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:

• 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.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are well-organized and can work effectively under tight time constraints.
• Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
• Like using computer and technology applications.
• Have strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
• Have a collaborative style and good communication skills.
• Like to solve problems using analytical and critical thinking skills.

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

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify factors that have an impact on an organization's business opportunities.
2. Explain the impact of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organization's business initiatives.
3. Use current technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
6. Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
7. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
8. Outline the functional areas of a business and their interrelationships.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

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".

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). For more information please contact your Program Coordinator.

For more information, please contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330.

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.