Overview

Do you enjoy solving problems for people, discovering patterns of opportunity, creating persuasive communications, influencing buyers, and strengthening brands?

This program provides a strong foundation in business and marketing principles and the latest trends. You’ll be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in content creation, digital analytics, media, sales, promotions, and events. 

In this program, you will learn how to: 

  • conduct comprehensive environmental scans to assess market conditions, identify and target market segments
  • determine the most effective distribution channels to support planning objectives and craft integrated digital communication strategies
  • identify and target gaps in relevant market segments to meet customer needs
  • create products that align with organizational objectives, and develop pricing strategies
  • create communication strategies to maximize planning outcomes
  • create consumer journey maps and identify buyer needs
  • succeed in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets.

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for various career opportunities in marketing, public relations, media, advertising, sales, promotions, and events. You’ll also have the option to pursue a Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) designation. 

Those in marketing tend to be directive, social and innovative. 

You need: 

  • drive and flexibility to succeed in a competitive field 
  • problem-solving and decision-making skills  
  • the ability to be persuasive 
  • effective stress management techniques 
  • strong project management, analytic, and motivational skills 
  • the ability to understand data to create short- and long-term plans 
  • a creative, outgoing, upbeat nature 
  • an aptitude for computers and various software. 

You should enjoy organizing information, directing others, negotiating, and finding creative solutions. 

As a graduate of this program, you can apply for SAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing major and earn your degree with a further two years of study. 

Learn more about program and institution transfer options

You’ll have the option to participate in an integrative experience capstone project in your final semester.  

If you choose a capstone project, you’ll work collaboratively with students from other majors to address a challenge faced by a 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. 

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue a Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) designation.  

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Business Administration diploma with a major in Marketing.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 92% graduate employment rate

salary icon $41,300 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 10022, 11202, 12103, 41402, 60010, 62010, 64100, 64409.

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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 workshops

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.

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.

View classes by semester

Business cores

Course Credits

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:
  • ACCT 1010
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.

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.

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:
  • BMAT 1040
  • BMAT 205
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:
  • COMM 1030
  • COMM 1070
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:
  • ECON 1010
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; government fiscal, trade, and monetary policies are explored.

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:
  • MKTG 1060
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.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 1200
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:
  • MNGT 2250
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:
  • STAT 2040
3

Marketing major cores

Course Credits

Strategic Marketing represents an application of marketing principles at the management level. Emphasis is on the creation of a marketing plan. Topics include the identification of marketing opportunities, evaluation of environmental factors, as well as the development of branding, distribution, pricing, and promotional strategies.

3

Business core electives (choose one)

Course Credits

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:
  • ACCT 210 or ACCT 215
Equivalents:
  • ACCT 2110
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:
  • BFIN 1255
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:
  • HRMT 2320
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:
  • MKTG 1265
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:
  • MNGT 1255
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:
  • SCMT 1255
  • MNGT 2370
3

Integrative experience elective (choose one)

Course Credits

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:
  • ACCT 215
  • BCMP 225
  • BMAT 230
  • COMN 220
  • ECON 250
  • ECON 305
  • MKTG 260
  • MNGT 250
  • MNGT 200 or BLAW 300
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:
  • ACCT 215 or ACCT 210 or ACCT 330
  • BCMP 225 or BCPT 238
  • BMAT 230 or BMAT 205
  • COMN 220 or COMM 290
  • ECON 250 or ECON 240
  • ECON 305 or ECON 260
  • MKTG 260 or MKTG 205
  • MNGT 200 or BLAW 300 or BLAW 200
  • MNGT 250 or MGMT 254
3

Marketing elective group A (choose five)

Course Credits

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the structure of both the Canadian and Alberta legal systems. Topics include copyright, intellectual property, contract, evidence collection, and privacy law and their effect on security professionals. The application of the law will be contrasted with ethical guidelines that are enforced on security practitioners.

Pre-requisites:
  • BLAW 300
Equivalents:
  • BLAW 3010
3

Perhaps no component of marketing has undergone the degree of change as advertising. And yet, despite the abrupt and sweeping conversion from analog mediums (print, broadcast and out of home) to digital mediums (social media, websites, mobile and more) the main goal of advertising remains the same as it was nearly 400 years ago. To attract attention. Once a privilege enjoyed by the elite or enormously wealthy brands, the onset of digital communication has made effective advertising, for pennies on the dollar, accessible to everyone from an individual for a fortune 500 company. This course will introduce core concepts in advertising, such as objectives, strategies, on both, the creative and media buy sides of the industry. Advertising theory will be applied using case studies and a term project that will assemble a media buy plan as well as a creative brief. Additionally, learners in this course will be required to earn certification in two Meta online courses: Digital Marketing Associate & Creative Strategy Professional.

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 4040
3

This course allows you to use marketing fundamentals to help launch your career. Material introduces planning, design and presentation elements that can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. You will create and manage a LinkedIn profile, incorporating personal preparation/presentation skills with digital communication, visual and written concepts. Planning a career networking project - examining resumes and presentations, as well as evaluating best practices in social networking as they pertain to marketing yourself - will help develop constructive criticism skills.

Equivalents:
  • MKTG 3030
3

Building and Managing Brands explores the intangibles, such as corporate culture, as well as the tangibles, such as product differentiation, which help attain and maintain brand equity in the market. Rapidly emerging business trends, such as corporate social responsibility, are also featured, which help shed light on what companies are doing to separate their brand from competitors. Students will produce a brand book and plan to manage a brand.

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2306
3

Marketing research is an integral part of the strategic marketing process. The step-by-step marketing research process covers planning, data collection, data analysis and presentation of relevant information for recommending informed marketing strategy decisions. Present research methods including developments in technology-supported research are evaluated in their capacity to manage the changing landscape for marketing research in Canada. The research process is applied to address realistic marketing problems.

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2322
3

Marketing Action will take the concepts learned in Marketing Essentials and build on them so students will have application experience in creating a new product. The key areas of focus will be on value proposition and business models. Marketing Action will ground their marketing knowledge so they will create sustainable decisions. This is an immersive class where students are required to continue their team projects outside the classroom and present their findings to their instructor and industry professionals.

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2336
3

Consumer behaviour is a dynamic, evolving and interdisciplinary field of study that draws upon research from psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics and neuroscience as well as marketing, with the main aim of understanding the many factors that affect consumers (whether B2C or B2B) during the decision process. It is also one of the most important aspects of marketing given that consumers are at the heart of all decisions we make and by understanding what motivates, shapes, and influences consumer choices marketers have a greater chance of meeting customer expectations and achieving company objectives. Topics include consumer behavior and research; decision-making/buying processes; individual, situational, environmental, ethical, social and cultural influences on consumer behaviour; how this information is gathered, monitored and interpreted in the age of big data; and how marketers draw upon the knowledge techniques and theories from a number of disciplines to improve their understanding of consumers and thus marketing strategy and tactics. A variety of approaches to learning will be used, including discussions, case studies, videos, individual and group learning activities, self-reflection, research and assignments (individual and group).

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2340
3

Business Development is defined as the creation of long-term value for an organization from customers, markets, and relationships. This course will look at the relationship between traditional transactional sales, relationship selling and the evolution of the Business Development function. Market scanning and analysis, and the identification of potential growth markets, and key customers will be examined. Relationship, customer-centred selling techniques will be developed including relationship building, needs analysis, along with after sales customer care. Managing a sales force is explored including the effective organization of a sales department, forecasting and analyzing sales, recruiting and training a sales force, evaluating performance, and legal and ethical issues within the sales profession.

Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2366
3

Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) represents the “Promotions” P of the marketing mix. An IMC Proposal includes campaign messages and their translation into each of the elements of the marketing communications mix along with a proposed budget and evaluations for success. In our fast paced marketplace, messages need to be on target and on brand. Integration in business is imperative. Working in teams, each student will experience the planning process for IMC. This course offers the students case analysis, creative development structure, and facilitated problem solving, to develop a unified IMC proposal.

Pre-requisites:
  • MKTG 260
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 2375
3

Marketing elective group B (choose one)

Course Credits

Introduces the use of data to meet the needs of an organization and apply data in decision making. Understand a balanced approach to integrating data decisions in business processes and strategic alignment.

Equivalents:
  • DATA 4100
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:
  • MKTG 260 or MKTG 265 or MKTG 205
  • ACCT 215 or ACCT 210
Equivalents:
  • ENTR 2350
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:
  • MNGT 2321
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:
  • MNGT 200
Equivalents:
  • MNGT 2370
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 >

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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 courses

Admission 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.

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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.

Upgrade
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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,910 $1,608 $7,518
2 2 $5,910 $1,608 $7,518
Total cost:
$15,036

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $19,500 $1,608 $21,108
2 2 $19,500 $1,608 $21,108
Total cost:
$42,216

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.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
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:
$14,960

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $18,936.30 $1,570 $20,506.30
2 2 $18,936.30 $1,570 $20,506.30
Total cost:
$41,012.60
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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 more

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Business Administration. 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 apply

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.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants. 

Apply now

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

School of Business Advising

Phone
403.284.8485
Email
business.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca