FAQs

Getting started

Who can take this program?
When can I apply?
I am an International applicant. Can I apply for the BBA and will my foreign diploma/degree be accepted for equivalent and transfer credit at Douglas College?
I am missing some lower level courses such as Math 11 or English 12. Can I still apply to the BBA degree?
I need more clarification about the business programs, degrees and the specialty areas. Can you help me?

About the program

What is the focus of this program?
What is the difference between the 2 specialties in the BBA?
When are courses offered?
How long will it take to complete the program?
What are the transfer options for my BBA courses?
Is Douglas College's BBA degree credible and acceptable in the market place?
What will it cost me to complete my BBA?

Who can take this program?
This degree is offered to high school graduates, 2-year college diploma graduates or adults returning to education to obtain higher credentials while pursuing professional accounting and financial services certifications such as CGA, CA, CMA, CFP, PFP, and CFA. University and college graduates who may have non-business degrees may also apply.

When can I apply?
We offer 3 intakes per year: in the Fall, Winter and Summer semesters. Please note that we may not have many degree-level courses in the summer as most student work in the field, acquiring practical experience. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the seats are assigned based on the application flow. You may also apply online and forward your official transcripts by mail. Apply online here.

I am an International applicant. Can I apply for the BBA and will my foreign diploma/degree be accepted for equivalent and transfer credit at Douglas College?
All international applicants are encouraged to apply. Foreign applicants should first submit their educational documents including all the official transcripts to International Credit Evaluation Services for assessment of all the previous work done, determination of Canadian equivalency. Once you receive the evaluation, please submit all these documents along with your Douglas College application.

I am missing some lower level courses such as Math 11 or English 12. Can I still apply to the BBA degree?
Yes, you may. In such cases, applicants are classified as "pre-BBA" and will be required to complete all the prerequisite courses whether from high school or lower level college prerequisites. Douglas College offers a Development Studies Program (DVST) for those applicants who may be missing high school level courses. Get details of the offerings here. As well, students may also complete "pre-business" foundation courses at the Developmental Studies Department. 

I need more clarification about the business programs, degrees and the specialty areas. Can you help me?
Yes, we can. Please contact the BBA Coordinators for a personal meeting. We will be pleased to sit down, assess your current educational needs and try to find a program that may best fit your future educational goals and expectation. Get contact info.

What is the focus of this program?
The focus of the degree is to equip you with relevant, applied skills in the fields of professional accounting, financial services, banking and wealth planning.  You will take a diverse set of courses so you'll be ready for multiple entry position in financial management. Many of the courses contain "hands-on" component enabling you to practice and master skills that will be very relevant at the workplace. The design of the curriculum provides a "seamless" transition from the classroom to the work environment.

What is the difference between the 2 specialties in the BBA?
You can choose from 2 specialties: Accounting or Financial Services and Administration.

Accounting is ideal if you plan to earn credentials such as a CA, CGA or CMA.

Financial Services and Administration will prepare you for wealth planning and securities positions, plus designations such as CFP, PFP, CIM, FMA, CFA or Mutual Fund Licensing.

When are courses offered?
The course offerings are on late afternoons, evenings and all day Saturdays. This format of offering is ideal for working adults and others.

How long will it take to complete the program?
It will take 2-4 years for full-time students to complete this degree (durations for part-time students vary), depending on your level of business education. Get details here.

What are the transfer options for my BBA courses?
Most BBA courses are transferable to other post secondary institutions. Granting credit for work done at Douglas is entirely up to the receiving institutions. For first and second year courses, most colleges and universities follow the BC Transfer Guide for course transfers.

For 3rd and 4th year courses which are normally subject specialty courses, the receiving institution may grant credit provides such courses are compatible both in content and coverage with the courses at their institution.

Is Douglas College's BBA degree credible and acceptable in the market place?
The BBA degree granted by Douglas College is given under a license granted to us by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, British Columbia Government, and as such it is an accredited post-secondary degree.

What will it cost me to complete my BBA?
Fees are based on the number of courses (based on credit hours taken) in each semester. Most courses are 3-credit hours and cost about $350 (CDN) per course. The degree requires a total of   121.5 credit hours of work (over 4 years) and will cost approximately $15,000 (CDN) plus other fees and cost of textbooks. Get current course fees.