Location
Start Dates

  • September 03, 2024
  • January 09, 2025
Duration

2Terms

Program Delivery

  • Any-time Online
  • Blended
  • In Class
  • Real-time Online
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $7,014
International: CAD $16,834
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $1,250

Not all courses may be offered in each delivery modality each semester.

The maximum course load for Fall or Winter semester is five (5) courses. Taking less than five courses for Fall or Winter term will take longer to complete the program. If taking condensed courses in the Spring/Summer term, the recommended maximum course load is two (2) condensed courses plus one (1) full-term (Spring/Summer) course. Students may elect to register in any combination as long as no more than two (2) condensed spring or summer courses are taken at the same time.

Note: Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses. 

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 should contact Regional or view our locations to connect with your nearest campus to express interest in this program. Regional program delivery is blended which includes a combination of online and in-person learning. 

Course Listings Request More Information Applying FAQ
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

Airdrie Campus
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

Airdrie Campus
Cochrane Campus
Okotoks Campus


Employment Rate

85%


Training Related Employment Rate

71%


Based on 2019-2020 domestic and international students who self-reported finding employment or training-related employment within 6-12 months after graduating.


Thelma Ogolo

 

"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."

Thelma Ogolo

Business Administration Certificate Graduate 2016

Course Listing


Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change. 

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.

With today's dynamic business climate and diverse workforce, the demands of managers to engage employees, be innovative, and be adaptive have become paramount to organizational effectiveness. As a result, managers are required to demonstrate a diverse range of skills which include, but are not limited to: planning and strategic management; effective decision-making and critical thinking; organizing human capital to facilitate efficient and effective work-practices; fostering positive influence to engage a diverse workforce with a focus on employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and performance; and implementing controls to establish and measure performance. This course provides the opportunity for students to explore key management concepts and the multi-faceted role of a manager within an organization.

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.

Confident business communication requires learners to explore the changing landscape of digital media, while developing writing skills and techniques to compose competent, professional communications. In this course, learners explore research tools to aid in effective oral presentations and strengthen interpersonal skills to be an effective communicator in the Canadian workplace.

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 critically evaluate day-to-day economic subjects in a personal and business context. Throughout the course the economy is examined at the aggregate level with an emphasis on the determination and measurement of national income in the short and long run. The role of households, businesses, government, financial intermediaries and the international sector in influencing national income is examined. Learners analyze business cycles, money and banking, inflation, unemployment, exchange rates, and fiscal and monetary policies.

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.

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 accounting and financial management profession requires you to be highly analytical and very detail oriented, with the ability to concentrate for long periods of time. You must also have good communication skills and be able to work independently.

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.

Alberta Learning Information Services: Occupational Profile

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. 

Though optional and not a requirement to graduate, learners are encouraged to apply for Work Experience (practicum), as Work Experience directly bridges classroom study with the skills needed in the workplace.  Learners have an opportunity to use their new technical skills; observe and integrate into the workplace culture; work on soft skills/communication skills; network with industry colleagues; gain reference(s); add experience to your resume; possibly gain extended employment or referral; and receive evaluation from the host. 

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and follow the application process to be accepted into Work Experience. The application process aligns with the competitive nature of a job search. Candidates are responsible and demonstrate a high level of professional and program expectations. Not all applicants are guaranteed a Work Experience position.

Applications for Work Experience (4 to 6 week unpaid practicum) are accepted by Career Services with Work Experience scheduled to commence immediately following the successful completion of all required courses in the final term.  Interviews and placements are arranged during final term through Career Services (Calgary placement only).   

It is important to note that both ADMN9999 and prerequisite ADMN9998 are non-credit courses and therefore not covered by student loans; students are encouraged to budget accordingly.

Find out more!

Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration. 

Once you are a registered student in a program at the Chiu School of Business, our Academic Advising team can also assist you with planning. 

 

 

Click on the link below to find out about Computer Requirements. 

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. 

 

 

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