Domestic students
$6,592
estimated first-year cost
* varies by campus
Bachelor of Business Administration
Build the skills to lead, innovate and succeed.
Build the business knowledge, leadership skills and real-world experience employers value. Explore your interests, choose a specialization and graduate ready to lead, innovate and succeed in today's evolving business world.
Program at a glance
Credential
Degree Degrees are multi-year academic programs that prepare you for professional careers or advanced study. They build in-depth knowledge in your chosen field and can lead to graduate studies or higher-level career opportunities.
Delivery mode
Blended Blended or On-campus All classes take place in-person at one of our campuses.
Time commitment
Full-time You take a regular course load and move through the program at the standard pace. Expect to study most weekdays. Part-time You take fewer courses at once and progress more slowly. This option offers more flexibility for work or personal commitments.
Duration
4 years
Program codes
- Code: BBA
Cost
Domestic students $6,592 estimated first-year cost Domestic students Estimated first-year cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $6,592 Vernon: $6,490 Estimated total program cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,368 Vernon: $25,960 International students $26,532 estimated first-year cost International students Estimated first-year cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,532 Estimated total program cost Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $106,128 * varies by campus
Location
- Kelowna or Online Full program offered in Kelowna or Online
- Vernon, Penticton or Salmon Arm Partial program offered in Vernon, Penticton or Salmon Arm
Available for
- Domestic students
- International students
Program features
TBD
Program overview
About the program
Learn about the world of business in a local and national context. Year one and two will provide you with a solid foundation in general business, after which you will be able to specialize in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources Management, Management and Marketing.
More than simply theory, our business program is based on students applying what they learn in a practical use setting. Your professors have real-life expertise and will design projects that allow you to use your growing knowledge in a hands-on manner, often connecting you directly to local business owners for authentic results.
Our Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees, Business Administration Diplomas, and Business Administration Certificates are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
What you'll learn
- Apply business concepts to real-world situations
- Analyze financial and business information
- Develop business and marketing strategies
- Evaluate organizational challenges and opportunities
- Use data to support business decisions
- Apply management and leadership principles
- Communicate business information clearly
- Work effectively with teams and stakeholders
- Manage projects and business resources
- Apply ethical and responsible business practices
- Develop solutions to complex business problems
Skills you'll learn
- Business analysis
- Accounting and financial management
- Marketing
- Management and leadership
- Human resources
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Business communication
- Project management
- Problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
Tools you'll learn
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Business and financial analysis tools
- Statistical and data analysis tools
- Business information systems
- Online research and business databases
- Digital communication and collaboration tools
- Other common industry tools
Work-integrated learning
Apply business skills in real-world settings
Put your learning into practice through projects, case studies, simulations and assignments based on real business situations. Faculty can also connect students with local business owners, giving you opportunities to work on authentic business challenges and apply your skills beyond the classroom.
A co-operative education option is also available for eligible students. Entry is optional and requires completion of all first-year courses with an overall grade average of 65%.
Our Bachelor of Business Administration Degrees, Business Administration Diplomas, and Business Administration Certificates are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students can choose one of the specialties outlined below or they can choose to take general studies where they will be able to choose courses from any of the specialties. The BBA program also offers concentrations you can add to your degree. Get your planning started with our BBA Degree Planner. If you have questions about this degree, please reach out to an advisor.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Have you gained valuable knowledge and skills through your career, professional training, entrepreneurship or community leadership?
Through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), you can transform the learning you've achieved outside the traditional classroom into academic credit. PLAR recognizes that post-secondary level learning happens in many environments. It provides a formal opportunity to demonstrate your competencies, potentially reducing the number of courses required to complete your credential.
How PLAR Works for You:
- Fast-Tracks Your Education: Accelerate your pathway toward a certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Saves Time and Money: Avoid repeating and paying for material you have already mastered.
- Values Your Past Learning: Receive formal academic recognition for your unique professional and educational achievements.
Is PLAR Right for You?
PLAR is designed for students who have already developed the specific learning outcomes of a course through:
- Professional or workplace experience
- Industry certifications or training programs
- Community service experience
- Entrepreneurship and business ownership
- Volunteer leadership roles
PLAR is not a challenge exam or a shortcut around prerequisite requirements. It is a rigorous, formal assessment process that evaluates whether your existing knowledge and skills are fully equivalent to the learning outcomes of a specific course. Our goal is to ensure you have the solid foundation needed to succeed in all future coursework.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the PLAR process, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be admitted to an Okanagan College program.
- Not be currently enrolled in the course you wish to challenge.
- Not have previously failed the course (or an equivalent course).
- Meet all institutional PLAR eligibility requirements.
PLAR applications must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the start date of the course being challenged. Additional eligibility criteria may apply; please review the institutional PLAR policy for complete details.
The 5-step PLAR process
Step 1: explore PLAR and start a conversation
Review the Okanagan College PLAR Policy. Once you have done so, send an email request to meet with our School of Business and Entrepreneurship PLAR Faculty advisor to discuss your educational background, professional experience, and the specific course you wish to challenge. Together, you will review the topics covered in the course assessment, the method of assessment for the course you are interested in applying to and determine if PLAR is a good fit and confirm your eligibility to proceed.
The PLAR Faculty Advisor for the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship contact information is as follows. Please reach out to him directly for support:
- Nathanael Massey, MBA, CPHR, Professor
- Email: nmassey@okanagan.bc.ca
Step 2: complete the application
If you decide to move forward, the PLAR advisor will provide you with the required PLAR application forms and detailed instructions for payment.
Step 3: submit payment
Submit your completed application and pay the applicable PLAR fee through the Registrar's Office. PLAR fees are 50% of the regular course tuition fee.
Step 4: complete the assessment
After payment confirmation, you will proceed with assessment. Assessment methods vary by course and may include:
- Portfolio review
- Demonstration of skills or practical assessment
- Written assignments or examinations
- Interviews
- A combination of the above methods
Students will be informed of the assessment and criteria for passing in step 1.
- Step 5: receive your result
Once the assessment is complete, your final grade earned through PLAR will be officially recorded on your academic transcript. Students who do not pass the assessment will receive a failing grade on their academic transcript.
Courses currently available for PLAR
| Course code | Course title |
|---|---|
| BUAD 111 | Financial Accounting I |
| BUAD 112 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship |
| BUAD 116 | Marketing |
| BUAD 121 | Financial Accounting II |
| BUAD 128 | Computer Applications I |
| BUAD 130 | Accelerated Financial Accounting |
| BUAD 176 | Professional Selling |
| BUAD 195 | Financial Management |
| BUAD 246 | Recruitment and Selection |
| BUAD 247 | Training and Development |
| BUAD 248 | Occupational Health & Safety |
| BUAD 251 | Personal Financial Planning |
| BUAD 255 | Financial Analysis and Decision Making |
| BUAD 263 | Intermediate Accounting I |
| BUAD 264 | Management Accounting |
| BUAD 269 | Human Resource Management |
| BUAD 273 | Intermediate Accounting II |
| BUAD 279 | Industrial Relations |
| BUAD 293 | Entrepreneurship |
| BUAD 350 | Capital Markets |
| BUAD 352 | Data Analytics in Accounting |
| BUAD 365 | Cost Accounting |
| BUAD 367 | Fraud Examination |
| BUAD 410 | Organizational Change and Development |
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where can I review the official academic policies governing PLAR?
A: All institutional regulations, credit limits, and eligibility criteria are governed by the formal college policy. We highly recommend that you review the official Okanagan College PLAR Policy before beginning your application to ensure you understand all current requirements.
Q: How does PLAR affect my official GPA and transcript?
A: The grade you earn through your PLAR assessment becomes your official, permanent course grade and will appear on your academic transcript. Please note that if the assessment is unsuccessful, a failing grade will be recorded on your transcript.
Q: Can I attempt PLAR for the same course more than once?
A: No. Students are permitted only a single attempt. You may not attempt PLAR for the same course a second time.
Q: What happens if I do not pass the PLAR assessment?
A: If your assessment is unsuccessful, you will receive a failing grade on your transcript. To earn credit for that specific course, you will need to register for it through the regular enrollment process and pay standard tuition.
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind or do not pass?
A: No. PLAR fees are strictly non-refundable, regardless of the final outcome of your assessment.
Unsure if you're ready? Because PLAR requires careful preparation and carries permanent transcript impacts, we strongly encourage you to speak thoroughly with a faculty advisor before submitting your application.
Ready to explore your options?
If your previous education, training, or professional experience aligns with one of the courses listed above, let's start the conversation. A brief consultation can quickly determine whether PLAR is the right pathway for you and guide you through your next steps.
PLAR Faculty Advisor for the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship contact information is as follows. Please email them directly to get a conversation started:
- Nathanael Massey, MBA, CPHR, Professor
- Email: nmassey@okanagan.bc.ca
This unique four-year degree program focuses on business in the Canadian and international context. Year one of the program provides a solid foundation in general business. In subsequent years, specializations are available in Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resources Management, Management, and Marketing. A General Studies specialization is also available to those who want to take elective courses from a variety of specialties. Business and non-business electives are also part of the program.
Tuition and fees
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Domestic students Estimated first-year costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $6,592Vernon: $6,490Estimated total program costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,368Vernon: $25,960
-
International students Estimated first-year costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $26,532Estimated total program costKelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $106,128
- Fees listed are for ten courses (30 credits) taken over two semesters. Depending on the campus of study and the courses selected fees may vary.
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Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.
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Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards
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All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.
Admission and program requirements
Regular Applicants:
- B.C. secondary school graduation (or equivalent).
- English 12 or alternatives.
- Math requirement:
- A minimum of 50% in any of:
- Pre-calculus Grade 11
- Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
- Principles of Mathematics 11
- Applications of Mathematics 11
- Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11
- Apprenticeship Mathematics 11
- Adult Basic Education MATH 011
- Adult Basic Education MATH 080
- Adult Basic Education MATH 084 and MATH 085
- Adult Basic Education IALG 011
- Or a minimum score of 16/25 on the Okanagan College Mathematics Diagnostic Test.
Mature Students:
- Mature applicants are at least 19 years of age and have been out of full-time secondary study for at least one year.
- Secondary graduation will be waived for mature applicants.
- Mature applicants must meet the English and Mathematics requirements.
Qualifying status:
- Applicants who ultimately fail to satisfy the specific English and/or math entrance requirements may be granted admission to and be allowed to remain enrolled in the business program as qualifying students subject to the availability of space after the admission and registration of qualified applicants.
- Qualifying students may concurrently register in a maximum of three first-year business courses, any three for which they satisfy the prerequisites.
- Qualifying first-year business students will not be considered to be continuing students and will, therefore, be allowed to continue in the program after the qualifying year only if all outstanding course entrance requirements have been successfully completed.
Entry into the third year of the degree program:
- Successful completion of a recognized Business Administration diploma program or equivalent with a minimum grade average of 60%; or completion of 60 university-level credits (with a minimum of 24 credits at the 200-level or higher) with a minimum grade average of 60%; or completion of an Associate Degree in Arts or Science with a minimum grade average of 60%.
Program requirements:
- A personal laptop is required. See the program for computer specifications.
Notes:
Prior Learning Assessment:
- Where a student has prior learning in the following courses BUAD 111, 116, 121, 128, 176 and 293, credit may be awarded if the student successfully passes a challenge exam. Contact the Business Administration department for more information.
- Secondary students who enter the Business Administration degree or diploma program with a minimum grade of 73% in Accounting 12 may request credit for BUAD 111 (Financial Accounting I).
Co-operative Education:
- Entry into the co-operative education option is a student's choice, and subject to completion of all first-year courses and an overall grade average of 65.
A minimum of 25% of the program including a minimum of 30 credits at the 300-level or higher must be completed through OC.
Schedule and campus options
The program offers flexible study options. The general BBA degree can be completed 100% online from any location, while some specialty areas may require in-person coursework and are not available entirely online. Students may also choose a combination of online and in-person study.
In-person study options
- Full program offered in Kelowna.
- At least three 100-level and 200-level courses per term offered in Vernon.
- Three 100-level and 200-level courses per term offered in Penticton and Salmon Arm.
To see current course availability, view courses.
For help planning your studies, book an appointment with an Education Advisor or a Business Advisor.
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Start date
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Location
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Delivery mode
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Application status
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|---|---|---|---|
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Jan. 2027
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Salmon Arm
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Blended
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Open
Details pending
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Note: Blended delivery. You can complete three courses per term in person in Salmon Arm, then finish the program online or in person in Kelowna.
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Jan. 2027
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Penticton
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Blended
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Open
Details pending
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Note: Blended delivery. You can complete three courses per term in person in Penticton, then finish the program online or in person in Kelowna.
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|||
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Jan. 2027
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Vernon
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Blended
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Open
Details pending
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Note: Blended delivery. You can complete at least three 100-level or 200-level courses per term in person in Vernon, then finish the program online or in person in Kelowna.
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Jan. 2027
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Kelowna
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Blended
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Open
Details pending
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Note: Blended delivery. You can complete the entire program in person, online or a combination of both.
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Sep. 2027
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Vernon
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On-campus
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Open
Details pending
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Sep. 2027
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Salmon Arm
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On-campus
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Open
Details pending
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Note: BBA Year 3
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Sep. 2027
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Penticton
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On-campus
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Open
Details pending
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Sep. 2027
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Kelowna
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On-campus
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Open
Details pending
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Note: BBA Year 3
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Sep. 2027
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Kelowna
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On-campus
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Open
Details pending
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Jan. 2028
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Vernon
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On-campus
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Upcoming
Details pending
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Jan. 2028
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Penticton
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On-campus
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Upcoming
Details pending
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Jan. 2028
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Kelowna
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On-campus
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Upcoming
Details pending
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Note: BBA Year 3
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|||
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Jan. 2028
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Kelowna
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On-campus
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Upcoming
Details pending
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Program details
While satisfying all the requirements outlined above for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must include the following courses in their Business elective choices to specialize in Accounting.
Complete at least 4 of the following:
BUAD 352 - Data Analytics in Accounting
BUAD 359 - Accounting - Contemporary Perspectives and Issues in Accounting
BUAD 365 - Cost Accounting
BUAD 367 - Fraud Examination
BUAD 368 - Selected Topics: Advanced Accounting
BUAD 469 - Selected Topics: Advanced Accounting
BUAD 369 - Canadian Income Tax II
BUAD 363 - Audit Planning
BUAD 462 - Advanced Financial Accounting
BUAD 466 - Advanced Managerial Accounting
BUAD 463 - Internal Control & Auditing
The Concentration in Communication provides students with skills in applied communications. Students develop competence in areas such as professional writing, public relations theory and practice, management communications, marketing writing, and visual communication. Completion of the Concentration will provide students with a valuable skill-set, applicable to every potential career.
The Concentration will be of interest to degree students who are looking to strengthen their principal credential. Students enrolled in a four-year degree program at Okanagan College (i.e. the Bachelor of Business Administration or Bachelor of Computer Information Systems) can apply credits earned in the completion of electives in these programs toward a transcript notation awarding them a Concentration in Communication. These students may also apply six credits of first-year Communications or English earned in the completion of their principal credential toward the Concentration notation.
The program allows for flexible completion and for student choice. Students can choose to register in whichever of the available Communications and English courses are of most interest to them.
The Concentration in Communication will be granted upon the successful completion of 18 credits, including six credits of first-year Communications or English, and 12 additional credits of Communications, of which at least nine credits must be from courses numbered 300 or higher.
Students may apply six credits of first-year Communications or English earned in the completion of their principal credential toward the Concentration notation.
The Concentration in Computer Information Systems (CIS) provides students with skills in programming, database development, management and administration. Students can develop competence in areas such as Java and Visual programming, programming for mobile devices, database and web programming, database systems administration and software engineering, and software development in teams with industrial clients.
This concentration option supports Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree students who are looking to strengthen their information technology background. Students, who enrol in the BBA program, can apply credits earned in the completion of their electives in COSC courses toward their BBA degree with a Concentration in Computer Information Systems.
The Concentration in Computer Information Systems will be granted upon the successful completion of 18 credits as specified in the program outline. Students must successfully complete the following set of courses to receive a Concentration in Computer Information Systems:
Complete All of the following:
Three more COSC courses with at least two of the courses completed at the 300/400 level. Students would select three courses from the following list:
Complete at least 3 of the following:
COSC 219 - Client-side Web Systems
COSC 222 - Computer Data Structures
COSC 315 - Introduction to Operating Systems
COSC 331 - Microservices and Software Architecture
COSC 341 - User Experience
COSC 360 - Server Platform as a Service
COSC 404 - Advanced Database Management Systems
COSC 416 - Topics in Database
COSC 419 - Topics in Computer Science
COSC 434 - Database Administration
The Concentration in Data Science and Statistics provides students with skills in applied Data Science and applied Statistics. Students develop competence in areas such as data visualization, machine learning, regression, big data and modern statistical algorithms. Completion of this Concentration will provide students with a valuable skill-set that is applicable to a wide variety of careers.
A concentration in Data Science and Statistics will be of interest to degree students looking to strengthen their principal credential. Students enrolled in a four year degree program at Okanagan College (such as the BBA program) can apply credits earned in the completion of electives in these programs toward a transcript notation awarding them a Concentration in Data Science and Statistics.
The Concentration in Data Science and Statistics will be granted upon the successful completion of 18 credits including :
Complete 1 of the following:
MATH 314 - Calculus and Linear Algebra with Business Applications
MATH 221 - Linear Algebra I
Note that MATH 221 has a MATH 112 prerequisite and a MATH 122 co-requisiste)
Complete 1 of the following:
Earned a mininum grade of 70%:
and any 2 courses with the STAT prefix at at least a 300 level or any courses with a DSCI prefix (other than 300 and 310)
While satisfying all the requirements outlined above for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must include the following courses in their business elective choices to specialize in Entrepreneurship.
Note: In the program requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must take BUAD 293 to meet the graduation requirements for the Entrepreneurship Specialty. BUAD 272 will not be accepted.
Complete All of the following:
Recommended Electives
BUAD 112 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship
BUAD 215 - Restaurant Management
BUAD 251 - Personal Financial Planning
BUAD 309 - Social Entrepreneurship
BUAD 330 - International Business
BUAD 345 - Consumer Behaviour
BUAD 346 - Sustainable Management
BUAD 401 - International Trade Management
BUAD 470 - Customer Relationship Management
BUAD 480 - Strategic Management II
While satisfying all the requirements outlined above for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must include the following courses in their Business elective choices to specialize in Finance.
Students must complete all of the following courses:
You can work directly with the most important resource any organization has—its people. As a human resource manager, your career will encompass areas such as recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, employment law, health and safety, and strategic planning. Your degree in HRM from Okanagan College is accredited by Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon. The knowledge and skills you acquire from this program are practical for any management position.
Your degree in HRM from Okanagan College is accredited by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) of BC and Yukon. The knowledge and skills you acquire from this program are practical for any management position.
Students must complete all of the following courses:
Plus three courses from the following list, with at least one at the 400 level.
BUAD 201 - Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
BUAD 279 - Industrial Relations
BUAD 374 - Employment Law
BUAD 379 - Selected Topics: Human Resources
BUAD 479 - Selected Topics: Human Resources
BUAD 410 - Organization Change and Development
BUAD 411 - HR Metrics
BUAD 412 - Strategic Performance Management
BUAD 418 - HR Analytics
While satisfying all the requirements outlined above for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must include the following courses in their Business elective choices to specialize in Management:
Student must also complete four courses from the following options:
BUAD 201 - Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
BUAD 298 - Small Business Management
BUAD 289 - Purchasing and Materials Management
BUAD 305 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
BUAD 306 - Managing Professional Service Firms
BUAD 307 - Managing for Innovation
BUAD 308 - Multicultural Management
BUAD 309 - Social Entrepreneurship
BUAD 330 - International Business
BUAD 331 - Project Management
BUAD 334 - Events Planning
BUAD 336 - Services Design & Development
BUAD 339 - Selected Topics: Management
BUAD 439 - Selected Topics: Management
BUAD 341 - Introduction to Non-Profit Management
BUAD 346 - Sustainable Management
BUAD 401 - International Trade Management
BUAD 410 - Organization Change and Development
BUAD 412 - Strategic Performance Management
BUAD 415 - New Product Development
BUAD 480 - Strategic Management II
While satisfying all the requirements outlined above for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, students must include the following courses in their Business elective choices to specialize in Marketing:
Students must also complete four of the following courses:
Complete at least 4 of the following:
BUAD 278 - Marketing Management
BUAD 297 - Retailing
BUAD 305 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
BUAD 333 - Search Marketing
BUAD 334 - Events Planning
BUAD 335 - Electronic Commerce
BUAD 336 - Services Design & Development
BUAD 338 - Selected Topics: Marketing
BUAD 438 - Selected Topics: Marketing
BUAD 344 - Marketing Analytics and Data Analysis
BUAD 345 - Consumer Behaviour
BUAD 415 - New Product Development
BUAD 433 - Applied Search Marketing
BUAD 470 - Customer Relationship Management
Note: Students with credit for BUAD 268: Marketing Research are not required to take BUAD 210 or 344 and must complete five marketing electives instead of four.
Students with credit for BUAD 268 must complete five marketing electives, one of which may be BUAD 344.