Business Administration Certificate

The Business Administration certificate opens the door to highly sought-after jobs and opportunities to grow in companies while providing job security and opportunities to work in many diverse workplaces. Take an additional year to earn your diploma in either accounting or management.

What makes us different?
Our programs uniquely prepare students by allocating more instructional hours for the application of concepts that the big schools simply don't have time for. This program is offered face-to-face at the Cold Lake and Lac La Biche Campuses. Our small class sizes, individual attention, and additional instructional hours, all contribute to student success and employability post-graduation.

    Keally McDermott - Success Story

    It all began with Upgrading and a certificate in Business Administration. "I never thought I was going to have a Degree," says Keally. Thanks to a partnership with NAIT, she now has a BBA in Management and is working full-time as a Manager in Saddle Lake.

    NAIT Degree

    Graduates of the program will be able to perform entry-level functions in accounting or administration in business, industry and government. They have been hired in the tourism industry, health, education and social services fields, band or settlement offices, retail businesses, and oil and gas industries.

    Admission Requirements

    Grade 12 or equivalent with:

    • English 30-2 or equivalent
    • Math 30-2 or equivalent or
    • Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. * Students will need to submit an application to the program to start the process.

    Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

    Transferability

    Portage College Diploma in either Accounting or Managements or as a 30 credit block to many other institutions throughout Alberta including:

    • NAIT
    • SAIT
    • Bow Valley College
    • Red Deer Polytechnic
    • Northern Lakes College
    • Lakeland College
    • Medicine Hat College
    • Lethbridge College
    • Northewestern Polytechnic
    • Athabasca University
    • Keyano College
    • Norquest College
    • Olds College

    Credit may also be obtained from other institutions across Canada on a course-by-course basis.

    Program Start/End Date

    Fall - August 28, 2023 - April 26, 2024

    Application Deadline 

    August 15, 2023

    Locations

    Blended Delivery - Domestic
    Cold Lake Campus
    Lac La Biche Campus

    Domestic Student Fees
    Application Fee $53.50

    Fall Term
    Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022

    Tuition $2173.82
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $78.40
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $2,423.49

    Winter Term
    Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2022

    Tuition $2173.82
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $78.40
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $2,423.49

    Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $4,846.98

    Part-time Fees
    Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $145. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $145.

    Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

    Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
    Domestic Students - $100

    Need help funding your education? Check out our  funding options.

    Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

    Students will need regular access to a computer and an internet connection. High speed broadband access is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.

    For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.

    International Student Fees
    Application Fee $160.00

    Fall Term
    Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022

    Tuition $7123.71
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $78.40
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $7,373.38

    Winter Term
    Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2022

    Tuition $6521.46
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $78.40
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $6,771.13

    Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $14,144.51

    Guaranteed yearly tuition for 2023-24 -Year 2 of program started 2022-23 not including mandatory fees: $15,523.35

    Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

    Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
    International Students - $1500

    International Delivery: Onsite

    Business Administration Certificate

    • ACCOUNTING I

      Course ID: ACCT106

      Name: ACCOUNTING I

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      Within the conceptual framework of accounting, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, students are introduced to the accounting equation and the effect various transactions have on it. An introduction to ledgers, journalizing transactions, trial balance, income statement and balance sheet are presented. The accounting cycle, accounting for merchandise operations, internal control, accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash control, and the valuation of inventories are examined. Prerequisites: Math 30-2

    • ACCOUNTING II

      Course ID: ACCT107

      Name: ACCOUNTING II

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      Capital assets are discussed with reference to recording acquisition cost, amortization, exchanges and disposal. Short-term and long-term liabilities, partnerships, corporations, share capital, and the statement of cash flows/cash flow analysis are introduced and examined individually. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are examined through-out the course, as they relate to the specific subject areas. As a final integration, the student will study the analysis of financial statements. Prerequisite – ACCT 106

    • BUSINESS LAW

      Course ID: BUSL261

      Name: BUSINESS LAW

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      This course presents legal topics relevant to business, including ways to manage common legal risks. An introduction to the Canadian legal system presents sources of law, the court system, the litigation process, and alternatives to litigation.

      Tort law includes a study of intentional torts, business torts, negligence, and professional liability. Insurance law covers basic concepts of the insurance industry, and how to manage common risks in business. Basic forms of business organizations are delineated, with a focus on the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.

      Contract law details how contracts are created, elements of a binding contract, common contractual issues and defects, how contracts are discharged, and contractual remedies. An overview of the Sale of Goods Act will complete the study of contracts. Employment law describes the employer/employee relationship, the rights and duties of the parties involved, and common issues that may arise in the employment relationship. Intellectual property law discusses how businesses can generate value from ideas and the laws that seek to balance competing business interests.

      Secured transactions look at risk assessment and legal obligations of creditors when securing debt and practices that have been developed in the marketplace to manage that risk through security interests and guarantees.

      PREREQUISITES: ELA 30-2 or COMM 121

    • BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS I

      Course ID: COMM121

      Name: BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS I

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      This course introduces the communications model and the complexity of the communication process. Students learn to apply effective business writing strategies and techniques in memos, e-mails, and letters, to express good news, bad news, and persuasive messages. Letters and memos will be assigned in class, and completed within prescribed time limits. Students will use word processing software to compose, edit, and revise assignments. As well, students will learn and practice fundamental presentation skills, including the effective use of visuals and presentation software. Creating and maintaining goodwill with audiences is emphasized throughout the course.

      Prerequisites: ELA 30-2

    • BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS II

      Course ID: COMM131

      Name: BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS II

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      Students will add to their knowledge of the communication process and its typical business applications by applying the techniques learned in COMM 121, with a focus on business reports. Emphasis will be placed on research skills, problem determination, critical thinking, and source documentation. Word processing and other computer software will be used to compose, edit, revise, and enhance assignments with visual elements. Presentation skills learned in COMM 121 will be expanded upon and applied to a longer business presentation. Job search skills will detail competitive strategies for finding work, with a focus on how to produce a targeted resume and cover letter, and how to prepare for a job interview. Prerequisites: COMM 121

    • BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

      Course ID: MATH117

      Name: BUSINESS MATHEMATICS

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of business mathematics and to develop their abilities to apply these principles and concepts to solve practical business problems, particularly in marketing and finance. This course includes a lab component to analyze business math problems with spreadsheets. Prerequisites – Math 30-2

    • DIVERSITY AWARENESS

      Course ID: DIAW101

      Name: DIVERSITY AWARENESS

      Hours: 3

      Credits: 0

      This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.

    • MACROECONOMICS

      Course ID: ECON187

      Name: MACROECONOMICS

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      The overall health of the economy is the prime focus of this course. Gross domestic product, unemployment rates, inflation rates, interest rates, the balance of payments and exchange rates, and the money supply as measures of economic health are studied. This provides a framework for analyzing government monetary and fiscal policies. International economic issues including free trade and foreign investment are also examined. Wherever appropriate, applications to current events are introduced. PREREQUISITES: MATH 30 (Not Math 30-3) or 60% on the Business Math test and ENG 30, strongly recommended ECON 186

    • MARKETING

      Course ID: MARK166

      Name: MARKETING

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      This is an introductory course covering the fundamental principles and concepts of marketing. Major emphasis is placed on the marketing mix and its strategic application to an increasingly complex business environment. In particular, the areas of product, promotion, price, and distribution are examined as they relate to the achievement of company objectives.

      Prerequisites: ELA 30-2 or COMM 121

    • MICROECONOMICS

      Course ID: ECON186

      Name: MICROECONOMICS

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      The question of how individuals and firms use their resources to attain certain economic goals is examined. The central problem of scarcity is introduced. A brief study of how different economic systems try to solve this problem is undertaken. The market system is investigated as to how supply, demand, and price determine what and how much is produced. Effective decision-making in the marketplace is also examined. Prerequisites: Math 30-2

    • ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

      Course ID: ORGB193

      Name: ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR

      Hours: 64

      Credits: 3

      Organizational Behaviour is the study of what people think, feel and do in and around organizations. Organizational Behaviour is not just for managers; the concepts explored in this course are useful to anyone who works. This course builds student knowledge starting at an individual level, moving on to a team level, and finally finishing at the organizational level. Students will develop an understanding of how Organizational Behaviour concepts affect themselves and others, and how those impact the organization's bottom line.

      Prerequisites: ELA 30-2

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    We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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