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 Studies Seneca College Certificate program consists of six courses providing the foundational skill-sets required for a career in any industry or business, domestic or international. Courses will provide students with an introduction to the Canadian business environment, business issues and functions, and the major forces at work in the global economy. Students will learn foundational concepts including generally accepted accounting principles, fundamentals of math for business and finance, and marketing approaches and concepts used by and appropriate for profit and non-profit organizations. A strong focus will be on new technologies and strategies, and students will further develop their proficiency in computer applications for business to be able to apply these software skills to solving business problems.
This certificate prepares students with job-ready essential employability skills required to work in a wide range of entry-level positions within financial, marketing, sales and service industries, and it provides a pathway for students interested in building upon these skills through pursuing the General Business Seneca College Certificate program, Marketing Seneca College Certificate program and/or the Business Ontario College Diploma program.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Note: BUS 106 + BUS 203/BUS 206 are equivalent to BAM101
The international financial services community is working closely with the government and police force at all levels to contain efforts by organized crime and terrorist groups to launder money and use the financial services system as a conduit for the illicit transfer of funds from the proceeds of crime. The Canadian government has put legislative mechanisms in place and established a financial intelligence unit, FINTRAC, to monitor compliance. This course will teach students about Anti-Money Laundering management programs that are in conformance with Canadian and international regulatory requirements.
This course begins with an overview of financial management roles and covers financial statement analysis techniques. The Valuation Principle and The Law of One Price are introduced as a basis for evaluating costs and benefits in decision making. A review of time value of money concepts is provided for application in capital budgeting. The basics and valuation of both bonds and shares are illustrated. The course concludes with a discussion about interest rates, the relationship between risk and return, and the sensitivity to changes in interest rates for investment decisions.
Present or beginning line or staff supervisor, first-line managers and junior administrators will be interested in current management concepts as they are applied to the day-to-day supervisory function. A variety of practical exercises, case studies, simulations and presentations are utilized. Students learn how to assess and develop their capabilities as supervisors, as team members interacting with others, and as communicators.
This course is designed to give 4th semester students a broad understanding of current Canadian retail business trends. The operational aspects as well as the nature of various retail formats will be examined and discussed including buying, selling, customer service, advertising, store layout and design, technology and results measurement and evaluation.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
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.
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.
Sharron Hyman
As an instructor at Seneca Part-time Studies and life skills coach/trainer, Sharron Hyman is a multi-faceted entrepreneur who delivers a wide-array of informative workshops and courses.
Through her life skills coaching experience, Sharron's practical, genuine approach to teaching encourages her students to be actively involved in their lives rather than passive observers of their own thoughts and actions.
For over 20 years, Sharron has owned and operated four retail stores, a fine-dining restaurant, as well as managed and redeveloped shopping centres.
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.
Students are invited to attend an information session.