Overview
The part-time Global Business Studies Associate Certificate offers a distinctive chance designed to expand your global business perspective through a combination of academic courses and international experiential learning.
The program includes BCIT coursework along with a short-term international experiential component, where you can learn a new language and participate in the Summer Field School for hands-on experience internationally. As businesses increasingly operate on an international scale, this associate certificate equips you with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of the global market.
The four components of the program are:
- Foundation Courses – Gain a strong understanding of fundamental business concepts.
- Language and Culture Courses – Develop new language skills while exploring the cultural contexts in which it is spoken. Enhance your cultural awareness and understand how culture influences communication and business practices worldwide.
- Global Experiential Learning – Participate in the BCIT Summer Field School, a short-term international experience where you will learn about global business practices firsthand. Each field school includes business course, international guest speakers, company visits, and immersive cultural activities. For more information, visit bcit.ca/fieldschool
- Electives – Customize your learning by selecting courses in areas such as international trade, marketing, and intercultural competencies to broaden your business knowledge.
Graduates of the program can also apply to the Business Administration Diploma (Global Studies Option), which offers the exciting opportunity to participate in our exchange program with partner schools worldwide. This allows you to study and live abroad for a semester, gaining valuable international experience while expanding your global perspective.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
About Flexible Learning
Part-time courses are offered in various scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible daytime delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring/Summer (April).
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year with intake options available during the following periods:
- Winter (January) intake: open February 1* and close January 2*
- Spring (April) intake: open May 1* and close April 1*
- Fall (September) intake: open October 1* and close September 1*
Intakes may fill before the deadline. If you are currently registered in a course or planning to start, submit your application early to secure your spot in the program.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 52.1101)
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
- Go back Overview
- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Global Experiential Learning
The Summer Field School, as part of the Global Experience Learning component, includes costs beyond standard tuition. The Summer Field School price covers course tuition, shared accommodation, company visits, cultural programs, ground transportation, and breakfast. Check the Summer Field School website for latest details.
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Books & supplies
$900 (general estimated costs, subject to change)
- Go back Entrance Requirements
- Next up Courses
Courses
Global Experiential Learning
The Summer Field School is offered each year through the Global Relations department in the School of Business and Media. Please visit bcit.ca/fieldschool for information about current offerings.
Early Bird Deadline: November 15
Application Deadline: January 15
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
1. Global Business (9.0 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
COMM 1117 | Introduction to Intercultural Business Communication & Workplace Diversity | 3.0 | |
OPMT 1198 | Operations Management Fundamentals | 3.0 | |
TDMT 1104 | International Trade 1 | 3.0 | |
2. Language and Culture (3.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Complete 3.0 credits from the following: |
|||
CINT 1210 | Basic Mandarin and Chinese Culture | 3.0 | |
GLBL 5010 | Spanish Business Language and Culture | 3.0 | |
GLBL 5020 | Dutch Business Language and Culture | 3.0 | |
GLBL 5030 | French Business Language and Culture | 3.0 | |
3. Global Experiential Learning (3.0 or 6.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Complete one of the Summer Field School options: Option 1: BCIT Summer Field School with 6.0 credits |
|||
BCST 5035 | Global Storyteller | 3.0 | |
GLBL 5001 | Business Field Studies 1 (Italy) | 3.0 | |
or | |||
GLBL 4010 | The Visual Culture of Japan | 3.0 | |
GLBL 5002 | Business Field Studies 2 (Japan) | 3.0 | |
Option 2: BCIT Summer Field School with 3.0 credits |
|||
RMGT 5007 | Demystifying Risk – Introduction to Enterprise Risk Management | 3.0 | |
4. Electives (3.0 or 6.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Complete either 3.0 or 6.0 credits from the following list of electives for a total of 21.0 program credits. If you completed 6.0 credits in Summer Field School, complete 3.0 credits of electives. If you completed 3.0 credits in Summer Field School, complete 6.0 credits of electives. Courses completed in components 1 to 3 above cannot be credited towards your electives |
|||
BCST 5010 | Visual Communication and Culture | 3.0 | |
BUSA 4705 | Leading People and Teams Across Cultures | 4.0 | |
MKTG 1146 | Introduction to Sustainable Marketing | 3.0 | |
MKTG 1352 | Digital Marketing | 3.0 | |
MKTG 1550 | Social Media Essentials | 3.0 | |
MKTG 2225 | Project Management in Marketing | 4.0 | |
RMGT 5007 | Demystifying Risk – Introduction to Enterprise Risk Management | 3.0 | |
TDMT 1150 | Transportation Systems (CITT) | 3.0 | |
TDMT 1409 | Canada Customs and Free Trade Agreements | 4.0 | |
TDMT 2203 | Transportation Economics | 4.0 | |
Total Credits: | 21.0 |
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.
- Go back Costs & Supplies
- Next up Program Details
Program Details
Program length
This program can be completed in as little as two terms.
The maximum time to complete this program is seven years.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Continue your education
Upon successful completion of the Global Business Studies, you may qualify to meet the post-secondary education entrance requirement for the Diploma in Business Administration.
- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
- Go back Program Details
- Next up Contact Us
Contact Us
Eva Y Wong
Program Head, Associate Certificate in Global Business Studies
Tel: 604-412-7409
Email: ewong300@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
- Go back Graduating & Jobs
- Next up Subscribe
Subscribe
Sign up to receive updates, invitations to events, and information about BCIT and your program.
We promise not to spam you, we won’t share your personal information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
- Go Back Contact Us
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.