

Phase two – Core Honing in

In phase two, you will delve deeper into key senior management related issues, opportunities, and strategies. Four advanced core courses solidify your holistic, organizational view of the senior management function.

Phase two – Electives Specialization

In the latter part of phase two you have a choice as to how you would like to proceed; course based route or applied project route. With the course based route you will complete a total of six electives (five online elective courses + one in-residence elective). With the applied project route, you will complete a total of three electives (two online elective courses + one in-residence elective) and one applied project. Tailoring your program Whether you are looking to increase your expertise in a specifi c fi eld or branch out into new disciplines, you can customize your AU MBA experience to fi t your unique learning objectives and career goals.

Use your work scenarios as case studies Within almost all core courses, weekly discussions and individual assignments are focused on connecting your learning directly to your company and your industry. Our goal is to move you beyond imagining what you “might” do within a scenario and instead help you connect your learning to what is happening in the real world and in your workplace. You will come away from each course with tangible and usable knowledge and abilities. You’ll also have a series of deliverables you can take back to your organization.

business.athabascau.ca 14 “As a father of four and a busy executive, flexibility in course delivery was critical. The Athabasca MBA provided the opportunity to integrate my professional, family, and academic life through the online delivery model. Whether I was in the offi ce early, on a plane, or waiting for my daughter’s basketball game to start, I always had the ability to access, generate, and contribute course content. Without this flexibility, I would not have been able to complete an MBA program.”

Dean Doige, MBA ‘16 Executive Partner Gartner

Create your own electives concentration Applied project Electives are available in a diverse collection of subject areas. The applied project is a major academic research paper You can choose to concentrate on one subject area or mix involving a review of literature and systematic application things up and take courses in completely diff erent subjects. of concepts, models, and theories to a specifi c business Should you choose to concentrate on one topic, the following problem or solution. areas have multiple courses available: After submitting a proposal for an applied project, each › Project Management › Operations Management student is assigned a professor who acts as an academic › Entrepreneurship › Strategy supervisor. The academic supervisor is an industry expert Tailoring your program › Human Resources › Marketing who will guide and challenge the student through the › IT Management › Finance & Governance research process. An applied project gives students the › Leadership › International Business ability to investigate and analyze a challenge or opportunity in their workplace. Many students develop business plans in In-residence electives their applied project and launch new ventures as a result. All students must complete at least one in-residence elective which combines online work with an intensive week of on location, face-to-face instruction. These courses cover a variety of business topics and are off ered throughout the year in major centres across Canada as well as internationally. International in-residence electives off er students the opportunity to study and experience diff erent business practices from around the globe. MBA admissions

You can apply to the MBA through one of Please refer to our website for full, detailed three pathways: application instructions: › You have an undergraduate degree from an accredited business.athabascau.ca/mba-admissions university plus at least three years of managerial experience (managerial experience should include managing people, projects, or budgets, or any combination of these), or

› you hold an accepted professional designation and at least fi ve years of managerial experience, or

› you have at least eight years of managerial experience.

What should your application package include? 1. A detailed resume.

2. Three reference letters attesting to your management experience and readiness for graduate studies.

3. Offi cial transcripts of your post-secondary education and/or proof of any professional designations.

4. A succinct essay outlining your expectations from the MBA for executives program.

5. A completed online application form.

6. $200 application fee.

The requirements outlined above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Admissions Committee will make a decision based on a comprehensive review of your application including work experience, academic performance, references, and written compositions. Applicants without an undergraduate degree must apply to and successfully complete phase one of the MBA (first six courses and comprehensive exam), earning the Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM), and then apply to transfer into the remainder of the MBA.

business.athabascau.ca 16 MBA admissions

"Staying competitive in today's business climate takes dedication, hard work, and ongoing learning. AU's online MBA for executives provides real-world education in all key management areas and can be earned without sacrificing work or home life."

Jason Byrne, MBA '15 Regional Director Credit Structures, RBC Private Banking MBA Accelerated route

Finish your MBA in as little as 19 months if you already have a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management, or similar business degree. This accelerated route to your MBA recognizes that the academic knowledge you acquired in your undergraduate studies – in combination with the experience you have gained in the workplace since graduating – provides a solid base from which to advance into senior management study and practice.

business.athabascau.ca 18 MBA Accelerated route admissions

The accelerated MBA route gives you the flexibility to tailor your master’s studies to your own interests and career goals. Once you have completed two mandatory courses, you can design the rest of your program using a combination of online and in-residence electives, international electives and, if you choose, a major research project.

To be considered for entry into the MBA for What should your application package include? executives – accelerated route, you must have: 1. A detailed resume. › An undergraduate degree in business, completed within the 2. Three reference letters attesting to your management past 10 years*, experience and readiness for graduate studies. › grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 3. Official transcripts of your post-secondary education and/or credits taken, proof of any professional designations. › a minimum of three years of managerial experience 4. A succinct essay outlining your expectations from the MBA (managerial experience should include managing people, for executives program. projects, or budgets, or any combination of these). 5. A completed online application form. *Degrees slightly more than 10 years old may be considered on a case-by-case basis; additional courses may be required. 6. $200 application fee and a $269 transfer credit evaluation fee.

Please refer to our website for full, detailed application instructions: business.athabascau.ca/accelerated-mba

The requirements outlined above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program. The Admissions Committee will make a decision based on a comprehensive review of your application including work experience, academic performance, transcripts, references, and written compositions. Online MBA for Accountants

Athabasca University (AU) and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada are committed to developing global business leaders who combine solid strategic management skills with superior fi nancial management knowledge and an understanding of sound corporate governance.

Your professional accounting designation gives you enhanced access to Athabasca University’s online MBA for executives program and a unique opportunity to broaden the scope of your strategic management knowledge.

As you work through the online courses with other talented management professionals from various industries and locations, you will hone and expand your skills in managing information, people, resources, markets, and operations, and learn to think in terms of organization-wide strategy from the executive viewpoint.

AU acknowledges the advanced fi nancial education and experience attained by professionally designated accountants. If you have a CA, CMA, CGA or CPA designation, you will receive direct transfer of nine credits towards your MBA, allowing you to complete the program up to six months faster.

business.athabascau.ca 20 “The MBA transformed my decision-making processes and introduced frameworks and tools to think more strategical- ly and diff erently. Having earned an accounting designation, AU gave me transfer credits, which reduced tuition costs and time to complete the program. I would highly recommend AU’s MBA to other accountants wanting to take their careers to the next level.”

John Couto CGA, MBA ‘14 Finance Manager Community Natural Foods Ltd., AB.

Accelerated route MBA for Accountants

The accelerated route to your MBA recognizes that the academic knowledge you have acquired in your undergraduate studies – in combination with your accounting knowledge and the experience you have gained in the workplace since graduating – provides a solid base from which to advance into senior management study and practice.

If you have completed an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Management) in business within the past 10 years, you could qualify for the accelerated MBA admission route, allowing you to complete your MBA for executives in as little as 17 months.

For more information and to see which option you qualify for, please visit our website: business.athabascau.ca/mba- accountants “The SCMP designation opened doors for signifi cant career progression within the industry. The decision to embark on an MBA was an easy one with enhanced access to Athabasca University’s online MBA program for executives. The program is a perfect complement to build on my supply chain management experience and to broaden my strategic management knowledge.”

Marlene Houstan, MBA '18 Certifi ed SCMP, and MBA student Vice President, Procurement Infrastructure Ontario

Online MBA for Supply Chain Managers Athabasca University and the Supply Chain Management Accelerated MBA for Supply Chain Professionals Association are committed to developing strategic business Professionally designated supply chain managers who leaders who combine innovative management leadership skills already hold an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of with superior supply chain management knowledge, along with Commerce, Bachelor of Management) in business within the the highest level of integrity based on adherence to the SCMA past 10 years could qualify for the accelerated MBA route, Code of Ethics. allowing you to complete your MBA for executives in as little Your Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation as 17 months. gives you enhanced access to Athabasca University’s online For more information and to see which option you qualify for, MBA for executives program by providing transfer credit for up to please visit our website: business.athabascau.ca/scmp nine total credits, enabling you to fi nish your online program up to six months faster.

business.athabascau.ca 22 Online MBA for Health Leaders

Athabasca University’s collaboration with the Canadian College Requirements to earn your CHE designation: of Health Leaders (CCHL) allows students to earn both an MBA 1. Hold a current CCHL membership. and the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation, Canada’s 2. Apply to the CHE program before completing the MBA for only professional credential available to health leaders. CCHL is Health Leaders. You must apply to the CHE program prior a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to to graduating from the MBA to be eligible. developing, promoting, advancing and recognizing excellence 3. Once accepted into the program, candidates must in health leadership. successfully complete the LEADS Online Self-Assessment, Career Development Plan, and the online CHE Exam. AU Lead tomorrow’s health care industry with an education that MBA students are not required to complete the LEADS combines comprehensive business management knowledge in Action Project in recognition of their academic work in with today’s most advanced health leadership practices. health leadership while in the MBA program. After successful completion of phase one of the MBA, apply for For full details on the MBA for Health Leaders, please visit membership with the CCHL and then apply to the CHE program. our website: business.athabascau.ca/che

“AU’s MBA program helped me discover my untapped potential and design the future of my dreams, including a career in healthcare that touches millions of lives each year.” Louise Taylor Green, MBA ‘12 CEO Human Resources Professionals Association “I travel with the team and on any given night I’m either at an arena or on a plane. Managing team services for an NHL team while also earning Athabasca University’s MBA and CHP designation from BHI is challenging but AU makes learning on my terms doable. Every day I’m connecting what I’m learning to the Oilers and setting myself up for the next role. It’s already taking my game to a whole new level.”

Patrick Garland, CHP, MBA '18 Program Director, Hockey Engagement Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club

Online MBA in Hockey Management

The global entertainment industry is fast-paced, lucrative, and competitive. All professional sport franchises and entertainment businesses are looking to win fans’ time, attention, and money.

It’s not enough to be an exciting game with talented athletes. The idea of an elite MBA focusing on the business of hockey In today’s sports world, branding, operational effi ciency, and was fi rst conceived by Ritch Winter, President Wintersports fi nancial savvy are almost as critical to team success as recruiting Ltd., and Brian Burke, President of Hockey Operations, the best players. Calgary Flames. Together, they worked to make this MBA with a focus on the business of hockey—the fi rst of its kind in the Athabasca University has collaborated with the Business of world—a reality. Hockey Institute, leading sports agents, top management minds, and hockey executives to develop elite, hockey-specifi c For more information on and tuition fees for the MBA courses; a unique blending of the Athabasca MBA in Hockey in Hockey Management and the Certifi ed Hockey Management and the Business of Hockey Institute’s Certifi ed Professional designation, please visit our website: Hockey Professional (CHP) designation. business.athabascau.ca/hockey-mba

business.athabascau.ca 24 Tuition and Fees MBA for Executives Applied project route fees Application & Admission Application fee $200.00 due with your application Admission fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Phase One Six core courses $17,586.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Phase Two Four core courses $11,724.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Two online electives $5,862.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective in-residence (Canada) $3,900.00 due upon course registration Applied project $4,512.00 due upon course registration

Total $44,584.00

Course-based route fees Application & Admission Application fee $200.00 due with your application Admission fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Phase One Six core courses $17,586.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Phase Two Four core courses $11,724.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Five online electives $14,655.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective in-residence (Canada) $3,900.00 due upon course registration

Total $48,865.00

Students are provided with detailed payment schedules upon acceptance into the program. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Students may choose to take in-residence electives outside of Canada, or may choose more than one in-residence elective. Selections will aff ect overall tuition. Application fee, admission fee, transfer credit fee, and international student program surcharge are non-refundable. Tuition and Fees MBA for Executives - Accelerated route Applied project route fees Application & Admission Application fee $200.00 due with your application Transfer credit evaluation fee $269.00 due with your application Admission fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Core Program Two core courses $5,862.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective and Applied Project Four online electives $11,724.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective in-residence (Canada) $3,900.00 due upon course registration Applied project $4,512.00 due upon course registration

Total $27, 257.00

Course based route fees Application & Admission Application fee $200.00 due with your application Transfer credit evaluation fee $269.00 due with your application Admission fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Core Program Two core courses $5,862.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective and Applied Project Seven online electives $20, 517.00 ($2,931.00 per course) due upon course registration Elective in-residence (Canada) $3,900.00 due upon course registration

Total $31, 538.00

Athabasca University reserves the right to make additions, deletions, changes, or modifications to its policies, practices, procedures, tuition fees, course availability, delivery mode, schedules, or program requirements at any time without prior notice. The publication of information in this brochure does not bind the University to the provision of courses, programs, services, or facilities as listed herein. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the University’s procedures and policies and any specific requirements associated with the degree or diploma sought. Every student accepted for registration with Athabasca University shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the regulations and policies of the University and of the program in which that student is enrolled. Athabasca University specifically reserves the right to exercise its sole, absolute and unfettered discretion in admitting individuals to the University, its programs, or courses.

business.athabascau.ca 26 Tuition and Fees

Additional information on all of our MBA programs, how to apply, and associated fees can be found on our website, business.athabascau.ca/MBA For assistance, call 780-488-2832 or 1-800-561-4650 (toll-free in North America) or email [email protected] Faculty of Business Graduate Management Programs:

» Master of Business Administration (MBA) for Executives » Master of Business Administration in Hockey Management » Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) » Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) » Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management (GDLM)

Athabasca University Faculty of Business 201, 13220 St. Albert Trail Edmonton, AB T5L 4W1

Phone: 1-800-561-4650 (toll-free in North America) Email: [email protected] Website: business.athabascau.ca

@AthabascaUBiz athabascau.business @AthabascaUBiz Athabasca University Faculty of Business