Business Administration - Second Year

Overview

In the second year of the Business Administration program, you build on what you’ve learned in the first year and further develop your skills and knowledge in a broad range of business disciplines including business and operations management, human resources, marketing and entrepreneurship. In this concentration, you continue to develop your skills in hands-on learning and real-world business environments through project-based learning, applied learning and mentorship activities.

You also develop an awareness of the global economy, corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices – as well as the skills and professionalism required to work in a business world that focuses on people, organizations, strategy and leadership. You 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 learn to:

• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making within a team setting.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders by communicating effectively, building trust and valuing diversity.
• Present effectively to a range of audiences using a variety of styles and tools.
• Use appropriate software, web-based tools and office technology to help manage information.
• Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
• Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
• Apply fundamental human resource principles to help support and guide others within an organization.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of a project to meet deliverables.
• Outline principles of supply chain management, operations management and project management.
• Think critically to help support effective decision-making and resolve problems.
• Apply basic research skills to support business-decision making.
• Apply fundamental entrepreneurial concepts to decision-making within an organization.
  

Work experience

• You have a choice between field experience or an international learning project to achieve this mandatory credit.
  • Field experience provides the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• International learning projects are considered a work-integrated learning option and provide you with the opportunity to gain international learning and experience. You apply for international learning projects through NSCC International. Successful candidates are offered the opportunity to participate in a learning program hosted by international partners in various host countries. 
  • There are additional fees to participate in an international learning project.
  • You’re required to complete a pre-departure preparation course (INTE 1000), travel to the host country and actively participate in project work and cultural experiences.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

• Full-time and part-time study is available through online delivery at eCampus with classes scheduled 3 terms per year (fall, winter and summer).
• The full-time option is to be completed in 2 years, and the part-time option is to be completed in 3 years.

September 2026

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	Distributed Delivered in-person at one location and virtually to students at another location.
Burridge Campus Classes at Digby Learning Centre	Full time	Distributed Delivered in-person at one location and virtually to students at another location.
eCampus	Full time	Asynchronous online Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.
eCampus	Part time	Asynchronous online Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes.
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.
Ivany Campus Dartmouth	Full time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person. Evenings
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.
Truro Campus Truro	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.

Admission requirements

• Successful completion of Business Administration – First Year or advanced standing
• Advanced standing – To be considered, you must apply to and meet the admission requirements for the Business Administration program. Advanced standing is based on academic credits (certificate/diploma/degree) completed from a recognized public institution within the past ten years that meet the academic requirements of the full first year of the program. Advanced standing is subject to seat availability.

Program requirements

• You participate in community/service learning to assist you in meeting the industry's expectations for community involvement.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2025-26 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

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

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Business Administration – Second Year

Career options

• Graduates are well-positioned for employment across all areas of the business sector, including accounting, financial planning, marketing, sales, project management, operations management, human resources and entrepreneurship.
• Second year program options in accounting and financial services provide graduates with specialized skills, allowing them to work in the financial and insurance sectors and many accounting fields.
• Graduates also work for government, not-for-profit organizations, cooperatives, as well as pursue their own business opportunities.

Future study options

• Graduates of this program have a strong foundation to continue their studies in the following NSCC business programs:
  • Business Analysis
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Music Business
  • Non-profit Leadership
  • Public Relations
  • Start-up Accelerator
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

BUSI 4995 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

BUSI 4997 - Applied Research Work Term
This course is considered a work-integrated learning option for learners wanting to gain applied research experience through project proposal development. It is an experiential learning opportunity where learners can use applied research skills and program knowledge while being advised and supported by experts and professionals. Students engaging in this course will learn the basic components of applied research, the skills and abilities needed to be a research lead and develop an understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate an applied research project. This experiential opportunity emphasizes applied research skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, adaptability and focus.

COMP 3050 - Business Computer Applications III
This course furthers the skills obtained in COMP 1050. By the end of the course, you will be able to create advanced queries, forms and reports to enhance databases, as well as import and export data to increase efficiency. And finally, you will explore and integrate various business computer applications to address a variety of business needs by analyzing business scenarios to inform effective decision making.

ECON 2020 - Macroeconomics
In this course, students communicate and apply a variety of macroeconomic concepts to both personal and business decision making. They also discuss global trade, foreign currency exchange, and the interconnectedness of economies, as well as explore world events through a macroeconomic lens.

ENTR 2000 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship
No matter the career path, entrepreneurial concepts and characteristics are essential to success. This course will introduce learners to foundational principles of entrepreneurship and the different context in which these principles can be applied. Topics include starting or seeking employment in a small business, recognizing different types of business structures, and identifying legal and financial considerations affecting small businesses. You will explore the value and benefits of being a business owner or an employee of an entrepreneur. This course will help you identify the expertise and resources that are needed to build your entrepreneurial spirit.

INTB 3101 - Introduction to International Business
This course provides a comprehensive overview of key aspects of global business in the 21st century. It allows the student to understand the key forces driving the international economy and it also provides a basic introduction to the skills required of successful international trade practitioners in today’s global business environment.

INTL 4995 - International Learning Project
This course is considered a work integrated learning option for students wishing to gain international learning and experience. Through NSCC International, learners will apply and be selected for international learning projects. Successful candidates will be offered to participate in a learning program hosted by international partners in the host country. Learners are required to complete a pre-departure preparation course (INTE 1000) and travel to the host country and actively participate in project work and cultural experiences. This is an experiential learning opportunity.

LEGL 2000 - Business Law
This course provides the student with an introduction to the Canadian legal system and a basic understanding of contract and tort law as these apply to the world of business.

MGMT 3015 - Human Resource Management
Students will examine the activities involved in attracting, recruiting, training, developing, controlling, rewarding, motivating, directing, and maintaining the human resources of a business. Topics will include challenges and trends in the field of human resource management, legal and ethical issues, staffing, employee development, and compensation.

MGMT 3035 - Operations Management
Operations Management provides the student with opportunity to take an integrated, system-oriented approach to operations functions in both service and manufacturing organizations. Topics covered will include: capacity planning, facilities layout, work systems design, location planning, quality control and total quality management, aggregate planning, inventory management, material requirement planning, just-in-time, supply chain management, and scheduling.

MGMT 3050 - Project Management
Projects faced by managers may vary in size, but the process of planning and managing projects while faced with numerous project constraints (e.g., time, money, and other resources) remains relatively the same. Students in this course will be introduced to a range of project management tools and be given an opportunity to apply basic project management techniques so they can effectively plan, implement and manage the tasks, risks and constraints associated with projects of various sizes.

MGMT 4015 - Strategic Decision Making
In any business role, it is critical to understand how the work you do relates to the organization’s strategic priorities. In this course, students learn the components of a strategic plan, as well as how to formulate recommendations for an organization based on thorough research and analysis.

PSAL 2121 - Selling for Success
In this course, you will walk through the sales process with a focus on client relationships. You will also learn how to grow your sales with practical skills such as solving client needs, negotiating, and closing a sale. And finally, you will gain the skills to fit into a professional sales environment.

Prescribed elective course requirement. 8 credits.