Location
Start Dates
- January 09, 2025
- September 02, 2025
Duration
2Terms
Course Delivery
- Any-time Online
- Blended
- In Class
- Real-time Online
Tuition & Fees
Domestic: CAD
$7,042
International: CAD
$16,881
Estimated Book Costs:
CAD
$1,250
Program Description
The Business Administration Certificate examines general business concepts and focuses on developing introductory skills in accounting principles, management, organizational behaviour, and marketing. With a well-rounded business education, learners can apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of industries. Graduates are qualified for entry level positions in the areas of accounting, office administration, retail services, marketing, and sales.
Time commitment
This is a one-year (two term) certificate program. A standard course load is five courses per term. Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses. Taking less than five courses per term will take longer to complete the program.
Online option
The Business Administration Certificate program is also available online. This gives you the flexibility to study at home. Your instructor is available to provide support and feedback through email.
Regional learners
Learners living in the area surrounding Calgary may take the online courses in order to complete the program. Contact Regional or view our locations to connect with your nearest campus to express interest in this program.
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Regional Applicants
regional@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233
Cochrane Campus
Okotoks Campus
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent
- Credit in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or equivalent
Or
Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test that consists of five tests with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Language Arts: Reading and Writing: 520 minimum standard score
- Math Test: 520 minimum score
Or
Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admissions Test
Additional admission requirements
Applicants should also be aware that many employers require completion of a high school diploma for consideration for employment.
English language proficiency requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Transferability
Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply. See our most current transfer agreements here.
Related Links
Domestic Applicants
Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402
International Learner Applicants
International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476
Regional Applicants
regional@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-476-2233
Cochrane Campus
Okotoks Campus
Employment Rate
79%
Training Related Employment Rate
58%
Based on Bow Valley College's Graduate Outcome Survey 2024.
"I loved that my instructors were not only knowledgeable, but they were also passionate about the courses they taught. It made for very interesting and insightful classes."
Business Administration
Required CoursesCredit
In the business environment, accounting and financial information are essential for internal and external decision-making. Therefore, understanding the basics of accounting and financial statements are important for every business graduate. This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts of accounting with an emphasis on decision-makers' objectives and use of financial information. Key concepts explored include accounting principles and standards, the complete accounting cycle, recording and reporting business transactions, and preparing and analyzing financial statements.
Learners are recommended to complete the Business Math Skills Self-Assessment (https://bowvalleycollege.ca/schools/chiu-school-of-business/MSA) prior to taking this course.
Note: Learners with prior credit in ACCT1101 and ACCT1102 cannot take ACCT1103.
The central theme of the course focuses on the relationship between thinking, human behaviour, and organizational effectiveness. Opportunity is provided for learners to experience incidental learning as they evaluate their own behaviour. Learners explore how concepts and ideas pertaining to human behaviour can transform self, relationships, and the workplace.
Learners apply their knowledge of human resource functions through multiple stakeholder lenses while aligning functions to an organization's vision and strategy. Utilizing business scenarios, learners transition through the employment cycle adhering to legal requirements, ensuring health and safety in the workplace, and building positive work culture initiatives.
This course introduces learners to the multifaceted roles of managers within an organization through theory and practical application. While analyzing and critically reflecting on the functions of management, learners have the opportunity to connect key concepts with their own professional practice. Topics such as strategic planning, organizational structure and design, leadership, motivation, controls, and team dynamics are examined.
Prerequisite: None
Introduction to organizations and sustainability articulates a management approach to integrating economic, ethical, and environmental responsibilities into all aspects of organizations working to benefit society. Learners examine ethics of business and constructs of morally appropriate behavior concerning decision-making and businesses' relationship with the community. Concepts and practical approaches are used to discuss and integrate sustainability criteria with business requirements, including performance management and evolving strategies as business needs change.
This course enhances a learner's confidence in business communication skills, preparing them for a professional career. Learners use strategies and techniques to develop effective communication while using digital tools. Through practical exercises focused on real-world dynamics, learners also develop interpersonal skills essential for today's workforce. Learners are required to participate in groups for developing collaborative competence.
The allocation of scarce resources in the face of unlimited wants and needs is at the core of economics. This course introduces the fundamentals of microeconomics and creates the foundation for economic analysis and thinking. The course starts with the study of individual choice and opportunity cost, then proceeds to introduce supply and demand and the market adjustments leading to equilibrium, and addresses the use of market price and the sources of market failure. It transitions to consumer behaviour focusing on how consumers make decisions, while creating a framework to understand how firms optimize production under different market structures. The course concludes with the application of microeconomic theory to more advanced topics such as international trade, marginal analysis and the trade-off between equity and efficiency.
Learners are recommended to complete the Business Math Skills Self-Assessment (https://bowvalleycollege.ca/schools/chiu-school-of-business/MSA) prior to taking this course.
A basic understanding of key elements of the law is an essential factor in successful business management. Learners apply legal fundamentals useful in today's fast-paced, rapidly changing business environment.
Learners are introduced to concepts aimed at providing a solid foundation of marketing principles and the role marketing plays in business. Emphasizing a holistic approach, learners have the opportunity to analyze and apply the marketing mix. Key concepts include product, price, placement, and promotion (4Ps), the Integrated Marketing Communications Mix (IMC), market research, and consumer behaviour.
Work Integrated LearningChoose one of the following courses:
Utilizing their existing employment, learners will apply what they have learned in their courses to identify a problem or area for improvement with their employer. In partnership with their employer and the college, learners will design their own project that integrates foundational business theory with real world application.
Learners apply the skills learned throughout their program to develop potential solutions to real-world problems faced by industry and community. Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate applied research, critical reflection, communication, and presentation skills while providing a viable, evidence-based, and practical response.
Program FAQs
If you enjoy math and like working with numbers, the Business Administration Certificate may be for you.
With job opportunities in small business, accounting and bookkeeping firms, this certificate will give you the background to calculate, prepare and issue bills; develop inventory reports; reconcile transactions such as accounts receivables/payables; and work in payroll.
Upon graduation, some of the positions that you will be qualified for include accounting technician, accounting assistant, accounts payable/clerk and receivable clerk, administrative clerk, and payroll/benefits assistant.
The Alberta Government provides up-to-date information on Alberta’s occupational profiles including wage and salary information. Click on the link to find out more.
Graduates of this program may be granted credits towards the following:
- Bow Valley College – Business Administration Diploma
Note: Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution you are applying to.
Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.
Academic Advisors can assist with program planning once you are a registered student in a Chiu School of Business program.
Click on the link below to find out about Computer Requirements.
Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.
The approximate cost of textbooks and other supplies is estimated at $750 per term.