The BCIT Business Administration diploma is ideal for students seeking choice and flexibility when it comes to starting or advancing their career. Complete your diploma at your own pace by attending evening or weekend classes at BCIT’s Burnaby or downtown Vancouver campuses, or studying as an online learner. Part-time courses are scheduled throughout the year for maximum flexibility.
Once you have earned your diploma, you can continue on and complete our BBA program in as little as one year (three terms).
Successful business people communicate well and understand how organizations work. They know how to assess business problems and develop workable and effective solutions. They understand how marketing, finance, and organizational behavior impact business strategy and success.
The BCIT Business Administration (Marketing) diploma will help you develop the knowledge and skills for a successful marketing career, whether you are just starting out or have been working for a while. You will build a strong foundation in business fundamentals and develop specialized knowledge and applied skills with your marketing option. With an industry project at the end of your diploma, you will graduate with the job-ready skills that BCIT is known for.
Already have a degree? Learn how to get direct entry into this program.
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Applicants who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand will require a comprehensive evaluation of their credentials by the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). Credential evaluation reports from other Canadian services may be considered. These reports must include course-by-course evaluations and GPA calculations.
Part-time Studies (course-by-course) programs are only available to international students who have a valid status in Canada. If you are currently outside of Canada, please apply to a full-time program or ISEP.
BCIT may award credit for courses, programs or prior learning assessment recognition (PLAR) completed at BCIT or other institutions towards a BCIT credential. However, BCIT policy allows only a maximum of 50 percent of an additional credential’s credits to be awarded through previously earned credits.
The Marketing Option requires 118.5 total credits. A student in this program can be awarded a maximum of 59.0 program credits from previously earned credits and must complete a minimum of 59.5 new credits in the program.*
Students entering this program may have previously completed a number of courses in the program matrix that exceeds the 50 percent transfer maximum. In this case, the program head will determine alternative courses to satisfy the program requirements.
*Program credit requirements are subject to change.
If you have taken an equivalent course to a BCIT course in the program matrix, apply for transfer credit by submitting a Course Credit Exemption form [PDF].
View the Transfer Credit Guide for approved courses. You can apply for courses not listed in the guide, but you must provide English language course documentation (e.g., a course outline).
Decisions regarding course equivalency are made by subject matter experts. The program head does not determine course equivalency.
If you wish to use a course taken at another institution as an open elective, submit a Course Credit Exemption form [PDF] to apply for transfer credit.
The rules for open electives are relaxed. Courses transferable to open electives can have been taken many years ago and need not be in a business subject to qualify.
The program head will determine the eligibility of courses for open electives as well as the number of credits and tier of the transfer.
Please note that external courses transferred to Tier 2 must have a prerequisite. For example, Chemistry 200 can be transferred as a Tier 2 course so long as the course outline lists Chemistry 100 as a prerequisite.
BCIT accepts only complete applications. In order to apply:
You can check the status of your application online at any time using the Student Information System.
Ongoing Part-time Studies intakes: January, April and September.
Please see the Part-time Studies Fees page for information on tuition fees and refunds.
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
This program is offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you the flexibility to complete courses in any order, provided prerequisites are met. Please note that some courses are offered only once or twice per year.
In-class delivery is available for most courses in the program, and some courses are also offered online.
In-class courses usually total 36 hours of classroom time delivered over 12 sessions. Students should plan for one to two hours of independent study time for each hour in class.
Online courses are typically 12 weeks long. Students should plan to spend an average of seven to ten hours per week on their studies for each course.
Courses in the Business Administration program are classified as follows:
View the Course Tier Guide [PDF] for a list of Tier 1 and 2 courses. Classification of courses not listed must be approved by the program head.
Students must complete sufficiently advanced courses to meet program requirements. A minimum of 62.0 credits in this program must be Tier 2 or Capstone credits.
Take care when selecting your elective courses to ensure that you will meet the Tier 2 credit requirement.
Check current availability of courses for this program.
1. Business Administration Required Core Courses (75.5 credits) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tier 1: | |||
BLAW 3100 |
Business Law
Presents a practical study of Canadian business law, including the legal and administrative systems, torts, contracts, sale of goods and consumer protection, secured transactions, employment, agency and business organizations. Participation in this course, taught by lawyers, prepares you to recognize and feel comfortable with the legal aspects of doing business. |
4.0 | |
BSYS 1001 |
Business Information Systems 1 - Office 2016
Computers and information technology are the foundation of business today. This course provides an understanding of computer terminology, operating systems, and the most popular office software used in business. Students will become proficient on MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Power Point with the latest version of Microsoft Office. |
3.0 | |
BUSA 2005 |
Principles of Management
Presents both traditional and contemporary perspectives of modern management examining management and management roles in teams, projects, departments and the organization as a whole. Strategic planning, operational planning, leading, organizing and controlling for performance will be addressed. Through actual business scenarios, cases and exercises, participants gain experience in decision-making and applying theory to real world organizations. |
4.0 | |
COMM 1103 |
Introduction to Business and Technical Communication
This communication course teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers routine memos, letters, request and reply letters, and oral presentations. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students scoring below "C+" in English 12 should take COMM 1106 instead of COMM 1103. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015. Prerequisite: Students must have one of the following: 1) English 12 "67%" (C+) or equivalent (refer to BCIT's Admission page); 2) COMM 0015 score of 70 or better. |
3.0 | |
ECON 2100 |
Microeconomics
This course investigates economic analysis, focusing on fundamentals of markets, supply and demand, consumer and producer behaviour, and monopoly and competition. Optional areas of business application may explore labour markets, government intervention and environmental regulation. Prepares students to identify and evaluate the economic considerations they will undoubtedly encounter in business. |
3.0 | |
ECON 2200 |
Macroeconomics
Presents a challenging overview of the workings of an economy. Stresses measurement and determination of national economic activity, the role of monetary and fiscal policy, and the understanding of inflation, unemployment and growth in an international environment. Prepares students to weigh political and economic issues as they relate to their business ventures. |
4.0 | |
FMGT 1100 |
Accounting 1
This course covers the full accounting cycle for individuals with little or no accounting background. Topics include accounting as an information system; introduction to accounting theory; income measure; traditional record keeping; the accounting cycle; special journals; cash and financial statements. |
4.0 | |
MKTG 1102 |
Essentials of Marketing
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of marketing. In addition to the “four Ps” of marketing—product, price, place, and promotion—students will be introduced to how marketers create customer-driven marketing strategies based on their research and understanding of the marketing environment and customers. Students will develop a marketing plan and integrated marketing communications (IMC) plan based on a case study, which will be assessed on students’ application of marketing terminology and processes and in the professionalism of their work. Additionally, students will complete assignments, quizzes, and exams. |
3.0 | |
OPMT 1110 |
Business Mathematics
Reviews basic mathematics applicable to business and industry. Topics include consumer and commercial credit, simple and compound interest, financial instruments and discounting, annuities, mortgages, loans, sinking funds, leases, depreciation methods, capitalized costs, cash flow analysis, NPV and IRR. Emphasis is on maximum use of pre-programmed calculator and practical applications from the field of Financial Management. Prerequisites: Algebraic skills to at least the Grade 11 level with a minimum 68% final mark. Students who do not have these skills should consider taking OPMT 0199 Math for Business or OPMT 0198 Business Math Assessment Test. |
4.0 | |
OPMT 1197 |
Statistics for Business and Industry
Presents a comprehensive study of elementary statistical methods as applied to objective decision-making in business and industry. You will be required to purchase a textbook and a pre-programmed statistical calculator. (Do not buy calculator until first class meeting). Prerequisite: Basic algebraic skills to at least the Grade 11 level. Students who do not have these skills should consider taking OPMT 0199. This course is deemed equivalent to OPMT 1130, OPMT 1121 and OPMT 1208. |
4.5 | |
ORGB 1105 |
Organizational Behaviour
This course presents the study of factors that either influence or are influenced by people at work. Focuses on macro factors such as organizational structure, technology and environment; group factors such as group dynamics, leadership, conflict, change and decision-making; and individual factors such as personality, attitudes, perception and motivation. |
4.0 | |
Tier 2: | |||
BSYS 2051 |
Introduction to Business Data Analytics with MS Excel 2016 for Windows
Every enterprise requires business analytics and decision support systems (DSS) in order to develop a competitive advantage. This is an introductory course using MS Excel for Windows, the foundational data analysis tool, to build on the skills and concepts covered in basic computer application courses. This course covers advanced Excel formulas, concepts, and applications using larger and more professional worksheets and focusses on the data modeling approach using Excel vs. the calculator approach. Topics include if-then modeling, built-in functions, charts, transferring data across applications, and using the built-in tools such as PivotTables, Sparklines, Slicers, and PowerPivots. Prerequisites: BSYS 1001 |
3.0 | |
COMM 2202 |
Business and Technical Correspondence
This communication course teaches business writing skills needed to write many types of business correspondence. It covers claim, bad-news and sales letters, job applications, and the writing of procedures and instructions. NOTE: Students scoring below "C+" in level 1 COMM are required to take COMM 2002 instead of COMM 2202. To make up for a full-time diploma program level 2 COMM course, students must take both COMM 2202 (or COMM 2002) and COMM 2203 (or COMM 2003). If you have BCIT full-time diploma program level 1 COMM course credit, email cecomm@bcit.ca to apply for approval to register. Prerequisite: Students must have one of the following: 1) a final grade of 70% or better in BCIT level 1 COMM (ie: COMM 1100 or COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 or COMM 1120; or 2) a score of 70 or better in COMM 0015; or 3) an OFFICIAL transfer credit granted for BCIT level 1 or level 2 COMM course with a final grade of 70% or better (refer to http://www.bcit.ca/admission/transfer/). |
3.0 | |
COMM 2203 |
Business and Technical Reports
This communication course teaches the business writing skills needed to produce effective business and technical reports: inspection, trip, incident, and progress reports, proposals, feasibility studies, formal reports, oral reports, summaries and graphics. NOTE: Students scoring below "C+" in level 1 COMM are required to take COMM 2003 instead of COMM 2203. To make up for a full-time diploma program level 2 COMM course, students must take both COMM 2202 (or COMM 2002) and COMM 2203 (or COMM 2003). If you have BCIT full-time diploma program level 1 COMM course credit, email cecomm@bcit.ca to apply for approval to register. Prerequisite: Students must have one of the following: 1) a final grade of 70% or better in BCIT level 1 COMM (ie: COMM 1100 or COMM 1103 or COMM 1106 or COMM 1120; or 2) a score of 70 or better in COMM 0015; or 3) an OFFICIAL transfer credit granted for BCIT level 1 or level 2 COMM course with a final grade of 70% or better (refer to http://www.bcit.ca/admission/transfer/). |
3.0 | |
FMGT 2100 |
Accounting 2
This course is the second of two designed to provide first year students with a general understanding of the nature, purpose and general procedures of accounting. The course examines notes and accounts receivables; capital assets; liabilities; partnerships; corporations and consolidations; international transactions; financial statement analysis; and cash flow statements. Prerequisites: FMGT 1100 or FMGT 1105 |
5.5 | |
FMGT 3224 |
Managerial Accounting (OPMT)
Designed to give non-accounting majors an appreciation of the uses and limitations of cost and managerial accounting in the decision-making processes of an organization. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the relevance of this discipline to other functional areas: capital budgeting, production planning, cost minimization, contribution maximization, pricing and marketing policies. Concepts will be related to both manufacturing and knowledge-based, service business environments. Students will study a variety of analytical techniques that can be applied to financial and operational data to support management decisions. Prerequisites: FMGT 2100 |
4.0 | |
FMGT 3555 |
Finance for Business Management
The purpose of the course is to give the student an understanding of the role finance plays in business and industry. Corporate finance is a tool that helps managers maximize the financial performance of a company for the long-term benefit of its shareholders. In this course students learn how firms can efficiently allocate their financial resources and how they can acquire those resources on as favourable terms as possible. Prerequisites: FMGT 2100 or FMGT 2105 or FMGT 2152 |
4.5 | |
Capstone: | |||
BUSA 4800 |
Management Policy
Analyses business strategy formulation to give the student practical experience and confidence in handling complex business situations. Comprehensive business cases will be selected in fields such as finance, control, personnel, production, marketing, and general management. Acquaints the student with management decision-making and effective verbal and written business analysis. Teamwork and organizational change are addressed as elements of strategy implementation. |
4.0 | |
BUSA 4950 |
Business Consulting Projects for Part-time Studies
This is a course in the application of consulting skills and problem solving. The intent of the course is to provide students with a set of tools that will help them solve unstructured business problems using the skills and knowledge learned in the program in a real world setting. Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in the Business Administration program, and must have maintained a 65% average, and must have program head approval to enter the course. |
8.0 | |
2. Marketing Required Courses (10.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Tier 1: | |||
MKTG 1219 |
Professional Sales Skills
This course provides the fundamental skills, tools and processes of professional selling. The focus is on “relationship” and “need-satisfaction” selling in a business-to-business environment. Through experiential exercises, practical applications and discussions students develop, deliver and evaluate a wide range of selling methods and presentations. This course is ideal for people in business who want to enhance their selling skills, people new to a sales role, and salespeople at any level who do not have formal training in the field. To be successful in this course, students must be able to communicate well in English. |
3.0 | |
Tier 2: | |||
MKTG 2203 |
Marketing Communications Essentials
This course builds on essential marketing concepts by focusing on the promotional element of the marketing mix. You will examine marketing communications strategy, and effective use of advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion and the media. To be successful in this course, you must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing, in English. Prerequisites: MKTG 1102 |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3309 |
Marketing Research
This marketing research course will explore research tools and techniques needed to execute various marketing research projects. Emphasis will be on how marketing research fits into the strategic planning process; conducting situation analyses and exploratory research; identifying and locating sources of secondary data including Internet and other online resources; evaluating and selecting appropriate methods for conducting primary research; designing data gathering tools; conducting effective survey fieldwork; and tabulating, analyzing and reporting of primary research findings. You will be required to complete a major multi-method marketing research project. |
4.0 | |
3. Marketing Electives (18.0 credits) | Credits | ||
Complete a minimum of 18.0 credits from the following list of electives: Tier 2: |
|||
MKTG 2438 |
Digital and Direct Marketing
Examines the concept of direct marketing, and studies the growing popularity of direct marketing as an advertising medium. As a growing function in organizations that is often not well understood or well managed, this course will look at both management and implementation of direct marketing. Direct marketing will be studied through lectures, videos, case studies, workshops, guest lecturers, group discussions, and industry-related projects. |
3.0 | |
MKTG 2525 |
Global Marketing
The growing importance of global marketing is one aspect of a sweeping transformation that has profoundly affected the people and industries of many nations during the past 40 years. Today, global marketing is used to realize a company's full potential. This course reflects current issues and events while offering conceptual and analytical tools that will help students apply traditional marketing planning, implementation and evaluation techniques, including the 4Ps, segmenting, targeting and positioning, and market entry strategies, to global marketing. It will also examine the social and cultural environments and the role of social media in the expanding global market place. |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3218 |
Media Planning and Buying
Designed for advertising agency and media sales personnel and individuals considering career entry in the advertising industry. Covers media/industry terminology, strength and limitations of media vehicles. Industry related research and the roles of those involved in planning buying and selling media time and space. Prerequisites: MKTG 2203 |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3321 |
Public Relations
Designed for anyone in business, government, associations and organizations, responsible for internal and external communication. Learn to fulfill your information and communication assignments with increased confidence and competence. Topics include planning and executing a public relations program; communication techniques, principles of news writing and preparation of news photographs; utilizing the media; press and community relations; external/internal communications and meetings. |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3322 |
Promotional Strategies
Provides the opportunity to develop a complete communications plan from the situation analysis to creative solutions. Reviews the role of strategic planning as it applies to media, creative, sales promotion and research. Prerequisites: MKTG 2203 |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3332 |
Key Account Management
This course is desinged for sales persons who will be working in with long sales cycles to large organizations. We look at managing the sales process and examine the possible influences within corporations and government departments. Topics covered: account strategy planning, partnership selling, application selling and managing activities for major accounts versus general accounts. Prerequisites: MKTG 1219 |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3406 |
Brand Innovation and Development
Inspiration, intuition and innovation. What is your brand culture? How is it represented and to whom? Brand Innovation and Development examines the critical steps and expertise involved in developing and presenting a successful brand, product, service or experience from concept to delivery. Creative modelling will be used to explore how to excite a market with innovative new brands or the re-launching of existing products in competitive market segments. Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of branding basics recommended. |
3.0 | |
MKTG 3418 |
Advertising Design Production
In this course, you will look out how planning a strategy for design work helps build a strong and effective ad. You will learn the stages of design production, copywriting and how to design for print, out of home and interactive ads. While using Adobe InDesign, an industry-standard software, you will develop your own marketing materials and start building a portfolio. The course is ideal for aspiring graphic designers and 'ad creatives' as well as marketers who want to better manage their creative resources. |
3.0 | |
4. Open Electives (15.0 credits) | |||
Complete a minimum of 15.0 credits of additional business and/or non-business electives. | |||
Total Credits: | 118.5 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
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.
The maximum time to complete the program is seven years.
Upon completing the prerequisite associate certificate, students typically complete the part-time diploma program within three to five years. Courses are offered three times per year to coincide with the Part-time Studies terms:
Winter term | January - April |
Spring term | April - June/July |
Fall term | September - December |
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Many courses are also offered through distance and online learning.
The Marketing Option is made up of four components: core courses, marketing required courses, marketing electives and open electives. Each component requires Tier 1, Tier 2 and/or Capstone credits as outlined below.
Component | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Capstone | Total credits | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Core courses | 40.5 | 23.0 | 12.0 | 75.5 | |
2. Marketing required | 3.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 | ||
3. Marketing electives | 18.0 | 18.0 | |||
4. Open electives | 12.0 (max) | 3.0 (min) | 15.0 | ||
Total credits | 55.5 | 51.0 | 12.0 | 118.5 |
Degree Completion
Business Administration diploma graduates may pursue degree completion through BCIT's Bachelor of Business Administration program. In addition, graduates may be granted transfer credit towards business degree programs at a number of universities both within and outside the province.
This program enables a graduate to launch a career or take on greater duties and responsibilities in a marketing-related position with either an existing organization or a new employer. Employment opportunities are found in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, retail, hospitality, marketing communications, tourism and service organizations.
Graduates of the Business Administration (Marketing) diploma program have a strong foundation in public relations, digital and traditional media, marketing research, and business analytics. This skill set will lead to a wide variety of marketing job opportunities.
Entry-Level positions:
Mid-Level positions:
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.
If you have questions about:
Contact program_advising@bcit.ca with the BCIT program name in the subject line.
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