Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
The Business Ontario College diploma program builds on the skills students have learned in the Business Studies certificate and the General Business certificate. Introductory courses will provide students with an overview of the Canadian business environment, including generally accepted accounting principles, fundamentals of math for business and finance, marketing approaches and concepts used by and appropriate for profit and non-profit organizations, and new technologies and strategies to further develop proficiency in computer applications for business.
Students will have opportunities to further refine their professional business skills, focusing on appropriate business communication and channels. Students will also be introduced to specialized areas of business including a focus on organizational behavior, business law, leadership processes, economic principles and Canada's mixed market economy, the diverse components of human resource functions in current business environments, and financial and management accounting skills needed to effect plans, controls and decisions.
Students will further advance their business skills in the areas of management, focusing on entrepreneurship, project management, customer service, business finance principles and advanced business software used to analyze, present and project data, and current responsibilities and tools of operations managers in various business organizations.
This diploma prepares students with job-ready essential employability skills required to work in a wide range of positions within financial, marketing, sales and service industries, and it provides a pathway for students interested in building upon these skills through pursuing related degree programs.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934.
COM101 replaces EAC 150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Placement via English Assessment
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the Canadian business environment, business issues and functions, and the major forces at work in the global economy. It provides students with a perspective of business firms as integrated organizations composed of a number of specialized functions.
Marketing is an approach to business that puts the customer at the centre of its activities and focuses on satisfying customer needs and wants. While marketing is used by both profit and not-for-profit organizations to meet the demands of the market place, this course introduces students to the fundamental marketing concepts used by profit oriented business organizations.
No required prerequisite, but students should have Grade 12 English and Mathematics or equivalent
This course introduces the student to how accounting information is used by, and meets the needs of both internal and external users through effective and efficient communication as well as what accounting information is required by a business concern to reflect clearly the operating results of the enterprise over its operating life. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to generally accepted accounting principles, the interpretation and preparation of financial statements and how this information is recorded in the various business records.
A fundamental working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems and Excel Software.
Building on the skills they have previously acquired in Excel and Windows operating systems, students will further develop their proficiency in these areas and add Access to their skill set. Throughout the course, they will apply these software skills to solve business problems.
No required prerequisite but students should have Grade 12 English and Mathematics.
This course provides students with the fundamentals of mathematics of business and finance. Following the introduction of concepts of per cent and per cent change, simple and compound interest rates will be discussed. Compound interest rates will be applied to the study of annuities. Students will also learn important models of business mathematics, such as currency conversion, trade discounts, markups and markdowns, break-even and cost-volume-profit analysis.
Please note: For students taking the self-directed OntarioLearn sections, the eTextbook is included in the price of the course.
This subject develops your understanding of the basic financial tools used by managers in planning and controlling their areas. This subject will be approached from the non-accounting students' perspective.
Students are prepared for a business environment increasingly affected by laws. They learn how laws must be understood and applied by management in the conduct of business. They also learn how to analyze a business situation from a general legal perspective. Emphasis is placed on methods of dispute resolution, contracts, torts, employment law, methods of carrying on business, creditors' rights, sale of goods and marketing law.
MRK106 - Introduction to Marketing
BAM101 - Introduction to Business Administration
This course is designed to provide students with the essential skills required to be a sales professional in a Business-to-Business (B2B) environment. The course will explore computer and communication technologies as they apply to business-to-business selling and will provide an introduction to the use of customer relationship management (CRM) and web selling. Students will develop their skills by creating a detailed step-by-step sale simulation of a product or service using a consultative approach and creating a win-win environment for both the prospect and the seller delivered via YouTube.
This subject is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and transferable skills required to assist in a successful career launch in the global business sector. In addition to exploring the skills and qualities essential to obtain a position in their chosen career, students will prepare a career development campaign which will consist of resumes and cover letters, practise interviews and follow-up techniques. The importance of ethics and etiquette in the workplace will also be discussed. Both traditional and on-line methodologies will be integrated throughout the course.
This course introduces students to the methods and best practices that enhance excellent customer service solutions. The course discussion will focus on how these methods and best practices enable managers, frontline associates and service staff to support, build, maintain, and increase a loyal customer base, and secure overall competitive advantage for the organization.
With businesses thriving on good customer relationships, effective business communication is the cornerstone of company success. This course will help you learn the principles, practices, and tools for communicating effectively in the workplace using cases and/or projects.
From learning about audience, context, formats, tone, and media to applying your skills in writing correspondence, reports, and presentations, this course will guide you in developing professional interpersonal, collaborative, and web-based knowledge and practices.
Please note that ECN501 is not recognized as a General Education credit. This is a required subject for the Accounting and Finance program.
This course introduces the process and principles of microeconomic thought as they have been developed to explain price determination and resource allocation in a mixed market system. The application of microeconomic theory to current and emerging social and economic problems will be considered.
This one semester course introduces economic principles relating to Canada's mixed market economy and uses these principles to examine current economic issues including the nature of markets, employment, the level of economic activity, the structure of industry, international trade, and the appropriate role of government in the Canadian economy.
This subject is a comprehensive overview of modern day human resources management (HRM). This course will introduce the diverse components of human resource (HR) functions and its role in the current business environment. Case study analysis will be used to link the theory to the practical situations that occur in HR. Topics to be covered include the business environment, recruitment and selection, employee development and evaluation, compensation and benefits, employee rights, safety and representations and strategic issues and challenges in HRM, in both domestic and global environments.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are increasingly relevant in our 21st century economy and society. This course will challenge students to think creatively and inspire entrepreneurship when working in an organization or starting your own business. Students will also gain an understanding of how to maximize Canada's world-class innovation and entrepreneurship support ecosystem.
This course introduces the student to fundamental concepts and theories concerning the behaviour of people in workplace organizations. The emphasis is on identifying questions and problems typically encountered by new employees and developing practical strategies and solutions. Contemporary issues and challenges in society are analyzed in terms of their impact on the workplace, on relations between individuals, and on the individual. The course draws on a variety of structured experiential exercises and case studies to apply the concepts of organizational behaviour to practical business issues and situations.
This subject is an introduction to the study of operations management. Students will study the general principles and techniques used in providing goods and services to satisfy customer demand. On completion of this subject, the student will understand the generalized and technical principles involved in operations management, and be able to apply the various problem solving techniques in the analysis of practical operations management situations. The student will demonstrate these decision making and analytical techniques in written form. This subject is a basic grounding in the field of operations. This field is an intricate part of all organizations, manufacturing and service, as well as both the profit and not-for-profit sectors.
In today's competitive business environment project management skills must include the ability to deliver projects on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of the customer. The purpose of this introductory course is to examine the general principals, practices, tools and resources associated with managing a diversity of workplace projects.
Many people fear or avoid public speaking. However, effective oral communication is an essential skill required by employers. This subject provides a step-by-step approach to presenting your professional self and ideas. With regular practice and constructive feedback, the student will be able to clarify ideas and organize thoughts effectively, whether speaking on a prepared or impromptu basis, and in both small and large group settings. Regardless of current skillsets, students will acquire the techniques of presenting more confidently and persuasively, both in person and in the digital environment.
The statistical methods of collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of quantitative data used for making generalizations, projections and decisions under uncertain conditions are introduced. Emphasis will be on the use of both descriptive and inferential techniques within the workplace.
This course introduces the concepts of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the business context. In the first part of the course, students will have the opportunity to explore social responsibility principles and sustainability frameworks. In the second part of the course, students will be introduced to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and gain an understanding of their relevance to business. They will be tasked with applying this knowledge in developing a sustainability initiative infographic/visual. The course prepares students to bring innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges that businesses face in the 21st century.
Further developing the knowledge gained in SMS210 - Microcomputer Applications for Business, the student will use spreadsheet functionality to perform metrics and analysis using real business examples. Use of database software for data mining and analysis purposes will add knowledge, skills and abilities related to business intelligence and meeting organizational objectives in a cross-disciplinary environment.
Economic issues that were once confined within national borders, today, can and do have global ramifications. A nation defaulting on its foreign debt creates issues that spiral beyond the confines of its relationship to the banking industry. An oil spill in one part of the world not only impacts the price of crude but also has devastating environmental implications. Global Economic Issues is designed to introduce the student to the key issues behind our complex and changing world from a social, political and economic point of view.
Please note the Business diploma program curriculum has changed for Summer 2023. For students who started the program prior to Summer 2023, please contact lisa.ballantyne@senecapolytechnic.ca to confirm program requirements.
In order to meet Seneca's breadth requirements for diploma or advanced diploma programs, students must successfully complete at least 3 General Education courses toward their program, satisfying the following criteria:
Notes:
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Build on your Seneca Polytechnic credential
Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.
As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a bachelor's degree program at Seneca or at one of our partner institutions.
To explore your pathway options and learn more, visit our Degree Transfer Guide.
If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.
After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
Note: Graduates from this diploma may qualify for possible credit transfer to University programs. See www.senecapolytechnic.ca/universitytransfer and look under General Business (2 years).
Rick Andrew
With extensive experience in the marketing, human resources, and sales industries, Rick Andrew has held various positions throughout his career, including national sales manager, group brand manager, and managing director.
For the past 18 years, he has owned & operated Andrew & Co -- a marketing and sales services company -- with past and present clients that include Lazzaroni Biscuits, Walkers Shortbread, Guylian Chocolates, Tartine Tarts, and Advertising Standards Canada.
As a part-time academic for over 30 years, Rick teaches marketing, psychology, consumer behaviour, presentation techniques, career development, and selling skills at Ryerson University, Toronto Film School, and Seneca Polytechnic.
Belinda Becker
Program Assistant
belinda.becker@senecapolytechnic.ca
Lisa Ballantyne
Academic Program Manager
lisa.ballantyne@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-0065
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.