Student Experience

What to Expect

Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the three-year Business Administration (Core) program.

Program Progression

Semesters 1 – 3
Initially, you apply to Business Administration – Core. It is during these first three semesters that you learn the fundamentals of business. In the third semester, you’ll take one course from each major so that you can explore a variety of business fields before ultimately deciding on a major and career path available to you: accounting, finance, general business, human resources, international business, marketing, or supply chain and operations management.  You’ll select a major with guidance from faculty and upper level students, based on your area of interest.

Semesters 4 – 6
Once you select your major, you’ll be fully immersed in that field for your remaining three semesters. You’ll develop the skills and abilities expected of professionals in your industry and explore different jobs within your area of study to see what you are best suited for.

Choose from one of seven Business Administration Majors

Success Stories and Testimonials

“There are many different opportunities to really get that hands-on experience, through projects with real clients, networking events with industry leaders, and competitions.”
– Alexia, Graduate

Work-Integrated Learning

  • Throughout the program, you will experience real-life applications of what you’re learning, whether it’s through a work placement, co-op, or working with a client on a project.
  • Connect with industry! In all of the majors, you will have the opportunity to network and learn directly from professionals with a variety of areas of expertise.
  • General Business Majors receive a broad business education, allowing for a variety of career options.  An optional co-op is available for paid real-life learning.  
  • Human Resources Majors study alongside industry and academic experts to learn the human resources management knowledge and skills to practice in any industry or organizational type. AI simulations with avatars, teamwork, and team projects are completed to model the HRM role in industry. This program is both HRPA and SHRM approved, and students could certify with these organizations and others. Students qualify to learn on the job, in field placements.
  • Marketing Majors may be eligible to earn a certificate from the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) upon graduation. Students will plan, organize and hold a networking event with industry professionals to launch their career. Students also have the opportunity to connect with their industry through participating in the prestigious Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition (OCMC.)
  • International Business Majors are qualified to apply for the Certified International Trade Professional credential from the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). This provides access to numerous networking and career building opportunities around the globe. An optional co-op is available for paid real-life learning.  
  • Accounting Majors participate in the annual Accounting Career Event, with panelists from CPA, program graduates, and Human Resources firms who discuss the current state of the industry, hiring statistics, key trends, and to give you a glimpse of what’s next in your career journey.
  • Finance Majors meet the high proficiency standards needed to complete professional designations and licensing courses in the financial services industry. They have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals through panels, guest speakers and professors.
  • Supply Chain and Operations Management Majors become qualified to successfully pass top supply chain industry certifications upon graduation, giving them the competitive edge in your job search. They earn a certificate from Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP), the world’s largest supplier of enterprise software and get hands-on knowledge of SAP supply chain software. They receive a broad selection of supply chain education, allowing for a variety of career options. Two optional co-ops are available after level 4 and level 6.
  • All qualified graduates from the program also meet the educational requirements to apply for the Certified in Management (CIM) designation through the Canadian Institute of Management.