Business Fundamentals
Find your perfect fit in the world of business.
- Gain practical skills through participating in simulations dealing with realistic business problems and solutions, and other applied activities
- Graduates have the ability to continue their business education with advanced standing through shared core courses in various specialized business diplomas
- The program enables you to find your perfect fit by discovering what area of business you are best suited to
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Delivery Options
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
With a strong focus on developing the skills needed for today's business environment, this Ontario College Certificate program prepares you to carry out a variety of business functions within an organization. You develop practical understanding of key principles and practices necessary to pursue future studies in the field of business or for an entry-level position in business. This program may also appeal to those who have existing careers or credentials to enhance their fundamental business knowledge and skills.
In this program, you combine theory and hands-on learning to gain practical business knowledge in the areas of:...(read more)
Overview
Find your perfect fit in the world of business.
With a strong focus on developing the skills needed for today's business environment, this Ontario College Certificate program prepares you to carry out a variety of business functions within an organization. You develop practical understanding of key principles and practices necessary to pursue future studies in the field of business or for an entry-level position in business. This program may also appeal to those who have existing careers or credentials to enhance their fundamental business knowledge and skills.
In this program, you combine theory and hands-on learning to gain practical business knowledge in the areas of:
Study all major areas of accounting including:
- business management
- marketing
- human resources management
- document production
- accounting/financial reporting
- professional communications
- business application software
Participate in simulations dealing with realistic business problems and solutions. Gain practical skills through applied activities supported by opportunities to examine current industry issues and find solutions based on an integrated approach. Develop skills in the use of technology and foundational business practices with an emphasis on the practical demands of a job, including:
- preparing professional documents
- interacting with the workforce
- meeting timelines
- prioritizing activities
- working under pressure
- accepting responsibility
- demonstrating initiative
Graduates may apply their newly developed skills and knowledge to improve their existing organization, gain an entry-level position in business, or pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates may find entry-level employment in a variety of business related industries such as:
- educational institutions
- government ministries and agencies
- health-care facilities
- large and small businesses and corporations
- not-for-profit organizations
- regional offices within government
- retail
- hospitality and service sector
- insurance
- financial institutions
With advanced standing through shared core courses, graduates may choose to continue their business education in diplomas such as: Business - General, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Finance, Business Marketing, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, or Business Administration.
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within 3 years.
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".
Online  |
| Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | |||
| BUS2301 | 42.0 | Business Computer Applications | |
| ECO2305 | 42.0 | Microeconomics | |
| ENL1813B | 42.0 | Communications I | |
| MGT2319 | 42.0 | Skills for Academic & Business Success | |
| MGT2328 | 42.0 | Introduction to Management Fundamentals | |
| QUA0002 | 42.0 | Business Mathematics | |
| Series: 02 | |||
| ACC2310 | 42.0 | Accounting Concepts I | |
| ECO2306 | 42.0 | Macroeconomics | |
| ENL1823B | 42.0 | Communications 2 | |
| MGT2320 | 42.0 | Material and Operations Management | |
| MGT2381 | 42.0 | Human Resources Management | |
| MKT2317 | 42.0 | Marketing | |
| General Education Elective: choose 1 | |||
| AST2000 | 42.0 | Introduction to Astronomy | |
| COR1737 | 42.0 | Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental Illnesses | |
| DSN2100 | 45.0 | Design ThinkingDesign Thinking Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENL1798 | 42.0 | Contemporary Canadian Issues | |
| ENV0002 | 42.0 | Environmental Citizenship | |
| ENV5004 | 42.0 | Waste-Free OntarioWaste-Free Ontario Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy - a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| FAM1003 | 40.0 | Psychology of LearningPsychology of Learning Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| FIN2300 | 42.0 | Introduction to Personal FinanceIntroduction to Personal Finance Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards autonomy and agency. Students discover how financial decision-making is a continuous process, requiring foundation skills in economics, behavioural science, and surprisingly, Canadian history. Through personal reflection, analysis of economic lived experiences, and application of practical budgeting and financial planning strategies, students acquire knowledge and skills to harness the power of money. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED0021 | 42.0 | Disability in Arts: Portrayals and IdentityDisability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED0022 | 42.0 | Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being | |
| GED0024 | 42.0 | Anti-Racism: Theory and PracticeAnti-Racism: Theory and Practice Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism. Students explore concepts of anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist pedagogy, diversity, and inclusion at the personal, societal, and institutional levels. Students develop an understanding of historical and present-day groups and figures that challenge oppressive structures in Canadian society. Through various learning activities and discussion boards, students will develop the necessary knowledge, attitude, and skills to become an authentic ally within society. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED2200 | 42.0 | Free Speech and the Challenge of Social MediaFree Speech and the Challenge of Social Media This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society's free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for "regulatory fixes" advanced from different viewpoints. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5007 | 42.0 | Transatlantic Slavery and Its AbolitionTransatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5010 | 42.0 | The Fungus Among UsThe Fungus Among Us Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5301 | 42.0 | On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid) Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society's past and present approaches to death. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED7105 | 42.0 | Professionalism and Ethics | |
| GEO0012 | 42.0 | Foreign Landscapes and Their InhabitantsForeign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| MGT2346 | 42.0 | Introduction to E-Business | |
| PSI1702 | 42.0 | Government of Canada | |
| PSY0010 | 42.0 | Criminal 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. | |
| SCI2200 | 42.0 | Dynamic Dna: You Are Not AloneDynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life's biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA's involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment opportunities in a variety of entry-level business and administrative positions such as: customer service, sales, service industry, insurance or financial institution trainees or associates.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify factors that have an impact on an organization's business opportunities.
- Explain the impact of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organization's business initiatives.
- Use current technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
- Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
- Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
- Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Outline the functional areas of a business and their interrelationships.
- 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.
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).
- 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 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
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.
LADDERING OPPORTUNITIES:
This general, foundational business certificate program prepares students wanting to further their business studies to ladder into a variety of college business diploma/certificate programs including Ontario College Certificates in Bookkeeping and Accounting Practices or Office Administration-General; Ontario College Diplomas in Business, Business - Accounting, Business - Management and Entrepreneurship, Business - Marketing or Office Administration; and Ontario College Advanced Diplomas in Business Administration - Accounting, Finance, General Business, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing or Supply Chain and Operations Management. While building foundational knowledge and skills in a wide range of common core business courses, students have the opportunity to discover which areas of business they would like to continue to develop and apply transfer credits. Students who complete their business diploma can then access existing laddering opportunities with university business programs, subject to admission criteria.
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).
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.