Business Administration

What to expect from the program

NorQuest's program integrates practical learning experiences with unique content for a truly different business program. You will explore innovative trends and practices while acquiring the skills and knowledge relevant to current and future industry needs. 

There are five specializations for the Business Administration program, each providing a flexible and dynamic core understanding of business fundamentals. Choose one of the focused specializations or design your own path with a general studies diploma that lets you select courses that match your business interests and goals.  

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

This program includes an optional paid co-op placement totaling 640 hours.

Specialization

Applicants can apply directly to the specialization of their choice. Students must have appropriate prerequisite courses as needed:

Accounting

Master the fundamentals of accounting while building the skills to support sound financial decision-making. Learn to track and analyze financial data, prepare budgets and statements, and apply accounting principles in real-world business settings. Gain confidence working with financial software and supporting organizational goals through accurate, timely reporting.

Human Resources Management

Learn to create effective policies, design selection criteria, and apply HR practices that support strong, engaged teams. Gain the skills to improve corporate culture, and boost employee productivity while building expertise in performance management, hiring and retention, compensation, and employment law.

The Human Resources Management specialization is accredited with the  Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR Alberta).

Finance

Build your knowledge in financial planning, industry principles and standards, financial products and services from the ground up. You will learn about tax and legal considerations, risk management, and how to build strong sales and financial sector-focused customer service skills and expertise.

Management 

Focus on management to build strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Learn to lead, make informed decisions, and support business growth with training in leadership, marketing, and financial analysis. 

• Entrepreneurship focus: Gain the skills to launch and sustain a successful venture. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, assess entrepreneurial potential, produce a business plan, organize, promote, and finance a business, and prepare a marketing and sales structure. 
• Business operations focus: Discover the strategies businesses use to supply, produce, and distribute goods and services efficiently and profitably. Learn how to plan, control, and optimize systems, deliver projects on time and on budget, assess productivity, and improve processes across an organization. 

General Studies 

Students may elect not to have an area of specialization. These students would take the common first-year courses, then choose 10 additional courses out of all Year 2 courses offered. 

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Business Administration program may find employment in the private or public sector, in small business, government, banking, insurance, not-for-profit organizations, retail, hospitality, oilfield, construction, and other industries. 

Accounting graduates may find careers as accounting technicians, accounting clerks, bankers, business analysts, bookkeepers, audit administrators, accounts payable or accounts receivable administrators, office managers, billing supervisors, business managers, credit and collections officers, inventory control officers, payroll accountants, and data entry professionals. 

Human resources management graduates are able to apply their skills in a variety of career opportunities such as HR generalists, recruiter, HR coordinator, trainer, consultant, HR manager, or compensation/benefits specialist. 

Management graduates have a broad understanding of various business concepts and applications, and as such, may find careers as general managers, operations managers, sales managers, account managers, branch managers, or business managers in retail, financial services, insurance, human resources, not-for-profit, sales, or marketing industries. 

• Entrepreneurship graduates may want to start their own business or help build new businesses, but their training can be applied to any industry. With their entrepreneurial skill and strong, general business foundation, they can focus on the bigger picture. Graduates may also find work as marketing coordinators, project managers, business administrators, product managers, or sales account managers. 
• Business operations management graduates will possess a highly transportable set of skills applicable to a variety of service and manufacturing industries, in both business improvement and supply chain roles. Project management, business analysis, purchasing, improvement specialist, quality control, and consulting roles would be examples of potential career paths. 

Finance graduates may find careers as customer service representatives in banks, personal financial services specialists, insurance sales representatives, or seek a designation as a Qualified Associate Financial Planner. 

For more information on related careers see: 

• ALIS OCCinfo occupational profiles 
• ALIS WAGEinfo salary info is available for many occupations in the business administration area, and can vary dependent on specific role and industry. Be sure to check out the many career options available. 

This program prepares you to step confidently into your field while providing the flexibility to continue your education. Credits you earn may be transferable toward additional diplomas, degrees, or certifications—helping you advance your career and increase your earning potential. Explore transfer pathways.