Athabasca University (AU) is a Canadian public research university that primarily operates through online distance education. Founded in 1970, it is one of four comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta and was the first Canadian university to specialize in distance education.
Accreditation
Athabasca University reports to the government through the Minister of Advanced Education and is publicly funded through the Province of Alberta. The university’s governing council is authorized to grant degrees through the Post-Secondary Learning Act along with governing its own affairs. Members of the governing council are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in council.
Under the Post-Secondary Learning Act, Athabasca University is considered a “Comprehensive Academic and Research University” (CARUs).[25] CARUs offer a range of academic and professional programs, which generally lead to undergraduate and graduate level credentials and have a strong research focus.
The university is accredited with the United States by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.