Business (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) at Algonquin College

Develop valuable business skills, get the big picture and learn to think like a leader.

The two-year Business Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a well-rounded education in multiple areas of business - from finance, accounting and marketing to operations management and human resources.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you develop essential business skills, such as:

• persuasive presentation and communication skills
• standards of excellent customer service
• advanced business computer applications
• problem solving

Complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities, including participating in a mock trade show and completing a professional business plan.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

This flexible diploma gives you many options after graduation. Graduates may find work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including:

• manufacturers
• financial institutions and insurance
• government offices
• retailers
• manufcaturers and non-profits
• medical facilities

Graduates may be employed as:

• entrepreneurs
• marketing assistants
• accounting support personnel
• management trainees
• sales managers

You may also choose to specialize your education after graduating, taking advantage of several articulation agreements that allow you to progress to advanced diplomas and degrees.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are well-organized and can work effectively under tight time constraints.
• Want to start a small business or use their entrepreneurial spirit to manage an existing business.
• Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
• Like using computer and technology applications and enjoy working in an office environment.

Careers

Graduates of Business Programs may work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including manufacturers, retailers, medical facilities, financial institutions, government offices, consulting firms, and other large and small businesses. As this program is general in nature, it is designed to offer the widest possible choice of career opportunities upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization`s business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
2. Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization`s business initiatives.
3. Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
6. Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
7. Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
8. Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
9. Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
10. Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
11. Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.