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Business

A group of students and faculty member are inside the student study room. The students are sitting at a desk with a television screen in front of them. The faculty member is standing by the doorway speaking to the group.

Behind every product and service we enjoy, there’s a business that relies on effective employees, practices and leadership. Business skills are needed in every industry, from aviation and food production to manufacturing and professional sports.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Business
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
May (Spring)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Port Hope
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
52.0101

Find your career

A career in business is more than numbers and banking – it’s a complex balance of finance, marketing, products and services you offer, and the people behind them. Our two-year Business program provides grads with the skills for: 

  • A business education is an opportunity – where you take it is up to you!
  • Entry-level positions within the business, not-for-profit and retail sectors. 
  • Careers as logistics coordinators, event coordinators, retail managers, production supervisors and shift supervisors.  

Our grads get great jobs

  • Manager Trainer and General Manager, Foot Locker’s “House of Hoops” Canada 
  • Operations Analyst, Cineplex Entertainment 
  • Human Resources Generalist, Magna International 
  • Financial Services Manager, Bank of Montreal 
  • Inventory Control, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton 
  • Logistics Manager, Stegg 
  • Human Resources Coordinator, Lowe’s 
  • Purchasing Buyer/Planner and Quality Analyst, Impacto Protective Products 
  • Administration Coordinator, Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
  • Accounts Manager, Bel-Con Engineering

Is it for you?

Business training will prepare you to manage projects and people. People who thrive in this field have: 

  • A strong work ethic. 
  • An entrepreneurial spirit. 
  • The ability to organize and lead. 
  • An analytical nature. 

During my time at Loyalist College, I enjoyed the hands-on learning opportunities in my program. The practical skills and knowledge I gained were directly applicable to the business sector, which is exactly what I needed to pursue my professional goals. The smaller class sizes allowed for more personalized attention from professors, who were knowledgeable and supportive. 

Melissa, Business

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Explore a broad mix of business options in this interactive program, including: 

  • Social media marketing. 
  • Financial decision making and supply chain management. 
  • Effective workplace presentation skills. 
  • Corporate responsibility and sustainability – economic, social and environmental. 
  • How to develop a comprehensive business plan for your own business idea

Projects with community partners provide concrete, hands-on experience, working individually and in teams to overcome real-world challenges. You could: 

  • Coordinate a conference. 
  • Design a training program. 
  • Develop a recruitment strategy. 
  • Perform a market analysis. 
  • Create a marketing plan. 
  • Conduct an operational productivity audit. 

Hands-on instruction takes you beyond the classroom: 

  • Enhance your learning with faculty coaches and business mentors. 
  • All students have the opportunity to be involved in Enactus Loyalist — a student-run organization dedicated to finding solutions to economic, environmental and social challenges through entrepreneurship and collaboration. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

  • Students have open-door access to dedicated and experienced instructors who stay current with the latest industry trends. 
  • Learn from MBAs with experience as bankers, retail managers, stockbrokers and entrepreneurs. 

Courses

COMP1022 Business Computer Applications 1

This course develops the skills required for success in the business community. Emphasis is placed on writing for the workplace to facilitate the design, creation and delivery of business communications. You will use email, letter and memorandum writing, formal report writing, and internal and external communications to create focused messages with appropriately sourced facts, for a variety of business audiences.

MATH1033 Business Math

This course covers the basic skills required by students to comprehend the essentials of business mathematics. Topics covered include an arithmetic and algebra review, percentages, ratios, commercial mathematics, and simple and compound interest.

COMM1083 Effective Business Communication

Effective Business Communications will prepare you for the various types of formats used to professionally communicate in the workplace, including emails, memos, letters, reports and presentations. You will apply critical thinking principles and brainstorm solutions to situations and problems in order to develop creative and innovative solutions. You will learn to select effective strategies to professionally communicate ideas to a variety of audiences. You will also learn elements of writing and grammar that will enhance your communication skills and enable you to succeed both academically and in the workplace.

BUSI1016 Introduction to Business

This course provides an overview of business in the Canadian environment using an integrated model. Topics covered include: the environment of business (social, technological, economic and political) as well as functional areas of business (marketing, accounting, finance, production and human resources) and legal and corporate governance information. A semester-long group project will provide you with the opportunity to explore the world of business, create work habits related to researching a company and stay current with what is going on in the business world.

MRKT1005 Introduction to Marketing

Welcome to marketing! You will learn how businesses reach and influence their customers. This course covers far more than advertising. You will discover how to create a marketing plan that can sell.

BUSI3007 Organizational Behaviour

The behavioural dynamics of the workplace are complex. Technology is impacting the way we work, the way we interact, and the way we manage people. This course examines the factors that influence human behaviour and performance in the workplace, including emotional intelligence, personality, motivation, team behaviour, leadership, organizational change and cultural characteristics.

PROF1020 Professional Development 1

Professional Development #1 is a highly interactive course designed to give you “the right start” to a college education and the rest of your life. A variety of experiences connect you to your program and its related careers, paint a clear picture of your educational journey, outline and strengthen the skills necessary for success at college and in the workplace, provide supportive student resources, and allow you to build relationships with faculty and your fellow students. Learning will be demonstrated through writing, presentations, short reports, group work and reflective journal entries.

MEDI1022 Social Media & Emerging Technology

In MEDI 1022, students learn about social media platforms and how to find the right platform for business advertising, marketing, and communication, through the use of demographic studies. This course will include blogging and podcasting for business, how to manage a crisis, and the importance of digital reputation, copyrights, and A.I in today’s business world.

COMP1021 Business Computer Applications - Excel

Organizations of varying sizes and in various sectors benefit from the use of spreadsheets. As such, individuals who have highly developed spreadsheet skills using tools such as Microsoft Excel are able to assist these organizations with their functional activities. This course explores skills such as formatting cells and worksheets; using formulas and functions; analyzing and organizing data; and presenting data visually. Upon successful completion of this course, you will have covered the components and related tasks and skills needed to prepare for the MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification exam for Excel.

ECON2000 Economics

Use economic fundamentals to interpret today's headlines and discover tomorrow's opportunities. This course will provide you with a "micro" view of supply and demand and market competition, leading to a "macro" view of our economy (local, domestic and global) and the Canadian financial system.

BUSI2001 Human Resources Management

In order to remain competitive all organizations need to manage their human resources. This course gives students an overview of the functional areas of human resource management including strategy, recruiting, compensation, performance management, health and safety, industrial relations, planning, and training.

ACCT1010 Introduction to Financial Accounting

Learn the basics of financial accounting by using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Students learn how businesses “keep score” through the elements of the accounting cycle and preparing financial statements. In addition, the course offers an introduction to workplace accounting software such as Sage 50.

BUSI2002 Operations Management

This course is designed to acquaint students with the concepts and functions of operations management. Topics covered will include the nature of operating systems, forecasting, capacity management, quality, inventory management and scheduling.

PROF1021 Professional Development 2

This course provides students with professional development skills using many personal well-being practices designed to give students the opportunity to make the best of their personal development in the workplace. This will be demonstrated through a progressive series of new learning touching upon topics such as emotional and social intelligence, fundamental mindfulness practices, strong self-care practices away from work, why inclusion in the workplace matters, and how to find a culture that best fits one’s lifestyle. Learning will be demonstrated through writing, presentations, short reports, group work and reflective journal entries.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

BUSI2009 Accounting for Decision Making

This course transforms financial and accounting language and concepts into decision-making tools the non-financial manager can use successfully every day. Students learn to apply the fundamentals of accounting to improve budget management, increase potential profits, sell new ideas and assess the financial viability of projects.

BUSI2004 Basics of Supply Chain Management

This course is designed to acquaint the student with concepts, techniques and procedures utilized in the materials management operation. Major topics include master planning, materials requirements planning, inventory control, purchasing, production control, cycle counting systems, demand management, distribution management, and the just-in-time system.

MRKT2006 Digital Marketing Strategy

Students take their marketing skills to the next level by focusing on strategies to achieve profitable customer relationships. Students gain knowledge of the marketing mix to create strategic marketing plans and then help local businesses with their exciting projects.

SUST1000 Principles of Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Integrating sustainability principles into organizations is being recognized today as something critical to the success of businesses presently and in the future. This course highlights the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) and examines how businesses are using them throughout the organization while competing in a changing world. Students develop a foundation of business sustainability principles which will be explored further in other areas of the curriculum and used in many functional areas of business.

PROF2035 Professional Development 3

This course focuses on developing strategies, attributes and employability skills to assist the learner with preparation for future placement and employment within the Business field. Content includes customer service and sales, mentoring, networking, establishing a positive professional image, developing a career plan, résumé writing, professional presentations and exploration of future career options. Professional Development #3 will get students on the road to placement and career readiness!

BUSI3011 Project Management

Through this course, you will acquire foundational project management knowledge in the areas of project planning, defining scope and priorities, work breakdown structure, creating scheduling estimates for timing and project costs, developing project networks, communicating project information, identifying compliance and risk issues, assigning resources, identifying potential efficiencies, and managing progress. This course also introduces you to multiple project management tools available for various project types and management styles through hands-on scenarios.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

LAWS2018 Business Laws & Ethics

Students prepare for the increasingly complex world of business. Students learn how the legal system and laws impact the organization and management of business enterprises. The course will focus on the principles of private law embodied in contract law, employment legislation, tort law, and in understanding the legal decisions rendered by Canadian courts as they pertain to business. Issues of professional liability, ethics, and codes of professional conduct are also discussed. Students develop an ability to recognize and respond appropriately to legal situations that can occur in an accounting environment.

BUSI2025 Business Simulation

Using the Capstone Business Simulation software, students simulate all aspects of management. Students make decisions in strategy and tactics, policy, production, accounting, marketing, finance, quality control, human resources, leadership, and teamwork.

ENTR2009 Entrepreneurship

In this course, students will learn about the skills, competencies, and challenges of self-employment. By the end of the course, students will have researched and written a comprehensive business plan. They are introduced to the nature of entrepreneurship and small business. Students learn to seek out entrepreneurial opportunities, develop new business venture plans, manage a small business, and evaluate the financial performance of the venture.

PROF2045 Professional Development 4

Students continue to develop a better understanding of themselves, which can be translated into professional documents (e.g. résumé, cover letters) and matched to specific jobs, career paths, and interview preparation. This course examines networking, professional bodies, certifications, available educational opportunities, and conducting research that is used to adapt to changing workforce demands and trends and to enhance employment opportunities. Students, in consultation with their faculty advisor, will research and arrange either an approved placement, or a Service-Learning opportunity with a cooperating organization or business, or choose a Professional Portfolio which will prepare and position individuals in finding employment opportunities.

MATH2014 Statistics

In this course, students are introduced to statistics. The course teaches quantitative methods used in data analysis and business decision making with a focus on the use and applications of contemporary statistical software.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

WKPL2048 Field Placement

Integration of formal learning practices with developmental learning opportunities helps to enhance and consolidate the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes of emerging professionals. Students, in consultation with their faculty advisor, will complete an approved placement opportunity with a cooperating organization or business. The placement is intended to provide the student with hands-on work experience in their preferred field of business. Prerequisite: BUSI 1016, BUSI 3007, COMP 1022, MATH 1033, MEDI 1022, MRKT 1005, PROF 1020, ACCT 1010, BUSI 2001, BUSI 2002, COMP 1021, ECON 2000, PROF 1021, BUSI 2004, BUSI 2009, BUSI 3011, MRKT 2006, PROF 2035, SUST 1000, COMM 1083

PROF2047 Professional Portfolio

Professional Portfolio equips students with the essential tools and knowledge needed to navigate the contemporary job market successfully. Students will learn to harness the power of professional portfolios, online branding, and targeted application strategies to enhance their career prospects. Prerequisite: BUSI 2009, BUSI 3011, MRKT 2006, PROF 2035, BUSI 1016, BUSI 3007, COMP 1022, MATH 1033, MEDI 1022, MRKT 1005, PROF 1020, ACCT 1010, BUSI 2001, BUSI 2002, COMP 1021, ECON 2000, PROF 1021, BUSI 2004, SUST 1000, COMM 1083

BUSI2024 Service Learning

In real-time cooperation with community partners from a variety of fields, student teams collaborate to create and manage projects based on the specified needs of each organization. Prerequisite: BUSI 1016, BUSI 3007, COMP 1022, MATH 1033, MEDI 1022, MRKT 1005, PROF 1020, ACCT 1010, BUSI 2001, BUSI 2002, COMP 1021, ECON 2000, PROF 1021, BUSI 2004, BUSI 2009, BUSI 3011, MRKT 2006, PROF 2035, SUST 1000, COMM 1083

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

Notes

Select 1 courses from above

*Courses subject to change.

A group of smiling students in the Business program at Loyalist College. Fourteen light green graphic circles are along the bottom left of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Belleville

Port Hope

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: *$1,367
  • Total: $4,089.08

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: *$609
  • Total: $3,331.08

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Belleville

Port Hope

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: *$1,367
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $17,026

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

  • International Tuition: $15,000
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees: *$609
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659
  • Total: $16,268

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Three students are sitting down while looking at a fourth student standing. The standing student is writing on a whiteboard. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Loyalist offers flexible learning 

  • You can start your program in September or January. 
  • Expand your opportunities with a double diploma in another College program in as little as two semesters. 
  • You can transfer to or from the same program at any Ontario college and receive full credit for the courses you have completed. 

Earn a Business degree at Loyalist College 

Why leave the Bay of Quinte region to pursue a Business degree when you don’t have to? 

Begin your journey in Loyalist’s two-year Business diploma program and then transfer into the third year of Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Business Management program.

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

Post-grad at Loyalist 

Business graduates are welcome to apply for a one-year post-grad certificate in: 

Study Abroad 

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

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