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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, 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 and will 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.
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.
We find there is a direct correlation between the time and energy invested and 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.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
Graduates of this program with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+) may be eligible to enter the Bachelor of Business Administration program in year three.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options.
Early in the program, you’ll engage in a small business simulation.
Then, you’ll progress to your final integrated experience capstone course, where you’ll work collaboratively with students from other disciplines to address a challenge faced by a real local business or organization. You’ll work together as a team to investigate and analyze the challenge or problem before presenting a solution to company representatives.
English Language Foundations (ELF) and Business Administration Plus is an admission option for international students interested in studying Business Administration who meet the academic requirements of the Business Administration diploma but do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
Qualified applicants will complete the ELF portion of their studies and, upon completion of the appropriate ELF level 5, will transition to the Business Administration program.
Please note that depending on the ELF level you are starting at, it may take longer to successfully meet the required ELF level.
To apply, you must meet the admission requirements for the Business Administration diploma program at the time of application and present IELTS scores of at least 4.5.
You will be offered a seat in the Business Administration program once you achieve ELF level 5.
Applications can be made in the international virtual admissions system by selecting the “International English + Diploma” program.
You’ll have the opportunity to pursue a variety of professional designations, including Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM).
Additional exams, education, or work requirements may apply for earning a designation or certification. Completion of a degree is required in some cases.
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Business Administration diploma.
Careers and opportunities
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
Twenty courses (60 credits), including electives, are required to complete this program. You can take up to seven years to complete all 20 courses.
If you study full-time, with a full course load, you 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.
Business cores
Course | Credits |
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This course provides an introduction to financial accounting from the perspective of the user who makes decisions based on financial information. The course includes an introduction to the accounting framework, generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements. Accounting concepts such as accounting for cash, accounts receivable, assets, liabilities, sales and inventories, are covered in the context of how they are applied to decision making. Decision analysis regarding corporate ownership and application of financial ratios will also be studied. Equivalents:
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3 |
The use of industry-standard software is essential to effectively manage the information technologies that are required in business and online environments today. In this course, you will demonstrate skills in managing and customizing the Windows environment, as well as effectively using internet resources to enhance business productivity. You will develop skills in creating professional documents, managing data using spreadsheets and using technology for effective presentations. Through hands-on applications, you will learn to use productivity tools and application software in various business situations, and be able to select the right tool for the business need. Equivalents:
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3 |
Business Law outlines the Canadian legal system in the context of a business environment and empowers students to apply the law and make informed decisions concerning their legal affairs. Emphasis is placed on the construction of the judicial system, the resolution of disputes, tort law, contract law, business structures, and employment law. These legal principles are applied to personal and business scenarios. Upon completion, students will have an understanding of when to seek legal advice. Equivalents:
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3 |
Business Mathematics introduces you to mathematical techniques used to solve finance problems involving simple and compound interest, debt repayment, valuation of investments, simple and general annuities, amortization of debts, sinking funds and bond valuations. Equivalents:
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3 |
Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings. Equivalents:
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3 |
In this introductory course in Microeconomics, you will learn about economic principles involved in analyzing problems in the business and consumer sectors of the Canadian economy. Some of the topics covered are: economic scarcity, demand, supply, elasticity, and perfect and imperfect competition. Equivalents:
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3 |
Macroeconomics introduces you to the operation of the Canadian economy. You will apply economic principles to analyze a national economy. Topics include measuring and analyzing demand and supply, economic performance, and unemployment and inflation; As well, government fiscal, trade, and monetary policies are explored. Equivalents:
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3 |
Marketing Essentials is an introductory course offering you a solid foundation in marketing principles. Working individually and in teams, you will research and discover how marketing decisions are made and identify the components of sustainable marketing programs. Your research, content application and teamwork skills will be developed and reinforced as you progress through the course. Equivalents:
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3 |
The Introduction to Business course will provide you with tools to understand multiple business functions including: management, human resources, marketing, supply chain, and personal finance. You will also explore the Canadian business and economic system, as well as the importance of business ethics and social responsibility in an increasingly global environment. Working through a team project and business simulation, you will begin to develop a 21st Century skill set including communication, critical thinking, collaboration and effective teamwork. By the end of this course, you should have the foundations for understanding business and business ownership. |
3 |
This introductory course provides an overview of human behaviour in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level and the effect of each on organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, motivation, communication, teams, power and politics, conflict and negotiation, leadership, organizational culture, and change management. Equivalents:
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3 |
Quantitative Methods will build analysis skills through the study of basic concepts in statistics, including: sampling; measurement of central tendency and variability; probability and probability distributions; random variables; estimation; hypothesis testing; small sample theory; and regression analysis. Equivalents:
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3 |
Management major cores
Course | Credits |
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This is an introductory course in business finance with an emphasis on improving financial performance from a management perspective. You will study the various elements that impact financial planning, risk management and management decision making. From a variety of business function perspectives, financial elements including capital financing, debt vs equity, working capital and leasing will be studied. An overall analysis of financial statements, corporate structure, and capital budgeting are also included. Pre-requisites:
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3 |
Human Resource (HR) Management includes the foundational knowledge and skills required by HR Professionals and business managers. This course includes an overview of the field of human resource management, along with human resource planning, employee compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection and training of employees, performance management, government regulation and health and safety in the workplace. Equivalents:
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3 |
Business Leadership is a course that will take you on a journey of self discovery as well as an inside look at current perspectives of Leadership today. We all take on leadership roles in our lives. In business, success is often attributed to great leadership. However, today in business this role has evolved as has the business environment. Teamwork is an essential component of an organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. From time to time, you may be called upon to take on a leadership role for your work group, even without a title. Throughout this course you will gain the knowledge and skills to help you fulfill your role as a leader through your understanding of personal and organizational leadership. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
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3 |
Project Management introduces you to the standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute. We will cover both the technical and sociocultural components of project management at an introductory level, including project definition, work breakdown structures, cost and scheduling techniques, and an introduction to earned value concepts. Stakeholder communications, risk management, project leadership, and project closure round out the topic coverage. Equivalents:
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3 |
In this course, you will focus on the impact that international business has on the operation and strategic decisions of Canadian firms. You will be introduced to the threats and opportunities of globalization, international competition and regional integration. This course also includes traditional topics in international business, such as studies of the global environment, theory of international trade and investment, currency markets and modes of entry, as well as emerging issues of global value chains, gated globalization, and changing world order. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
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3 |
Business core elective (choose one)
Course | Credits |
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Building on the foundation established in Introductory Financial Accounting I, this course introduces accounting issues related to partnerships and corporations. Topics, including bank reconciliations, bad debts, capital assets, short and long-term liabilities, share capital, dividends and stock splits are explored. You will gain practical, hands-on experience in recording accounting transactions and preparing financial statements. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
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3 |
Personal Financial Planning is an introductory course offering the student a solid foundation in financial principles. The goal of understanding personal financial planning is to achieve personal economic satisfaction. Significant areas that will be covered will be setting financial goals, budgeting, income taxes, insurance, investment products, and retirement/estate planning. Equivalents:
|
3 |
Human Resource (HR) Management includes the foundational knowledge and skills required by HR Professionals and business managers. This course includes an overview of the field of human resource management, along with human resource planning, employee compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection and training of employees, performance management, government regulation and health and safety in the workplac Equivalents:
|
3 |
In this course, you will develop a practical approach to using digital, social and mobile platforms that achieve business goals. Current applications and tools, community management practices and legal/privacy issues related to digital marketing tactics will be examined. Teams will develop a digital plan that specifies the use of email, websites, SEO, social media and mobile marketing, all with the goal of targeting and delivering effective communication to digital media-savvy audiences. An emphasis is placed on the return on digital marketing investment and on building relationships that lead to a culture of trust. Equivalents:
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3 |
This introductory course examines the multi-faceted role of managers and leaders within the organization. Issues such as planning and controls, managing the team and group dynamics, and creating and leading change will be examined within the cultural context of the organization. Decision-making and communication skills from a management perspective will be developed in light of sustainability, ethical, and diversity issues combined with a constantly changing competitive environment. Equivalents:
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3 |
Supply chain management (SCM) is the movement of material and information through integrated processes in a supply chain to provide the highest degree of customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Elements of a supply chain include Transportation and Logistics, Procurement and Contract Management, Operations Management, Materials Management and Quality and Safety. You will analyze different components of the integrated process including: location choice, distribution system design, selection of suppliers and distributors, contracting issues, partnership formation, inventory policies, production plans and electronic data interchange. You will be introduced to the planning and management of the production and distribution of goods and services and you will start developing the skills needed to support the integrated SCM process. Equivalents:
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3 |
Management major elective (choose two)
Course | Credits |
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Economic development is the process of increasing prosperity within a community or region. This course provides an overview of the field of economic development and the roles of economic development professionals. The course examines the assessment of community advantages and disadvantages, economic development planning, funding of economic development projects and implementation strategies. Throughout the course, the student will develop an economic development plan for a case study community.
Equivalents:
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3 |
Entrepreneurship is a course offering you insights and experience into the dynamic environment of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Working individually through guided content and discoveries, you will evaluate yourself and case studies to identify mindset and career opportunities. In teams, you will work through the development and presentation of an applied business plan to explore the many integrated facets of business in entrepreneurial ventures. Your research, self discovery, application and collaboration skills will be developed and reinforced as you progress through the journey of entrepreneurship and innovation. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
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3 |
Municipal Structure and Governance introduces you to the economic development roles and responsibilities of the municipal, provincial and federal government. Additionally, you will assess various economic development delivery models. The role of land, infrastructure, and government policy and regulation will be assessed. The unique challenges, role and relationship with Indigenous communities will also be addressed. Equivalents:
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3 |
This course provides an introduction to Supply Chain Management, including the building blocks of supply chain strategy, designing the global supply chain, and collaboration across the supply chain. Students will develop an understanding of the supply chain from vision to implementation. Through a mix of theory and practical learning students will be able to develop and manage all aspects of a supply chain. Pre-requisites:
Equivalents:
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3 |
Integrative experience elective (choose one)
Course | Credits |
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In this capstone course, students from different disciplines work collaboratively to apply classroom knowledge and diverse perspectives to a challenge faced by a business or community organization. Combining their disciplinary perspectives for broader context, students will investigate and analyze the problem before presenting a solution. By adding a service-learning component that strengthens community ties, the course allows teams to showcase applied learning and technical skills in a project that expands the individual student’s workplace insights while also forging business connections. Pre-requisites:
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3 |
This course integrates the learning outcomes from pre-requisite courses to enable students to make sustainable and competitive strategic business decisions within a rapidly changing global environment. Critical thinking skills are utilized as students analyze and apply management strategies to business cases and make recommendations to maximize corporate results. Pre-requisites:
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3 |
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 >

Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following 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.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
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English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Winter 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Waitlisted
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Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023
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- International students: Closed
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Application deadline: Sept. 28, 2023
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Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
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- International students: Closed
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Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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- International students: Open
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Application deadline: May 29, 2024
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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 |
Additional fees |
Total per year |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | $5,910 | $1,570 | $7,480 |
2 | 2 | $5,910 | $1,570 | $7,480 |
Total cost:
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$14,960 |
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
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.

Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn moreApplication process
When applying in the application portal, select *program name here*. You will declare your major before your second year of the program.

Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
Learn how to applyCommunication 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.
Information sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:
School of Business Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8485
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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