Business Administration | Programs | NSCC

Note: Concentrations are not available at all campus locations and are subject to change. Seating is limited for year 2 choices and will vary depending on the campus you choose.

In the Business Administration program, you’ll have the opportunity to take courses that focus on areas such as digital marketing, consumer behaviour, integrated marketing communications, financial management, public relations, and marketing research.

There is also a new opportunity to participate in the collaborative NSCC Business Intelligence and Analytics and Business Administration programs with St. Francis Xavier University (see “Career and future study” for details).

At the start of the second year, you have the option to specialize in accounting or financial services or continue into the second year of the Business Administration program.

The program provides you with core business skills and competencies in the areas of accounting, business communications, human resources, business computer applications, financial planning, marketing, entrepreneurship, sales and operations management.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don’t represent final amounts owing.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association, and parking.

Tuition for part-time study is calculated on a per-course basis and is paid at the beginning of each term.

Tuition amounts are for the 2022-23 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional. 2023-24 tuition will be announced in the late Spring.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc…) that’s relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ACTG 1000 – Financial Accounting I
This course introduces students to the basic principles of the accounting cycle used manually in the service industry. This course is accepted toward certification with the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB).

This course is accepted as a pre-requisite for the Canadian Professional Accountant Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CPA – ACAF) program.

BUSI 1020 – Principles of Business
This course introduces you to business concepts and factors that contribute to organizational decision making. By the end of this course, you will be able to develop your business acumen, distinguish among the different forms of business organizations, explain the four functions of management, and critically assess business activities.

COMM 1205 – Communications – Workplace Foundations
Effective communication is fundamental to career success. This course will apply the communication cycle to improve the impact of written messages, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.

COMM 2215 – Communications – Workplace Applications
This course explores the detailed and specialized messages that are part of the current workplace. The course will give students the opportunity to research, format, and write targeted messages such as reports and letters. The course also prepares students for the job search.

COMP 1050 – Business Computer Applications I
This course introduces the basics in current business computer applications – including email, collaboration tools, word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheets. By the end of this course, you will be able to manage files and business activities, schedule and facilitate meetings, create business documents and presentations, and create spreadsheets to industry standard.

COMP 2050 – Business Computer Applications II
This course expands on Business Computer Applications I by introducing new skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to design a basic database, enhance spreadsheets, create templates to increase efficiency, and collaborate to create and review shared documents.

FINA 1311 – Managing Your Personal Finances
An introduction to starting your personal financial plan exploring conventional techniques for making your money work for you, instead of the other way around! This one semester course deals with financial planning and investment on a personal scale, and is intended to be useful and understandable to people who lack a finance background.

MATH 2500 – Applied Business Mathematics
Applied Business Mathematics introduces students to a variety of math concepts applicable to the business profession. The course will emphasize the time value of money in relevant contexts, annuity applications such as investments, loans and mortgages, as well as decision-making tools such as merchandising costs analysis, break-even analysis, identifying the break-even point and areas of profit and loss.

MGMT 1010 – Organizational Behaviour
This course is designed to introduce the student to the field of organizational behaviour. Through this course, the student can develop an informed understanding of the components inherent in social organizations and the relationships among individuals, groups, and the organizations that contribute to an organization’s effectiveness. Topics such as values, perception, ethics, conflict resolution, teamwork and diversity will be examined in order to help students become better equipped to interact with others in an organization.

MKTG 1010 – Marketing I
The primary focus of this course is marketing products and services to targeted customers. Emphasis is placed on the basic marketing premise that customer needs must be satisfied in order to achieve an organization’s objectives. The strategic marketing planning process is introduced, along with the specific concepts and principles involved in the four key components of the marketing mix.

MKTG 2005 – Marketing II
This course is a continuation of MKTG 1010. Topics will include: the marketing environment including emerging technologies and global influences, elements of the marketing mix and marketing plans.

SAFE 1000 – Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 – Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

Business Administration Year 1 Prescribed elective course requirement. One unit/credit.