Business Administration - General Business

Explore a challenging and rewarding career in business.

  • Earn a comprehensive diploma that shows employers you are skilled in all key areas of business
  • Eligible graduates can take advantage of a partnership with Nipissing University to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree with one additional year of full-time study right here at Ottawa campus
  • Small class sizes enable students to have stronger peer relationships, and closer contact with professors

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Schedule

Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Advanced Diploma (See overview for details)

Program Code

Area of Interest

Business

Other Campuses

No

Earn a flexible diploma that shows you are skilled in all of the key business disciplines. General Business is one of five majors. Three of these can be completed online, or online students can transfer on campus to complete one of the other two majors.

Develop a skillset with learning from areas of business that include accounting, finance, human resources, international business, marketing and supply chain and operations management....(read more)

Overview

Explore a challenging and rewarding career in business.

Earn a flexible diploma that shows you are skilled in all of the key business disciplines. General Business is one of five majors. Three of these can be completed online, or online students can transfer on campus to complete one of the other two majors.

Develop a skillset with learning from areas of business that include accounting, finance, human resources, international business, marketing and supply chain and operations management.

Upon graduation, you earn a comprehensive diploma that shows employers you are skilled in all key areas of business.

Upon graduation, you may pursue a variety of careers in diverse fields and industries.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement. Co-op is not an option for AC online students.

Upon graduation, you may pursue a variety of careers in diverse fields and industries.

Upon completion of your diploma and with a minimum GPA of 2.9 (as calculated by the receiving institution), you can apply to Nipissing University and with as little as 12 months of additional study at the Woodroffe campus, complete a three-year Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Courses

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

OnlineDistance Education   
Course
Number
Hours Course NameFall
Series: 01
BUS230142.0Business Computer ApplicationsOnline Learning
ECO230542.0MicroeconomicsOnline Learning
ENL1813B42.0Communications IOnline Learning
LAW170242.0Business LawOnline Learning
MGT231942.0Skills for Academic & Business SuccessOnline Learning
QUA000242.0Business MathematicsOnline Learning
Series: 02
ACC231042.0Accounting Concepts IOnline Learning
BUS230342.0Database & Advanced Excel ConceptsOnline Learning
ECO230642.0MacroeconomicsOnline Learning
ENL1823B42.0Communications 2Online Learning
MGT232842.0Introduction to Management FundamentalsOnline Learning
QUA000342.0Quantitative Methods IOnline Learning
Series: 03
ACC231342.0Accounting Concepts IIOnline Learning
BAI230042.0Global Business EnvironmentOnline Learning
FIN230342.0Introduction to FinanceOnline Learning
MGT232042.0Material and Operations ManagementOnline Learning
MGT238142.0Human Resources ManagementOnline Learning
MKT231742.0MarketingOnline Learning
Series: 04
ENL182942.0The Art of OratoryOnline Learning
FIN230542.0Finance for Non-Finance ProfessionalsOnline Learning
MGT235756.0Project ManagementOnline Learning
MKT001942.0Marketing ResearchOnline Learning
MKT232256.0Selling for SuccessOnline Learning
QUA234342.0Quantitative Methods IIOnline Learning
Series: 05
BAI231256.0International CultureOnline Learning
BUS230556.0Spreadsheet ApplicationsOnline Learning
MGT231556.0Scheduling & Planning of ResourcesOnline Learning
MGT235656.0People and OrganizationsOnline Learning
English General Education Elective: choose 1
ENL172542.0Canadian IdentityCanadian Identity

Canadian identity is challenging to define, but depictions of our multicultural society are found and explored in our writing. This course explores the importance of writers' perceptions of Canada, how they promote their ideas through publishing, and how those published works have affected Canadian society in recent history. Students are introduced to a wide range of writing with the aim of exploring the theme of Canadian identity while enhancing students' awareness of the ethical considerations necessary for a just society.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

ENL172642.0Symbols, Text and MeaningSymbols, Text and Meaning

Symbols and text are used to express, evoke, and manipulate an entire range of human emotions and reactions. In this interactive, discussion-based course, students will explore historical and contemporary approaches to using symbols, text, and language in conceptual and contemporary art, graphic design and advertising, poetry and lyrics, and in online technology. Through discussion, analysis, informal debate, and critical thinking, students will explore how symbols and text influence individuals, society and culture.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

ENL179842.0Contemporary Canadian IssuesOnline Learning
ENL182542.0Communication DynamicsCommunication Dynamics

The complex nature of communication benefits from a deeper understanding of self and social interactions. Participants explore their identities, considering the role of culture, experience, perceptions, emotions and reflection in shaping that identity. Language presents bridges and barriers, includes mediated interaction, is complicated by non-verbal communication, and requires listening to others. Role-play learning, active in-class participation, analysis, group work and case studies allow participants to reflect and build upon their own observations and experiences.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Series: 06
MGT230956.0Lean Six SigmaOnline Learning
MGT231356.0Business PlanningOnline Learning
MGT235556.0LeadershipOnline Learning
MGT235956.0Laws of the WorkplaceOnline Learning
General Education Elective: choose 1
AST200042.0Introduction to AstronomyOnline Learning
COR173742.0Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental IllnessesOnline Learning
DSN210045.0Design ThinkingOnline Learning
ENV000242.0Environmental CitizenshipOnline Learning
ENV500442.0Waste-Free OntarioOnline Learning
FAM100340.0Psychology of LearningOnline Learning
GED002142.0Disability in Arts: Portrayals and IdentityOnline Learning
GED002242.0Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-BeingOnline Learning
GED002442.0Anti-Racism: Theory and PracticeOnline Learning
GED220042.0Free Speech and the Challenge of Social MediaOnline Learning
GED500742.0Transatlantic Slavery and Its AbolitionOnline Learning
GED501042.0The Fungus Among UsOnline Learning
GED530142.0On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)Online Learning
GED710542.0Professionalism and EthicsOnline Learning
GEO001242.0Foreign Landscapes and Their InhabitantsOnline Learning
MGT234642.0Introduction to E-BusinessOnline Learning
PSI170242.0Government of CanadaOnline Learning
PSY001042.0Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic MindsCriminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds

What makes a psychopath tick? Are they born that way, or are they products of society? Are serial killers really possessed with evil, or do they know exactly what they are doing? In this course, students will study how and why some individuals become criminals and why some actually become killers. You will study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals. Also, the latest techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning will be examined.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

SCI220042.0Dynamic Dna: You Are Not AloneOnline Learning
Approved Other Electives
MGT100056.0Approved Course - Other Program Or MajorApproved Course - Other Program Or Major

With prior approval by the department responsible for the major area of study, a student may elect to take up to two courses from other programs or majors in the school or College. Such courses must not be selected from the student's area or areas of specialization.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

MGT100156.0Approved Course - Other Program Or MajorApproved Course - Other Program Or Major

With prior approval from the department responsible for the major area of study, a student may elect to take up to two courses from other programs or majors in the school or College. Such courses must not be selected from the student's area or areas of specialization.

There are no classes currently scheduled for this course.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

The General Business Major provides students with the breadth and depth of business knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively in a wide-range of business positions at an entry level. The course choices can also be used for a future role in general management.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Evaluate the impact of global issues on an organization's business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
  2. Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization's business initiatives.
  3. Assess and use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
  4. Conduct and present research to support business decision making.
  5. Plan, implement and evaluate projects by applying project management principles.
  6. Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
  7. Apply human resource practices to support management objectives and the organization's goals.
  8. Use accounting and financial principles to support the management and operations of an organization.
  9. Assess marketing and sales concepts and strategies and apply them to the needs of an organization.
  10. Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management and assess their impact on the operations of an organization.
  11. Participate in the development of a business plan.
  12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.
  13. Outline strategies used to manage risks in an organization's business activities.
  14. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

2025/2026 Academic Year

Fees are subject to change.

Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.

Graduation Fee:

Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.

Additional program related expenses include:

Books and supplies cost $2400 to $3600 for the entire program and can be purchased from the campus store. For more information go to https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
  • It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success:
    • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Application Information

Registration Note:

If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".

Additional Information

Program Resources

This program is also offered full time online and full time on-campus.

International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.

Courses appearing to be unavailable online (during the registration period) may have substitute courses which are taken instead. If you are a full-time student, you are automatically put into those courses; if you are part-time, please contact AC Online for the current substitutions and links to these courses.

PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):

Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.

AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:

The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION:

As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).

This program is also available full-time on-campus.

Contact

Future Students

For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.

Current Students

For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.

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