Be ready for your journey of becoming a business leader.
Operating a business takes adaptability and innovation. Business is foundational to our world, and full of opportunities. Take your first step into the business world in this two-year experiential program that teaches you to think critically and solve problems, sometimes before they even happen. Acquire foundational knowledge that will aid you in your journey of starting, managing or owning a business.
Be a Student for a Day
Why should you study Business Administration – Business Operations at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
At Lethbridge Polytechnic, you will embark on an educational journey, acquiring foundational skills essential to success. Learn from experienced instructors who know you by name. Enjoy smaller class sizes in supportive learning environments in and out of the classroom. Develop meaningful connections between business and community, put theory into practice and step into the world of creative and critical thinking. At Lethbridge Polytechnic, you’ll be ready to start your business journey wherever it may lead you.
70%
of Business Administration grads had a related job less than one year after completing the program
Numerous opportunities
to network with and learn from real-life businesses
Career Opportunities
A variety of opportunities will await you once you graduate. You will have the option to: continue your studies; obtain a professional designation; or immediately pursue your career in fields such as:
- Advertising
- Agriculture-business
- Banking
- E-commerce
- Energy industry
- Entrepreneurship
- Logistics
- Management
- Marketing
- Project management
- Retail management
- Running your own business
- Sales
- Start-up business
- Supply chain management
- Technology
Why Lethbridge Polytechnic Business Administration? Employable after two years – step right into a great career upon graduation, or, with transfer agreements in place at institutions across Canada and around the globe, you can easily continue your education to earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as two additional years.
Learn skills
that provide an understanding of customers, create awareness of external perspectives and establish business objectives, such as driving revenue, steering growth, adding value and building loyalty.
Develop ideas
into reality with hands-on work and support from the Lethbridge Polytechnic AgENT program
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September or January
Credential / Accreditation
Diploma
Duration
2 years
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNote: Prospective students wishing to spread their courses over an additional term and/or commence their studies in the Winter term are encouraged to consult with an advisor for information regarding pre-requisites and course sequencing.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program must also satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
Note: Effective for the 2027-2028 academic year, applicants will be required to meet the following admissions requirements:
- English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Math 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Business Administration - Business Operations diploma.
| Partner Institution | Partner Program | Incoming/Outgoing | Effective Dates and Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athabasca University | Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and Management | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Bachelor of Professional Arts - Governance, Law, and ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca's Bachelor of Professional Arts in Governance, Law, and Management. Students may have to complete STS-2250 (or an acceptable equivalent) prior to admission. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University and visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of CommerceGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce. Students may have to complete STS-2250 (or an acceptable equivalent) prior to admission. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University and visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour RelationsGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations. Students may have to complete STS-2250 (or an acceptable equivalent) prior to admission. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University and visit their website for more information. |
| Athabasca University | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management | Outgoing |
September 2022 - August 2027
Post-Diploma Bachelor of ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards Athabasca's Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management. Students may have to complete STS-2250 (or an acceptable equivalent) prior to admission. Students should consult Academic Advising at Athabasca University and visit their website for more information. |
| College of the Rockies | Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices | Outgoing |
April 2023 - April 2029
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business PracticesGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 (C+) or higher, and a minimum grade of C on transfer courses, are eligible to receive full block transfer (63 credits) into the third year of the College of the Rockies' Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices. For more information, students should contact an Academic Advisor at College of the Rockies or visit their website. |
| Griffith University, Australia | Bachelor of Business | Outgoing |
July 2021 - June 2026
Bachelor of BusinessGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, with a cumulative GPA of 65% or higher, are eligible to receive transfer credit towards the completion of Griffith University's Bachelor of Business program (all majors). Students will be provided with an approved course completion pathway at time of offer of admission into the Griffith program. For more information, please contact an Academic Advisor at Griffith University or visit their website. |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Business Administration - Accounting | Internal |
Ongoing
Business Administration - AccountingDual Diploma Option |
| Lethbridge Polytechnic | Business Administration - Management | Internal |
Ongoing
Business Administration - ManagementDual Diploma Option |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business Administration - AccountingGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet competitive admission and selection requirements at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to 39 credits towards NAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Business Administration - General | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business Administration - GeneralGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet competitive admission and selection requirements at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to 60 credits towards NAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration - General. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet competitive admission and selection requirements at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to 39 credits towards NAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resource Management. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Business Administration - Management | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business Administration - ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet competitive admission and selection requirements at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to 45 credits towards NAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration - Management. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) | Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business Administration - MarketingGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet competitive admission and selection requirements at the time of application, are eligible to receive up to 39 credits towards NAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing. Students should consult an Academic Advisor at NAIT for further information. |
| Northwestern Polytechnic | Bachelor of Business Administration | Outgoing |
September 2023 - August 2028
Bachelor of Business AdministrationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, who meet admission requirements, are eligible to receive full block transfer (60 credits) into Northwestern Polytechnic's Bachelor of Business Administration program. Students should contact Academic Advising at Northwestern Polytechnic for further information and program planning. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainability and International Business | Outgoing |
October 2021 - September 2026
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainability and International BusinessGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, with a minimum GPA of B (3.00 out of 4.33) and who meet all other admission requirements, are eligible to receive block transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainability and International Business. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management | Outgoing |
October 2021 - September 2026
Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial ManagementGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, with a minimum GPA of B (3.00 out of 4.33) and who meet all other admission requirements, are eligible to receive block transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management. Students should consult Academic Advising at Royal Roads University or visit their website for further information. |
| University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Business Administration | Outgoing |
April 2021 - May 2031
Post-Diploma Bachelor of Business AdministrationGraduates of Lethbridge Polytechnic's Business Administration - Business Operations Diploma, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, are eligible to receive two years' credit towards the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Lethbridge. The exact number of additional required courses varies based on the courses taken and the major selected. Students should consult with an Academic Advisor at the University of Lethbridge or visit their website for more information. |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| ACC-1170 | Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC-1175 | Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| BUS-1166 | Business Law | 3 |
| BUS-1170 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| BUS-1177 | Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| BUS-1185 | Business Computer Applications | 1.5 |
| COM-1162 | Interpersonal Relationships and Communications | 3 |
| CPU-1165 | Business Applications II | 3 |
| ECN-1180 | Microeconomics | 3 |
| ENG-1159 | Writing for the Workplace | 3 |
| MKT-1188 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 |
| Credits | 31.5 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| BUS-2288 | Project Management | 3 |
| Cluster 1 (Choose 3 of 6) | 9 | |
| BUS-2277 | Retailing Strategies | |
| BUS-2281 | Logistics | |
| BUS-2283 | Integrated Marketing Communication | |
| BUS-2287 | Business Analytics and Decision Making | |
| BUS-2290 | Business Research Methods | |
| BUS-2293 | Advanced Marketing Strategies | |
| Cluster 2 (Choose 2 of 5) | 6 | |
| BUS-2268 | Organizational Behavior | |
| BUS-2275 | International Business | |
| BUS-2285 | Advanced Small Business Management | |
| BUS-2286 | Introduction to Supply Chain Management | |
| BUS-2298 | Human Resource Management | |
| Cluster 3 (Choose 1 of 3) | 3 | |
| ACC-2250 | Management Accounting I | |
| ECN-2253 | Macroeconomics | |
| STS-2250 | Statistics | |
| Cluster 4 (Choose 1 of 2) | 3 | |
| BUS-2276 | Financial Planning | |
| BUS-2292 | Business Finance | |
| Approved Electives (Choose 2 from List A and/or List B) | 6 | |
| Credits | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 61.5 | |
List A - Approved Business Electives
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC-2250 | Management Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC-2251 | Management Accounting II | 3 |
| ACC-2271 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC-2273 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 3 |
| ACC-2278 | Computerized Accounting for Management | 3 |
| BUS-2268 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| BUS-2275 | International Business | 3 |
| BUS-2276 | Financial Planning | 3 |
| BUS-2277 | Retailing Strategies | 3 |
| BUS-2278 | Industrial and Labour Relations | 3 |
| BUS-2281 | Logistics | 3 |
| BUS-2283 | Integrated Marketing Communication | 3 |
| BUS-2285 | Advanced Small Business Management | 3 |
| BUS-2286 | Introduction to Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| BUS-2287 | Business Analytics and Decision Making | 3 |
| BUS-2290 | Business Research Methods | 3 |
| BUS-2292 | Business Finance | 3 |
| BUS-2293 | Advanced Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| BUS-2298 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| CPU-2254 | Basic Desktop Publishing | 3 |
| ECN-2253 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| MKT-2260 | International Marketing | 3 |
| MKT-2279 | Applied Sales | 3 |
| STS-2250 | Statistics | 3 |
| TAX-2251 | Taxation | 3 |
| BUS-11XX | Unspecified 1 | 3 |
| BUS-22XX | Unspecified 1 | 3 |
| MKT-11XX | Unspecified 1 | 3 |
| MKT-22XX | Unspecified 1 | 3 |
1 Unspecified credits for post-secondary Business and Marketing courses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
List B - Approved Non-Business Electives
(a maximum of 3 credits may be included from List B Approved Non-Business Electives.)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO-1151 | Environmental Issues | 3 |
| BLK-1151 | Blackfoot Language I | 3 |
| CPL-1150 | Community Service Learning | 3 |
| FWK-2283 | Industry Placement | 3 |
| FWK-2284 | Industry Placement II | 3 |
| HUM-1150 | Logic | 3 |
| HUM-1155 | Ethics | 3 |
| HUM-1180 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| HUM-1190 | Popular Culture | 3 |
| INS-1155 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| PED-1123 | Academic Success in Athletics I | 1.5 |
| PSC-1161 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| PSC-1165 | Canadian Government | 3 |
| PSY-1160 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SGV-1111 | Student Government | 3 |
| SGV-1112 | Student Government | 3 |
| SGV-1122 | Student Government | 6 |
| SGV-2113 | Student Government | 3 |
| SGV-2114 | Student Government | 3 |
| SGV-2124 | Student Government | 6 |
| SOC-1160 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SPN-1150 | Introductory Spanish | 3 |
Practicum Experience
There is a practicum component to this program. Lethbridge Polytechnic dictates the legal terms and conditions governing the practicum experience.
View course timetablesTuition costs are estimates for the 2026/2027 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$5,117.00
|
$2,183.00
|
$1,600.00
|
| Year 2
|
$5,040.00
|
$1,952.00
|
$1,600.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$17,717.00
|
$2,183.00
|
$1,600.00
|
| Year 2
|
$17,844.00
|
$1,952.00
|
$1,600.00
|
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Business Administration program is delivered on campus. We offer some online, asynchronous courses. Not all required program courses are available online.
Online (Partial)
This program offers some courses, but not all required program courses, online with either synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) or asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) components.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.