Samantha Walker-Dean

Career Potential

Graduates find work in the following occupational categories: 

• Accounts receivable/payable
• Auditing
• Bookkeeping
• Cost accounting
• Financial services
• Government service
• Payroll
• Public accounting
• Taxation services

Credentials

Year 1: Certificate
Year 2: Diploma

Admission Requirements

Year 1: Certificate
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.

Year 2: Diploma
1st Year Business Administration Certificate, or individual course prerequisites must be met. Exceptions must be approved by the Program Dean.

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

Transferability

This diploma program transfers as a block of 60 credits to several degree granting institutions throughout Alberta including:

• NAIT
• SAIT
• Athabasca University
• Northwestern Polytechnic

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

Program Start/End Date
August 28, 2023, to April 26, 2024 

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

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2022

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $5,281.74

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $159. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $159.

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.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2022

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2022

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $15,448.79

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
International Students - $1500

International Course Delivery: Onsite

• 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

• COMPUTER & MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

  Course ID: CMIS200

  Name: COMPUTER & MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Computer Management Information Systems is a hands-on course that explores the various methods, procedures, and systems used to manage data proficiently. Through the use of real-world case studies and interactive activities, students are provided the opportunity to explore a key aspect of organizational effectiveness in the business world today. Information Management is a dynamic component of everyday business and the ability to apply it to today’s rapidly changing environment gives businesses a competitive advantage. Students will gain foundational knowledge in creating and maintaining flexible and efficient database systems. This course explores how Information Management relates to business process and productivity, e-commerce, and social media and prepares students to work with Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply Chain Management systems. Prerequisites: English 30, English 30-1, English 30-2, or English 33 or COMM 121

• HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  Course ID: BUSI221

  Name: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Human Resources management is a complex and strategically important factor in all successful business entities. The intent of this course is to provide an overview of the most important aspects in this field: human behaviour in organizations, personnel planning, job analysis and evaluation, staff recruitment and development, performance evaluation, compensation administration and fringe benefits, performance appraisal, and labour relations. Prerequisites: English 30, English 30-1, English 30-2, or English 33 or COMM 121

• BUSINESS STATISTICS

  Course ID: MATH118

  Name: BUSINESS STATISTICS

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Business Statistics is an introductory course designed to give students a working knowledge and understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics covered include uses and misuses of statistics, methods of sampling, collection and presenting data, measures of average and variation, probability theory and distributions, sampling distributions of means and proportions, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses (large and small sample methods), analysis of variance, contingency tables, correlations and regression analysis, multiple regression, time series analysis, and forecasting techniques. Emphasis is placed on practical business applications. Prerequisite - Math 30 (Applied or Pure), Math 33, Math 30-1, or Math 30-2; or 60% on the Business Math test; or MATH 117

• MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

  Course ID: ACCT211

  Name: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Cost accounting as utilized in manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors is examined. Major topics include the following: job ordering costing and analysis, costing procedures, cost-volume profit analysis, budget preparation, standard cost systems, variance analysis, and cost analysis for managerial decision making. Prerequisites: ACCT 107 & MATH 117

• COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING

  Course ID: ACCT 212

  Name: COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Students will obtain a sound working knowledge of a current computerized accounting package by completing workbook exercises in Simply Accounting. Modules in this package will incorporate accounting simulations which are very similar to real life experiences of entering transactions and preparing various financial reports in an accounting office. Prerequisite/Co requisite – ACCT 106 & ACCT 107

• FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING I

  Course ID: ACCT215

  Name: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING I

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  This course examines complexities of accounting principles for corporate financial presentation. Special emphasis is placed on asset management and the various methods used by differing industries. Prerequisite - ACCT107.

• TAX

  Course ID: ACCT220

  Name: TAX

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  This course covers income taxation in Canada for individuals and the self-employed. It includes a review of the reports of the federal and various provincial Royal Commissions on taxation, problems associated with taxes payable by various types of corporate entities, and the Income Tax Act. It also includes completion of tax returns covering all the tax credits. Other topics include distinguishing between types of income and reconciling business net income for tax purposes. Prerequisite - MATH 117 Co-requisite - ACCT 107

• FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING II

  Course ID: ACCT225

  Name: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING II

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  This course continues the examination of the complexities of accounting principles for corporate financial presentation. Special emphasis is placed on liability and equity management and the various methods used by differing industries. Prerequisites: ACCT 215

• STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

  Course ID: BUSI225

  Name: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  Integrating knowledge is always a difficult task. This capstone course attempts to bring together all of the knowledge acquired to date throughout the program. Through the use of the case approach, and with the development of a strategic management process, students become skilled at planning, evaluating and implementing those plans. Upon completion of BUSI 225, students should be equipped with the skills to strategically develop and evaluate a business. These skills can be applied to enhance a company’s overall performance within their respective industries. Prerequisites: Completion of all courses in the first two semesters of the BA Certificate and the first semester of a BA Diploma

• BUSINESS FINANCE

  Course ID: FINA211

  Name: BUSINESS FINANCE

  Hours: 64

  Credits: 3

  All managers, self-employed business owners and individual investors require an adequate knowledge of business financing, financial analysis and capital budgeting. Informed decision-making requires a sound understanding and firm grasp of analytical techniques such as the proper use of financial ratios, evaluating interest costs through debt financing, financial statement analysis, cash budgeting, capital budgeting, and break-even analysis. Prerequisites: ACCT 107 and MATH 117