Available Intakes
Overview
Develop essential business skills and explore key areas of how businesses operate with practical industry-relevant coursework.
You’ll gain a solid foundation to start your career in business by learning from faculty with real business experience and engaging in small classes with active, collaborative coursework. You’ll work in teams to develop and deliver projects, present strategies, and solve business challenges and find opportunities to meet business goals.
You will start with a foundational first year of study to build core business skills. In year two, you will specialize in your choice of major: Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.
Early in the program, you’ll engage in a small business simulation. Then you’ll progress to your final capstone course: a global simulation of an international enterprise where you make all decisions from manufacturing and production to hiring your workforce, determining pricing and promotional strategy and more.
Upon graduation, you’ll have the in-demand skills to start your career in business, with the option to transfer into a business degree.
Majors
Business Administration diploma students can choose between the following majors:
| Accounting |
Gain intermediate-level accounting skills and a practical understanding of how to analyze a company’s performance using financial information. You graduate ready to enter CPA’s Advanced Certificate in Finance and Accounting program. You can apply for SAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree to pursue the CPA designation. |
| Financial Services |
Build skills to succeed in the financial services industry. You can write the Investment Funds in Canada (IFIC) exam to sell mutual funds. You graduate ready for an entry-level position in financial planning, retail or corporate banking, investing, insurance, trusts or compliance. |
| Human Resource Management |
Develop human resource (HR) management skills through an understanding of the recruitment process, the role of employee training and development, employment law, and HR information management systems. Graduates can launch their HR careers in areas such as recruiting, training, payroll and more. |
| Management |
Develop general management skills in project management, international management, human resources and leadership. You graduate ready to launch a career in human resources, administration, operations, projects, and more in any industry. You can pursue a Certified in Management (CIM) designation. |
| Marketing |
Explore marketing fundamentals and apply the latest trends in brand management, strategic marketing, research and planning. You graduate ready for a career in public relations, media, advertising, sales, promotions, events and more. You can pursue a Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) designation. |
| Supply Chain Management |
Learn how to build, maintain and support an efficient supply chain process. You graduate with an understanding of operations, procurement, logistics, performance analytics, and quality management. You can pursue a career in a variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more. |
Laddering and transferability
Students can ladder into this diploma program from the Accounting, Business and Entrepreneurship, Management and Leadership or Marketing certificates of achievement, as well as the Community Economic Development certificate.
Is this the right fit for me?
We find there is a direct correlation between the time and energy invested to the amount of success achieved. Remaining focused and diligent with coursework is important for success in completing the program.
You must be able to read, write, and understand the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English.
Professional designations and certifications
Graduates will have the opportunity to pursue a variety of professional designations, depending on their major. Additional exams, education, or work requirements may apply for earning a designation or certification. Completion of a degree is required in some cases.
- Accounting major students can pursue the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Professional Education Program, upon completion of a degree. See SAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Applied Business Administration.
- Financial Services major students will have the opportunity to complete the Investment Funds in Canada (IFIC) exam. The Financial Planning Standards Council recognizes the program as meeting the Core Curriculum requirements for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification.
- Human Resource Management (no formal agreement in place): Graduates can pursue a number of designations including Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR), and Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP). A degree is required in some cases.
- Management (no formal agreement in place): Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Canadian Institute of Management (CIM)
- Marketing: Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
- Supply Chain Management (no formal agreement in place): Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), Professional Logistician (P.Log), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Business Administration diploma.
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Career opportunities
Career potential for graduates of this program varies by major. Potential positions include:
- Accounting: accountant, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, business analyst, payroll clerk, royalty analyst, tax accountant
- Financial Services: fraud investigator, financial planner, financial services representative, insurance claims representative, mortgage assistant, personal banking specialist
- Human Resource Management: benefits advisor, HR coordinator, payroll coordinator, recruiter
- Management: account manager, conference director, management trainee, operations manager, project coordinator, purchasing specialist, store manager
- Marketing: advertising coordinator, business analyst, business development advisor, marketing and communications specialist, marketing coordinator, online advertising sales representative
- Supply Chain Management: buyer, category manager, inventory analyst, logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst, procurement specialist
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,480
- Year 2: $7,480
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $20,506.30
- Year 2: $20,506.30
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
In order to enrol in the program, you need the following admission requirements or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 AND
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1, or at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | - |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | - |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Twenty courses (60 credits), including electives, are required to complete this program. You can take up to seven years to complete all 20 courses.
Students studying full-time, with a full course load can complete the program in two years.
For part-time learners, a combination of online and on-campus classes may be required to complete the program.
Once you have been accepted into this program, you can register for classes through mySAIT.ca .
Program outline
Students take a common first year with an elective option in the second semester. In the second year they specialize in one of the following majors:
- Accounting
- Financial Services
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
The following is a recommended plan of study for full-time students taking a full course load (15 credits per semester). The program plan for students taking less than 15 credits may differ with regards to semester load and combination of courses.
First year
Semester 1 - Common
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| BCMP-225 | Business Productivity Tools and Technology | 3.0 |
| BMAT-230 | Business Mathematics | 3.0 |
| COMN-220 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| MNGT-200 | Introduction to Business | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2 - Common
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ECON-250 | Microeconomics | 3.0 |
| MKTG-260 | Marketing Essentials | 3.0 |
| MNGT-250 | Organizational Behaviour | 3.0 |
| STAT-270 | Quantitative Methods | 3.0 |
| Electives (choose one) | ||
| ACCT-255 | Introductory Financial Accounting II | 3.0 |
| BFIN-255 | Personal Financial Planning | 3.0 |
| HRMT-320 | Human Resource Management | 3.0 |
| MKTG-265 | Digital Marketing Foundations | 3.0 |
| MNGT-255 | Introduction to Management | 3.0 |
| SCMT-255 | Introduction to Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
| First year total | 30.0 | |
Accounting major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-315 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| ACCT-338 | Introductory Management Accounting | 3.0 |
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| MNGT-322 | Information Systems and Data Analytics | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-350 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 3.0 |
| ACCT-380 | Intermediate Management Accounting | 3.0 |
| FNCE-390 | Finance Management | 3.0 |
| Accounting elective (choose one) | ||
| ACCT-375 | Introduction to Taxation | 3.0 |
| ACCT-395 | Computer Accounting Software | 3.0 |
| PHIL-241 | Critical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Accounting major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Accounting major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Accounting major - total | 60.0 | |
Financial Services major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-375 | Introduction to Taxation | 3.0 |
| BFIN-333 | Money and Banking | 3.0 |
| BFIN-341 | Risk Management and Retirement Planning | 3.0 |
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 - Financial Services major - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BFIN-356 | Mutual Funds and Securities | 3.0 |
| BFIN-360 | Relationship Selling | 3.0 |
| BFIN-380 | Financial Planning Process and Estate Planning | 3.0 |
| BFIN-386 | Integrated Finance | 3.0 |
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Financial Services major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Financial Services major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Financial Services major - total | 60.0 | |
Human Resource Management major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| LDSH-360 | Business Leadership | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-322 | Information Systems and Data Analytics | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 - Human Resource Management major - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ELAW-350 | Employment Law | 3.0 |
| HRMT-300 | Talent Management I: Recruitment and Selection | 3.0 |
| HRMT-350 | Human Resource Information Management | 3.0 |
| HRMT-360 | Talent Management II: Training and Development | 3.0 |
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Human Resource Management major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Human Resource Management major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Human Resource Management major - total | 60.0 | |
Management major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BFIN-301 | Finance for Managers | 3.0 |
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| HRMT-320 | Human Resource Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 - Management major - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| LDSH-360 | Business Leadership | 3.0 |
| MNGT-360 | International Business | 3.0 |
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Management Elective A Course List (choose two) | ||
| ECON-355 | Economic Development Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
| MNGT-367 | Municipal Structure and Governance | 3.0 |
| MNGT-370 | Principles of Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Management major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Management major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Management major - total | 60.0 | |
Marketing major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| Marketing electives A list (choose three) | ||
| Semester 3 - Marketing major - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG-380 | Strategic Marketing | 3.0 |
| Marketing electives A list (choose two) | ||
| Marketing electives B list (choose one) | ||
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Marketing major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Marketing major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Marketing major - total | 60.0 | |
| Marketing electives A list (choose five) | ||
| BLAW-301 | Legal, Ethical and Security for Digital Organizations | 3.0 |
| MKTG-261 | Digital and Social Media Advertising | 3.0 |
| MKTG-303 | Creating Your Personal Brand | 3.0 |
| MKTG-306 | Building and Managing Brands | 3.0 |
| MKTG-322 | Marketing Research and Analytics | 3.0 |
| MKTG-336 | Marketing Action: From Concept to Creation | 3.0 |
| MKTG-340 | Digital Consumer Experience | 3.0 |
| MKTG-366 | Business Development and Customer Relationship Management | 3.0 |
| MKTG-375 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3.0 |
| Marketing electives B list (choose one) | ||
| DATA-410 | Business Context for Data Analysis | 3.0 |
| ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-370 | Principles of Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
| Second year - Marketing major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Marketing major - total | 60.0 | |
Supply Chain Management major
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| BLAW-300 | Business Law | 3.0 |
| ECON-305 | Macroeconomics | 3.0 |
| SCMT-300 | Operations Planning and Scheduling | 3.0 |
| SCMT-310 | Logistics I | 3.0 |
| SCMT-370 | Procurement I | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 - Supply Chain Management major - total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| SCMT-320 | Quality: A Supply Chain Perspective | 3.0 |
| SCMT-350 | Operational Performance Analytics | 3.0 |
| SCMT-360 | Professional Practice in Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
| SCMT-380 | Materials Management | 3.0 |
| Integrative Experience elective (choose one) | ||
| ACWE-300 | Business Diploma Integrative Experience Capstone | 3.0 |
| MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 - Supply Chain Management major - total | 15.0 | |
| Second year - Supply Chain Management major - total | 30.0 | |
| Program - Supply Chain Management major - total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,910 | $948 | $622 | $7,480 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,910 | $948 | $622 | $7,480 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20.506.30 |
| 2 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20.506.30 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
The Financial Services major has a maximum of three courses that require registration and payment to an external accrediting body of approximately $400 to $700 per course for an industry licensing exam.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Fall 2023 will take place online or on campus August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
For any questions, or to set up a virtual advising appointment, please contact our School of Business Advising Centre.
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Rose Campbell, Academic Chair, (Full-time program)
Email: rose.campbell@sait.ca
Grace McKenna, Academic Chair, Part-time program
Email: grace.mckenna@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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