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The Business Administration program gives you a foundation in business functions and how they work together.

You'll learn effective business communications skills and gain a firm grasp of business practices. The program emphasizes the development of the broad range of skills you need for a management position.

You will study human resource management, business plan development, economics, marketing, and business law. Industry guest speakers will give you insights into the business world, and your on-the-job training will give you even more real-life experience.

This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre at the Prince of Wales Campus. Take a virtual tour.

  • September 2026

    Prince of Wales Campus

    Program Length

    2 Years

    Credential

    Diploma, Business Manager

    Canadian Tuition

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    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

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    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

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    Other International Applicants

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  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
    • Resumé, including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program.

       

      Please note: This program accepts Mature Student applications.
  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    University of Fredericton Bachelor of Business Administration Holland College Graduates with a minimum 60% average are granted up to 57 credits towards the completion of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. 
    Acadia University Bachelor of Business Administration Graduates will receive up to 60 credit hours toward a general Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
    Athabasca University Bachelor of Commerce Graduates receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Commerce (post diploma) degree.
    Athabasca University Bachelor of Management Graduates receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Management degree.
    Capilano University Bachelor of Business Administration Graduates receive 57 credits toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
    Griffith University Bachelor of Business Graduates may complete a Bachelor of Business degree with any major in one and half years.
    Mount Saint Vincent University Bachelor of Business Administration Graduates who meet MSVU's entrance requirements receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
    Royal Roads University Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management Graduates receive up to two years of credit toward the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management degree.
    Royal Roads Bachelor of Business Administration in Innovation and Sustainability Graduates receive up to two years of credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration in Innovation and Sustainability program.
    Saint Mary's University Bachelor of Commerce Graduates with an overall average of 70% who meet SMU's admission requirements may receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values


    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:ACCT-1001

    Financial Accounting I Part 1

    Gain an understanding of the accounting cycle and the use of accounting as an information system. Explore basic financial accounting theory and learn to analyze business transactions and the accounts affected by these transactions. Develop accounting skills by using the rules of debit and credit, journalizing business transactions, posting transactions, and completing financial statements.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ACCT-1002

    Financial Accounting I Part 2

    Building on the concepts from Financial Accounting I Part I, following a manual system and/or using accounting software, learn about subsidiary ledgers and special journals, as well as internal control and basic financial accounting theory and practical concepts. Learn to account for merchandise inventory. Develop the skills to prepare, maintain and close financial statements and learn the fundamental principles required to control and account for cash, banking, and inventory. Prepare payroll according to government guidelines and regulations and learn to follow procedures to account for sales tax and workers compensation.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:ACCT-1010

    Computerized Accounting I

    Learn the basic features of an accounting software package. Develop bookkeeping skills by learning about the types of financial information tracked in a business, how to enter that information, and how to track the information through the computerized accounting program. Students will also compare similarities and differences between accounting software packages.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-1000

    Business Law

    Explore the basic legal concepts and principles that govern personal and business relationships in Canada. Students examine legal concepts such as; negligence, formation and enforcement of contracts, professional misconduct and liability, personal property and real estate, negotiable instruments, employment law, and debtor/creditor law.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-1010

    Human Resource Management I

    Students learn the functions of Human Resource Management (HRM), the value of an organization's human resources, and the challenges facing organizations to survive, remain competitive, grow, and diversify. Students develop skills in the areas of planning, job design, recruitment and selection, placement, orientation, training, record management and various acts and regulations that impact Human Resource Management.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2010

    Human Resource Management II

    Students develop skills in the fundamental areas of training and development. The main areas of focus include: development of compensation programs and the management of these programs, labour relations, collective bargaining and contract administration, orientation and documentation, employee rights and discipline, motivation, reviewing and improving performance, health and safety, and policy development.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2020

    Financial Management

    Develop competency in the basics of reading and analyzing financial statements. Students learn how the financial component of a business plan is prepared with emphasis on cash flow. Other accounting related areas such as credit policy and insurance program management are explored.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2030

    Economics

    Explore the basic principles and concepts of micro and macro economics. Learn the concepts of demand and supply, the theory of the firm, and distribution of income, including the study of business behavior and decision making under various market conditions. A macroeconomics view includes the examination of national income levels, employment and prices, the business cycle, factors affecting economic growth and monetary and fiscal policies.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2035

    Organizational Behaviour

    Students are introduced to concepts that relate to how individuals, groups, and structure affect and are affected by behaviour within organizations. Students examine the impact of individual and group behaviour on an organization's outcomes and processes. The main areas of focus include the foundations of individual behaviour, the role of motivation, individual and group decision making, leadership, conflict, negotiation, and organization change models.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2045

    Entrepreneurship

    Students explore fundamental characteristics required of successful entrepreneurs. Examine the importance of generating an idea, recognizing an opportunity and conducting wide ranging research for initiating a business venture. Learn the components required for various business plan designs. Explore business management processes such as business planning, capital development, marketing, and financial analysis.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:BUSI-2055

    Business Plan Development

    Students learn how to create a business plan that depicts the financial and organizational road map needed to obtain financial funding. The main areas of focus include: research and financial analysis, obtaining resources through loans, credit or government assistance programs and initiating a business venture. Students integrate knowledge and skills from Business Administration courses to successfully complete and present a comprehensive business plan.

    Credit Value:2


    Course Code:BUSI-2065

    Operations Management

    Learn how the management of systems, design, and operations is used to deliver a company's primary products and services. Explore how efficient and effective utilization of resources is necessary to improve the bottem-line and create a sustainable competitive advantage. After identifying an operations strategy for a business, apply project management concepts to create an operational plan consisiting of; daily operation requirements, location and facility requirements, legal considerations, inventory methods, supply chain framework, and personnel requirements.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMM-1010

    Written Communications

    Review and practice English grammar. Develop the ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely, building professional written communications skills for a variety of workplace settings.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMM-1020

    Business Communications: Listening, Feedback, and Presentations

    Develop oral and non-verbal communication skills for success in today's workplace. Students practice and perform these communication skills through group discussions, debates, presentations, meetings and the use of electronic media.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-1000

    Computer Essentials

    Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-1500

    Business Computer Applications

    Students develop skills to competently use word processing software, electronic spreadsheets, database applications, and web-based business tools. The main areas of focus include creating professional documents using a word processor, preparing complex formulas and data manipulation using spreadsheets, and developing databases and queries using business software applications and cloud computing. Students will also explore the use of Artificial Intelligence tools and the design of effective prompts.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-2500

    Management Information Systems

    Students learn skills required to navigate and operate information technology systems. Learn the methods designing, customizing information systems to attain a competitive edge in business.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MATH-1000

    Business Math

    Review and apply basic arithmetic and algebra concepts to solve problems. Perform various math calculations for business and financial workplaces.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MKTG-1000

    Marketing

    Learn the fundamentals of marketing and the major environmental factors influencing today's marketing environment. Discover how individual consumers, industrial and organizational buyers reach their purchase decisions. Develop an understanding of target marketing and examine the elements of the marketing mix.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MKTG-1115

    Digital Sales and Marketing

    Explore current and emerging sales and digital marketing technologies in their various applications in order to grasp an understanding of their processes, costs, effectiveness and relevancy for the workplace. Discover how to apply these technologies and sales processes to monitor, study, influence and engage the consumer in online communities.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:PRAC-2005

    On-The-Job Training

    On-the-Job-Training (OJT) provides students an opportunity to gain confidence by directly applying acquired skills and abilities in a real-work setting. Students learn about professional standards, routines and demands of an organization within that career choice.

    Credit Value:5


    Course Code:PROF-1005

    Workplace Essentials

    Learn the foundational skills for the workplace and academic success. Develop leadership skills by exploring topics such as; success in diverse teams, leadership and ethical decision-making, and building problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills. Develop workplace readiness and professional skills by exploring workplace etiquette, self-presentation, self-management, attitude, and communication.

    Credit Value:3


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Keep financial records and establish, maintain, and balance various accounts using manual and computerized systems.
  • Calculate, record, and complete remittance forms for payroll, taxes, workers' compensation, and other government documents.
  • Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects.
  • Support human resource management with recruitment, training, and understanding of employment laws and regulations.
  • Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
  • Identify organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on performance.
  • Discuss the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances, and the environment on an organization's operations.
  • Communicate effectively in written and verbal formats using current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving to apply knowledge and skills to practical business applications.
  • Demonstrate professionalism by adhering to principles of ethics, equity, diversity, inclusion, and professional standards.
  • Small businesses
  • Retail
  • Government
  • Service industries
  • Self-employment
Did you know? Hands-on, experiential learning (Co-op and Applied Projects) gives you real-world experience before you graduate.

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