All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. Learn more
Overview
Gain practical business knowledge in courses blending theory and hands-on learning in the core areas of business including economics, communication and organizational behaviour. Build a career in one of six majors - accounting, financial services, human resource management, management, marketing or supply chain management.
Engage in small classes with active, collaborative coursework, learning from faculty with real business experience. You work in teams to deliver projects, present strategies and meet business goals.
You start with a common first year to build core business skills. In year two, you become proficient in your choice of major: Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.
You begin the program with a small business simulation. Then you 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.
You graduate ready to start a great business career with the option to ladder 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 to SAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration degree in order 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 skills in human resource (HR) management 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. |
Is this the right fit for me?
To achieve success in this program, students should:
- attend and actively participate in all classes
- spend five to eight hours per week on each course outside of regular class time
- be proficient in Windows and Microsoft Office
- be prepared to work in teams
- become familiar and adhere to SAIT’s policies and procedures
- have strong written and oral communication skills.
If you are engaged in campus life and take advantage of SAIT services and resources, you may be more likely to experience success in SAIT's programs.
Accreditation
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.
Career opportunities
Career potential for graduates of this program vary by major. Potential positions include:
- Accounting: accountant, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, business analyst, payroll clerk
- Financial Services: fraud investigator, financial planner, financial services representative, insurance claims representative, mortgage assistant
- Human Resource Management: benefits advisor, HR coordinator, payroll coordinator, recruiter
- Management: account manager, conference director, management trainee, operations manager, project coordinator
- Marketing: advertising coordinator, business analyst, business development advisor, marketing and communications specialist, marketing coordinator
- Supply Chain Management: buyer, commodity manager, inventory analyst, logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst

Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,130
Year 2: $6,130
Year 1 (International): $18,686
Year 2 (International): $18,686
Year 1: TBA
Year 2: TBA
Year 1 (International): $17,721 (+fees TBD)
Year 2 (International): $18,961 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, until the program start date.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
- Students enrolled in Fall intake will complete two semesters followed by a semester break
- Students enrolled in Winter intake will complete two semesters followed by a semester break
- Students enrolled in Spring intake will complete three semesters followed by a semester break.
Shifting career gears: From the art of ballet to the business of accounting
How a SAIT business student — and ballerina — transitioned from dance to Business Administration, Accounting.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30, or at least 60% in Applied Math 30 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.
Are you an international student? Check out our ELF and BA Plus program.
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 Business Administration and submit your transcripts and or final anticipated grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Communication during selection
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 business@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
This program consists of 60 credits (20 courses). 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
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 1 of 6) | ||
ACCT-255 | Introductory Financial Accounting II | 3.0 |
BFIN-255 | Personal Financial Planning | 3.0 |
HRMT-320 | Human Resource Management | 3.0 |
MKTG-275 | Marketing You | 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 | 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 |
MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
Electives (Choose 1 of 3) | ||
ACCT-375 | Introduction to Taxation | 3.0 |
ACCT-395 | Computer Accounting Software | 3.0 |
PHIL-241 | Critical Thinking | 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 |
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 | 3.0 |
Semester 3 - Human Resource Management Major - Total | 15.0 |
Semester 3
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 |
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 Services Major - Total | 15.0 |
Semester 4
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
LDSH-360 | Business Leadership | 3.0 |
MNGT-360 | International Business | 3.0 |
MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
Electives (Choose 2 of 4) | ||
ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
ECON-355 | Economic Development Fundamentals | 3.0 |
MNGT-367 | Municipal Structures 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 |
MKTG-306 | Brand Management | 3.0 |
MKTG-336 | Marketing Action | 3.0 |
MKTG-340 | Consumer Behaviour | 3.0 |
Semester 3 - Marketing Major - Total | 15.0 |
Semester 4
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
MKTG-322 | Marketing Research | 3.0 |
MKTG-375 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3.0 |
MKTG-380 | Strategic Marketing | 3.0 |
MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
Electives (Choose 1 of 3) | ||
ENTR-350 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 |
MKTG-366 | Business Development | 3.0 |
MNGT-370 | Principles of Supply Chain Management | 3.0 |
Semester 4 - Marketing Major - Total | 15.0 | |
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 |
---|---|---|
MNGT-395 | Managing Strategically | 3.0 |
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 |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit Transfer Options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees *
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $4,908 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,130 |
2 | $4,908 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,130 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees *
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,373 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,686 |
2 | $17,373 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $18,686 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $17,721 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2 | $18,961 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
*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.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will be on Friday, Jan. 8 at 9 am. Watch your inbox for login details closer to your program start date.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November.
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 required this term.
Schedule Changes
First-semester students can’t make changes to their schedule until the first day of classes. The add/drop period, when changes can be made to registration and schedule, is from Monday Jan. 11 to Friday, Jan. 22 for full-time students.
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
Email: rose.campbell@sait.ca
Fall 2020OrientationOrientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020. To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page. DeliveryAll classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. How to register for classesYou'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page. Computers and laptopsThis 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 coursesTo support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices. Required textbooksThe booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start. 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 required this term. |
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.