Full-time/Part-time Bachelor of Business Administration 9950bba

It's Your Career. Get It Right.

The BCIT Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree provides students the opportunity to enhance the skills developed in their diploma programs. By earning a BBA, graduates are better prepared for career advancement. Students broaden their knowledge in the BBA, which focuses on critical and strategic thinking skills. Regardless of the area of specialization, the combination of a BCIT diploma and the BBA gives students much richer opportunities along their career paths.

The BCIT Model: fast, flexible and effective

Since 1964, BCIT has produced diploma graduates that employers ask for by name. The BBA program builds directly on the variety of diploma programs offered in the School of Business. By starting with the diploma program of your choice, you will begin learning the skills necessary for your chosen field right from the first day of classes. At the end of your second year, you will have a diploma that is highly valued by industry. The BBA program then gives you the flexibility to complete your degree full-time within 8 to 12 months (depending on previous transfer credits from other institutes), or you can choose to begin your career and finish your degree part-time, usually within two to three years.

Step 1: Specialize with a BCIT diploma in any of the following areas:

1For those interested in an advanced Accounting degree, BCIT also offers the Bachelor of Technology in Accounting.

2Students that have taken the Sustainable Business Leadership program must also complete ECON 2200 Macroeconomics and OPMT 1197 Business Statistics (unless taken in previous diploma)

Step 2: Degree completion

Upon completion of the second year, you are "job ready," having earned a diploma that is highly valued by industry. Now you are ready to apply to the BBA program and either:

  • Finish your degree in 12 months (three semesters), OR
  • Start your career and finish your degree in Part-Time Studies (usually two more years).

Ready to apply? Excellent choice! However, it's important to be prepared for this challenging and competitive program.

You'll significantly improve your chances of admission and success if you are well-prepared. Spend some time researching the program, and assessing and preparing for the upcoming curriculum.

***Bookmark this page for up-to-date program information.

Beyond the BBA


beyond borders
beyond BCIT

BCIT grads make a difference in BC


Leila El-Khatib received the 2010 BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to the Community. Watch her story below.

Program Entry

The BBA provides opportunities for individuals who are planning to complete, or have completed, specific BCIT diplomas, and who wish to further their education. NOTE: The BBA is an internal program that allows BCIT diploma students to complete their degree. There is NO direct entry for external applications (see below).

Successful candidates must meet the program's entrance requirements, and should apply to the BCIT BBA program after completing or when nearing completion of one of the BCIT School of Business diploma or post diploma programs below.

Entrance requirements

Successful candidates must have graduated from BCIT with a diploma from one of the following departments in the School of Business:

The selection process is competitive with the following three factors taken into equal consideration:

  • BCIT diploma or post diploma from the School of Business with a minimum grade point average of 72%

  • Minimum average of 72% across the following five courses: Business Communications 2, Accounting 2, Essentials of Marketing, Macroeconomics, and Statistics

  • Letter of Intent. This letter is in lieu of an interview. The BBA is a rigorous, demanding program with a greater emphasis on self-directed study, and less emphasis on group work. In the letter, express the commitment necessary to be successful in the program. It should be approximately 500 words in length and include a summary of the following:

    • Work experience
    • Extra curricular activities volunteer work
    • Reasons why you wish to pursue the BBA

Apply to program

Submit an application: online or by mail [PDF].

You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.

Prospective students should:

Complete an application for admission and submit their letter of intent indicating their choice of full-time or part-time. Those students applying online can send their letter of intent to bba@bcit.ca.

Scheduled intakes

Part-time: January, April and September

Full-time: September each year

Application processing

Part-time: Ongoing throughout the year.

Full-time: October 1 of the previous year until March 31*

Applications are considered for a specific intake.

*Or next business day

Applications for the full-time program are reviewed after January 1 and must be submitted before March 31 to be considered for the following September. Applications received after this date that meet minimum entrance requirements will be placed on the waitlist. Those on the waitlist may transfer to the part-time option at any time before the September intake by notifying Admissions.

myCommunication

Within 2 to 3 weeks of applying to a program, you will be sent a letter in the mail confirming receipt of your application. The letter will identify your student number, BCIT e-mail address and instructions on how to login to your myBCIT account.

All official BCIT correspondence will be sent to your myBCIT account. Check myCommunication often during the application process and throughout your studies at BCIT.

You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within 2 to 8 weeks.

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

Tuition payment is due 60 days prior to the program start for ALL students taking the full-time program. For students who are unable to pay their tuition at 60 days prior, please contact BCIT's Financial Aid department for a fee deferral.

Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.

Books and supplies

Full-time: $800
(General estimated cost, and subject to change)

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Full-time option

As a full-time student, you'll be immersed in a highly structured and demanding environment for the duration of the program. All full-time courses are scheduled at the Burnaby campus.  The full-time program begins in September and ends in either April or August, depending on the number of general education electives any student needs to complete.

Full-time format

Fall Term
(Sep - Dec)
Winter Term
(Jan - Apr)
Summer Term
(May - Aug)
  • 4 Business courses (Required)
  • 1 or more General Education courses (Elective)
  • 4 Business courses (Required)
  • 1 or more General Education courses (Elective)
Complete General Education Electives (If Necessary)

You'll be working toward completion of your BBA degree through lectures, hands-on labs, and integrated e-learning, working independently and in teams, building knowledge through presentations and research.

You'll be one of 50 students accepted into the program. Like yourself, everyone will have completed a BCIT business diploma or post-diploma program, and many will have work experience. Students come from many disciplines and fields of study, leading to a rich, dynamic, and varied learning environment.

Your schedule will be busy, with 15 in-class hours per week, plus homework. In the computer labs, you'll have your own computer workstation to complete all assignments. You'll have regular, usually weekly, class assignments to complete for most courses, so it's important to manage your time well and perform consistently throughout the school year.

Part-time option

Once accepted into the BBA part-time program, you'll register and complete classes on a course-by-course basis.  This option usually allows students to complete the program in 18-36 months while working.  Course information and availability is listed below.

Class hours

Full-time courses are scheduled at the Burnaby campus.

Part-time students are responsible for preparing a suitable schedule for each term. Course offerings vary from term to term and are scheduled at both the Burnaby and Downtown campuses. BCIT part-time courses operate on a first come, first served basis and capacity is limited. Please refer to the BCIT Part-time Studies course finder or Part-time Studies flyer for term specific information.

Program delivery

The Business Administration BBA program is available full-time or part-time.

Program matrix

1. Required Courses: (30.0 credits required) Credits
  BUSA 5200 Business, Government, and Society 3.0
  BUSA 6800 Strategic Management 4.0
  ECON 5200 Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis* 4.0
  ECON 6500 Managerial Economics 4.0
  OPMT 5701 Calculus for Management
course outlinenot currently available
4.0
  OPMT 5740 Integrated MIS 3.0
  OPMT 5751 Math Models for Business
course outlinenot currently available
4.0
  ORGB 5600 Implementing Strategic Change
course outlinenot currently available
4.0

* Note: Students must complete AT LEAST one of ECON 5200 or ECON 5570. Students who wish to substitute ECON 5570 for ECON 5200 to satisfy the required business courses component of the BBA must receive permission from the program head. Students who want credit for both courses towards the BBA may count one of the courses as a general education elective (subject to the policy guidelines for BBA general electives).

 
2. General Education Component (24.0 credits required) Credits
All students will be required to achieve these credits:
  • 3.0 credits - English Literature or Composition
  • 3.0 credits - Natural Science
  • 6.0 credits - Social Science or Humanities
  • 6.0 credits - Arts or Science
  • 6.0 credits - Electives

General Education courses offered at BCIT:

  BIOT 4001 Biotechnology for Business
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  BUSA 5010 Independent Business Project
course outlinenot currently available
1.0
  BUSA 5030 Independent Business Studies
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  BUSA 6910 Research Project 1
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  BUSA 6920 Research Project 2
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  BUSA 6980 Applied Research Project
course outlinenot currently available
8.0
  ECON 5460 Environmental Economics
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  ECON 5570 Financial Markets, Banking and the Macro-Economy
course outlinenot currently available
4.0
  ECON 5750 Global Capital Markets
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  GEOG 7001 Introduction to Physical Geography
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  LIBS 7001 Critical Reading and Writing 3.0
  LIBS 7002 Applied Ethics 3.0
  LIBS 7003 The Media: News Makers and Culture Shapers
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  LIBS 7004 The Social Foundations of Canada
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  LIBS 7005 Technology, Invention and Power 3.0
  LIBS 7006 Philosophy of Science: Understanding Scientific Reasoning
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  LIBS 7007 Technology Across Cultures 3.0
  LIBS 7008 Logic and Practical Reasoning 3.0
  LIBS 7009 Humour Studies - Learning with and about Humour 3.0
  LIBS 7010 The Literature of Leadership: Reading Leadership Texts, Paradigms and Strategies
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  MKTG 5150 International Marketing Management Strategies
course outlinenot currently available
3.0
  OPMT 5700 Precalculus for Management 3.0
  PSYC 1101 Introductory Psychology 1 3.0
  PSYC 1102 Introductory Psychology 2 3.0

Note: Please see the Program Head for details regarding BUSA 6910 and BUSA 6920. Course approval is required for ECON 5570, MKTG 5150, and FMGT 5750.

Students have the option of fulfilling their General Education component at BCIT (as noted above), or at another accredited institution.

All students will be required to achieve these credits in accordance with the BCIT BBA policy on General Education Requirements [PDF, 56 KB]. Additional information regarding topic areas and/or eligibility for transfer credit may be obtained from the Advanced Placement and Degree Office at 604-432-8230.

 
Total Credits: 54.0

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

You'll explore the world of business administration through case studies and group projects, all the while obtaining the analytical skills you need to build your career.

• In operations management courses, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how data is synthesized into cohesive management information and integrated into the strategic decision-making process. You’ll also gain extensive hands-on experience using industry-standard software, and grasp the critical importance of data modeling and management.
• Through managerial economics, you'll see first-hand how accounting and financial tools help managers solve the problems they face daily in the business environment.
• Through business administration courses, you'll learn about the relationship between government and the business system in Canada, the impact of foreign investment and free trade, consumerism, environmental protection, and the impact of the Canadian Bill of Rights.
• In organizational behaviour, you'll learn to analyze the development of organizations as they move towards open systems capable of effective responses to change.

You'll put all these pieces together as you pursue your group project, where you will get a chance to gain real-world work experience as you get ready for the next level in your career.

You'll hear guest speakers from industry, and you’ll be encouraged to get involved in BCIT activities and the local business community.

Program length

The maximum time to complete the program is seven years. Once accepted into the program a BCIT Business Administration BBA program plan is issued identifying the courses required for degree completion.

Full-time: The program runs from September until April. Students usually complete the program within 3 terms. Students with the appropriate transfer credits for General Education may be able to complete the program within two terms. Students should note that they are automatically registered into the Required Courses (as outlined in the Program Matrix) from September - April.

Depending on their specific BCIT Business Administration BBA program plan students may be required to complete courses under the General Education component. General Education courses may be completed at BCIT through part time studies or at another accredited institution. Students should note that BCIT part time courses operate on a first come, first served basis and that capacity is limited.

Part-time: Students usually complete the program between three to five years. Upon acceptance students are eligible to register for degree level courses. Courses are offered three times a year to coincide with the Part-time Studies terms:

Winter term January - April
Spring term April - June/July
Fall term September - December

General Education courses may also be completed through another accredited institution.

Given the high level of academic rigor, students pursuing the BBA on a part-time basis are eligible to register for a maximum of two BBA degree level courses in any one given term. Should students desire to study additional BBA courses consent first needs to be obtained from the Program Head.

Program location

Full-time:

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Part-time:

Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC

Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC

Many courses are also offered through distance and online learning.

Program structure

The BCIT Business Administration BBA is currently comprised of 54.0 credits: 30.0 credits of Business courses and 24.0 credits of General Education studies.

Graduating & Jobs

Graduate employment outcomes

The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2009-2011 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2008-2010 Graduates.
Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.

Apply for graduation

Students accepted into the program are required to apply for graduation once all program criteria has been met by completing the "Application for a BCIT Credential" available from Student Information and Enrolment Services. Students are asked to please contact the Program Assistant after completing the final course of their program for further information.

Credential

Students who complete all required courses on their BCIT Business Administration BBA program plan qualify for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

International Exchange

The BCIT School of Business International Exchange program is part of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program and helps domestic and foreign exchange students and faculty gain a global perspective by incorporating first-hand knowledge of the larger world with specific knowledge of the economy, culture, government, and everyday life of the country where they study or teach. Globalisation is the key word in today's business world and tomorrow’s leaders will be expected to speak multiple languages, work in foreign countries, and bridge cultural differences to achieve social, economic and political objectives. The International Exchange Program helps students and faculty take the first step in learning abroad on the path to global citizenship.

To learn more about this unique and exciting opportunity, please visit our webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

The application process for BCIT diploma students

  • When should I apply to the BBA program?
  • How important is the Letter of Intent?
  • I am currently a BCIT Diploma student in the School of Business but I haven't graduated yet. Can I still apply?
  • I have a BCIT Diploma but not from a Business Program. Can I get my BBA degree?
  • I have a BCIT Business Diploma but I only want to do the BBA part-time. Are the rules different?
  • I just finished my Diploma program. Can I get a FEE deferral?
  • General arts and science requirements

  • How many credits of general education do I have to complete in order to get my BBA degree?
  • Can I transfer general education courses completed outside BCIT towards my BBA degree? What is the process?
  • Can I take general education courses at another institution?
  • General questions

  • If I am not a BBA student at BCIT, can I still register for a BBA course?
  • What is the difference between the BBA and the ASTB (Advanced Studies in Business) Programs?
  • How long it will take me to complete my BBA Program?
  • When should I apply to the BBA program?

    The full-time admission process is competitive, so for your best chances for acceptance into the limited full-time option seats, apply as soon as possible after October 1 (in term 4 of your BCIT diploma program) to begin the next September.

    Full-time and part-time applications are treated separately. Part-time applications are accepted year-round, and accepted students may take the next available course. See our entrance requirements page for the details and criteria.

    Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are ranked. Acceptance or provisional acceptance is based on the ranking and available seats. [top]

    How important is the Letter of Intent?

    This letter is the equivalent of an interview; please view the "entrance requirements" section on the program entry page for detailed information. [top]

    I am currently a BCIT Diploma student in the School of Business, but I haven't graduated yet. Can I still apply?

    You may apply in the fourth term of your diploma, based on your grades in the first three terms and be provisionally accepted until fourth term grades are calculated. [top]

    I have a BCIT Diploma but not from a Business Program. Can I get my BBA degree?

    Applicants with a diploma from outside of BCIT School of Business can apply based upon the regular entrance requirements after completing the Business Administration Post Diploma program (9 months), the Human Resource Management Post Diploma program (9 months), or a part-time non-credential BBA Bridging Path at BCIT. [top]

    I have a BCIT Business Diploma, but I only want to do the BBA part-time. Are the rules different?

    The minimum admission standard is the same whether part-time or full-time, however, there is no limit on the number of part-time students admitted each term. [top]

    I just finished my Diploma program. Can I get a FEE deferral?

    Yes, contact financial aide and identify yourself as a BBA student. [top]

    How many credits of general education do I have to complete in order to get my BBA degree?

    In order to earn your BBA degree, you have to complete 24.0 general education credits. [top]

    Can I transfer general education courses completed outside of BCIT towards my BBA degree? What is the process?

    Yes, you can transfer general education courses from the different post-secondary institutions towards your BBA degree if they meet BBA general education requirements. Each course has to be a lower or upper-level university 3-credit course in the following subject areas:

    3.0 credits English Literature or Composition
    6.0 credits Social Science or Humanities
    3.0 credits Natural Science
    6.0 credits of Arts or Science
    6.0 credits unspecified credits

    Once you complete the general education courses, you have to send the official transcript to BCIT Admissions, Attn: Frishta Safi, at 3700 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC, V5G 3H2 [top]

    Can I take general education courses at another institution?

    Yes, as long as they meet the requirements listed on the general education information page. It is best to discuss any potential courses with the program head or an advisor in the Registrar’s Office. In general, an acceptable transfer course must be a university-level course (first year or higher). If taken at a college, it must be transferable to any of the universities in the province. [top]

    If I am not a BBA student at BCIT, can I still register for a BBA course?

    Yes, you can register for part-time BBA courses once you’ve completed required prerequisites and received department approval. Please contact the degree programs administrator at 604-412-7486 to obtain the approval. [top]

    What is the difference between the BBA and the Advanced Studies in Business (ASTB) programs?

    The BBA is a BCIT business degree that allows BCIT diploma students to further their education and receive a degree conferred by BCIT.

    The ASTB is an advanced certificate offered in partnership with Thompson Rivers University (formerly Cariboo College), which confers the TRU-OL degree. It is made up of eight advanced part-time business courses that fulfill the business component of the TRU degree completion program. Currently these courses are the same as the eight core business courses required by the BCIT BBA program.

    As of September 2005, BCIT BBA program students do not qualify for the ASTB certificate. Application to the BBA is separate from application to the ASTB. [top]

    How long it will take me to complete my BBA Program?

    The maximum time to complete the program is seven years but please view the program details page for specific information on part-time (2 years for completion) and full-time program (1 year or three terms for completion) lengths. 

     


    MBA, Law, Graduate Programs

    The BCIT BBA graduates are exceptional, and it shows. The following schools recognize BCIT for:

    MBA programs

    McGill
    Queen's
    SFU
    UBC
    University of New Brunswick (MOU)
    Wilfrid Laurier

    Masters of Digital Media 

    Centre for Digital Media

    Law schools

    Dalhousie
    UBC
    University of Ottawa
    University of Washington

    Graduate programs

    Masters of Economics (SFU)
    Masters of Education Technology (UBC)
    Masters of International Studies (University of Michigan)

    BCIT students are also eligible for Masters programs at any of our partner universities through the Student Exchange Program.


    Contact Us

    Please review our program listing page or request more information using the form below.   If you are having troubles finding the answer you are searching for, please contact:

    BBA related questions:
    Please review our frequently asked questions before contacting:

    Mark Nakamura
    BBA, Program Administrator
    School of Business
    604-412-7486

    Kevin Wainwright
    Program Head
    604-451-6839

    General Inquiries:
    bba@bcit.ca

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    Testimonial

    "The BBA Program at BCIT - for me, it's really a next step in building a successful career." Carly Wethersett - BBA Alumna

    Testimonial

    "The BBA program gave me a clear grasp of business fundamentals and an in-depth understanding of modern business concepts. Furthermore, the problem-based learning and applied educational structure of the BBA program emphasized collaborative teamwork in case studies and group projects. I was not only very well-prepared for the pursuit of an MBA, but also for eventual entry into the work force."

    Irene Leung, BBA Alumna, MBA Marsh Canada Limited

    Testimonial

    "Being a BBA student meant that I had access to the best group of students and the best group of teachers to get my education." Ashley Steier, BBA Alumnus Ernst & Young, Staff Accountant

    Find out More!

    New to BCIT? Register for one of our diploma information sessions, the first step into the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree program.

    Ready to apply for the BBA degree?

    >> View the virtual information session now.