Business Administration

Are you excited by working in an organization, building a business or helping a non-profit organization? Business Administration can prepare you for a wide range of careers: accounting, finance, management, investments, marketing, international business, information management, entrepreneurship and more. You'll also develop the skills and professionalism you need to work in a business world that focuses on people, organizations, strategy and leadership.

In the first year, you'll learn how business and organizations work, review business basics including communications, accounting, marketing and computer applications. You'll be advised on courses available to you in the second year of the program and learn more about what options are best suited to your goals.

In the second year, you'll look at business and organizations from an operational and managerial perspective and can choose from a wide range of courses which enable you to specialize in one specific discipline or maintain a broad course of study.

There are many topics that you can choose to cover in this program. Some topics include: business law and ethics; accounting, taxation and payroll; marketing research and consumer behaviour; finance and investments; international business; entrepreneurship and new venture creation; communications and information management.

• You'll benefit from our expert faculty who bring years of experience to the classroom and strong connections to the business community.


• You'll learn the latest practices and technologies that employers and business owners in Nova Scotia, across Canada and around the world are looking for in their future employees and partners.


• You'll experience practical hands-on learning. We teach more than theory; we teach you how to apply it through industry and service learning projects, business simulations, work experience and real-life case studies.


• At NSCC classes are small, the learning is collaborative, and everything is hands-on so you'll be very involved in every class and make the most of your investment.


• You may also complete your diploma while you work. We offer a number of Business courses through part-time studies and online learning so you can customize a class schedule that best fits your needs. You can also complete a Business Administration diploma completely online.


• NSCC – University Articulation & Transfer Agreements – This program provides up to 2 years of advanced standing for graduates who want to continue their studies to complete a degree at universities including: Saint Mary's, Mount Saint Vincent, Acadia and others.


• Industry Certifications – You can qualify for a number of industry certifications through specific courses.

• 92% of NSCC grads are employed, most of them in jobs related to their field of study (NSCC Graduate Follow-up Survey, 2008).


• Graduates are well prepared for jobs working in businesses of all sizes and in a variety of industry sectors. Many grads are also working for government, non-profit organizations and co-operatives.


• Graduates are working in a wide variety of roles including: financial services employee, sales and service representative, sales promotions, accountant, office manager and supervisor, information manager, project manager, retail manager, management trainee, account coordinator, small business owner and many more.


• Many graduates continue their studies to acquire a university degree or industry certifications.

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

You can complete the Business Administration Diploma online. The time to complete a certificate or diploma program online will vary.

• This program is available for part-time study. You have the option to complete your program online or through a combination of courses delivered in-class and online.


• If you choose a part-time study option, you must still apply to the program and meet all the admission requirements. Once accepted, you will be referred to a Registrar at one of our campuses to discuss your learning plan and schedule.


• Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per course basis and is paid at the beginning of each semester.


• The time to complete a certificate or diploma program through part-time study will vary and depend on the schedule you choose and number of courses you complete each semester.

• Credit Transfer, Challenge for Credit and Advanced Standing – If you've already earned credits from another college or university, those credits may be transferable to this program. Through NSCC's Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) process, you may also be able to earn credits from your past work experience. Advanced Standing may be requested with your application form if you meet the learning outcomes for the first year, or semester.


• International Business – Students who complete the first year of Business Administration have the option to transfer to the advanced diploma in International Business offered at NSCC's Truro Campus. Upon successful completion of all International Business courses and requirements, you will graduate with both the International Business Advanced Diploma and the Business Administration Diploma.


• Availability of specific courses will vary from semester to semester and some courses are only available in-class and not online.


• Co-operative Education (Co-op) – This program is eligible for an optional Co-op credit course. Co-op provides an opportunity for paid employment between the first and second year of your program. Employers, as co-educators, provide learning opportunities beyond the bounds of the classroom giving you a well-rounded education enriched by practical application.