Program_Business Diploma

Business Diploma

Get a broad background into the functional areas of business that will empower you to progress into a management role or run your own business. This program provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration at RDP or can prepare you to transfer into a Bachelor of Commerce at a university if you decide you want to continue your studies.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Waitlisted
Next Start date:
Diploma
2 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus Online

About the Business Diploma

Learn essential principles of business and explore key areas of how businesses operate. This two-year diploma program will prepare you to manage a small business by understanding the impact of globalization across cultures and markets. 

You will gain skills, insight and confidence in the functional areas of business and develop an entrepreneurial mindset in a set of common business courses. Choose from a variety of options to focus on the areas that energize you.   

Business students at Red Deer Polytechnic benefit from the strong relationships we have with the business community. This creates invaluable opportunities for you to have practical, applied and work-integrated learning, all while creating important connections for the future.  

The Business Diploma provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration and may be completed online, depending on the focus areas you choose. Students who have already completed the Business Certificate can enter this program in Year 2. 

Work-integrated Learning

No matter which area you focus on, you’ll participate in a 90-hour work-integrated learning opportunity as well as project-based courses where you will do in the classroom what you would do on the job. 

Further Study

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Red Deer Polytechnic, Donald School of Business, Science and Computing 

Years 1-4 at RDP 

The Business Diploma provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration. Once you have completed the Business Diploma, you can enter the BBA program at RDP in Year 3. 

 

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business 

Year 1 at RDP, Years 2-4 at U of C 

Entry to the BCom program at U of C requires six half-courses (18 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in one year, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of C in Year 2. All courses which you intend to submit to U of C for admission requirements must be completed by the end of winter term of the year of application. 

 

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business 

Years 1 & 2 at RDP, Years 3 & 4 at U of A 

Entry to the BCom program at U of A requires 20 courses (60 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in two years, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of A in Year 3. This program will vary slightly depending on the major you choose. 

 

You may be eligible to transfer to other programs than those listed above. Please enquire with the institution you are interested in to explore what possibilities exist. 

Scott Ross_Business Diploma
"At the beginning of the program, I entered with very basic financial knowledge, and upon completion, I came out of it with a better understanding. The program provided realistic foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in the financial industry. Even if you don't decide to enter the financial industry as a career, you will leave financially prudent in your own lifestyle."
Scott Ross, 2012

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:
Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.  

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Business Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Business must have a minimum of 65% or higher in the following courses or their equivalent:  

  • ELA 30-2, OR a minimum of 60% or higher in ELA 30-1 

  • MATH 30-2, OR a minimum of 60% or higher in MATH 30-1

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.  

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Year 1
$8,902.00
Year 2
$9,502.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$18,072.00
Year 2
$19,572.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

In the Business Diploma program, you will complete 20 courses. All students will complete the same 18 core business courses and choose two options. You can create a program plan that helps you achieve your unique goals. 

Program Courses

Graduation Requirements

You must pass all courses with a minimum grade of “D” and achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).  

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.