Program Highlights
Business Administration students may choose from three diploma options:
General Management Option
Students seeking a business studies program that covers a broad base of management functions choose the general management option. Sharing a common first year with other diploma options, the second year includes commercial law, consumer behaviour, e-business, management information systems, and entrepreneurial and small business management. These courses and others help students develop a broad range of business and administrative skills, and build a solid foundation for entry into the business world. Graduates find employment in entry-level positions with large and small organizations, in the private or public sector. Graduates are also prepared to start their own businesses or to enter directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration - General Management degree.
Accounting Option
For those seeking a focused program in accounting, the accounting option of the Business Administration diploma is the right choice. This option prepares students for entry level accounting positions in accounting firms, other businesses, or public sector organizations. Many of the courses within the Accounting option are recognized by BC's professional accounting bodies and some graduates go on to earn their Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) professional accounting designation. Students pursuing the accounting option may, on completion of the diploma, enter directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration degree - Accounting major.
Marketing Option
The marketing option provides students with practical skills and a solid foundation of knowledge for employment in a marketing environment. Second year courses include consumer behaviour, professional selling, retail management, services marketing, and entrepreneurship and small business management. Program graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in retailing, marketing management, public relations, non-profit activities, and international marketing opportunities. Graduates may also choose to ladder directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing degree.
Career Opportunities
A diploma in business administration will qualify you for a wide range of career opportunities. Depending on your interests and area of specialization, job titles may include, but would not be limited to, market researcher, sales and retail manager, advertising coordinator, and product manager.
Co-operative Education
Business administration students have the option of participating in Co-operative Education, which integrates paid, relevant work experience with academic study. The practical experience gained on these supervised, structured work terms is an integral part of the student's education. Graduates gain increased confidence, new employment contacts, and practical real-world experience.
Among the eligibility criteria, students must have a GPA of 2.33 or higher in the required business administration program courses and complete a Co-op interview. Students will be awarded a Co-operative Education designation on their diploma if they successfully complete EMP 100, BUS 197 and BUS 297 (in addition to their program course work). Please note: these courses cannot be used as program electives, and have registration fees in addition to the program registration fees. For details regarding work term sequences, eligibility requirements, sample job opportunities and wages, please contact Co-operative Education.