Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 20 Months

Program credential icon Credential

  • Master Degree

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Are you ready to take the next big step in your career and become a global community leader? The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) inspires learners to become professionals able to navigate and meet the challenges of an increasingly complex, digital, interconnected world. With a focus on building the leader of tomorrow, the VIU MBA program is among the most technologically integrated programs in Canada, with data analytics embedded in research courses and four dedicated, technology-focused courses. This approach allows our students to graduate with specialized expertise on how the digital and technological landscape is driving everything from organizational behaviour to industry, exploring phenomena like surveillance capitalism and digital media management.

MBA students are supported by career coaching throughout the program, and work with industry mentors during an internship where they apply their learning to a business project with the full support of experienced, dedicated program faculty.

As a VIU MBA graduate, you will launch your career with the essential disciplinary knowledge, growth mindset and creative and foundational thinking that will make you a confident leader in the broader global business community.


The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program

Vancouver Island University's Master of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to learn in a dynamic global setting with students from all over the world. Our small class size enables students and faculty opportunities to learn in a collegial setting, while the diversity of our students and faculty provides a relevant global perspective for today's business world. Our MBA faculty bring a unique combination of industry-based expertise and international experience into the classroom, providing academic rigour to real-world examples and cases from their own experience. 

Vancouver Island University's Master of Business Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 

The MBA program is offered in an intensive 20-month, full-time format which includes a series of well-articulated integrated courses in Management, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Research, and Technology and a 4-month internship and an applied business project. 

All students participate in a 3-week Foundation of blended coursework at the start of the MBA program. The Foundation introduces students to the core principles of the program learning outcomes and rigorous requirements of academic writing and professional representation at the graduate level, setting our students up for success. 

Progression through the coursework in each semester is divided into 1, 2, or 3 modules. Students are provided with downtime in between modules to ensure ample opportunity for knowledge retention and career exploration. Each semester ends with a 2-week official break in study. 

Upon successful completion of coursework, students complete an internship. Working with an industry mentor, students identify a significant organizational problem that will be used to write an Applied Business Project under faculty supervision. 

Intakes for the MBA program begin in September and January. 

For more information about the program and courses, visit Graduate Programs, Faculty of Management.

Fall Intake

Year 1 - Fall SemesterCredits
MBAA 500 - (Foundations 1)1
MBAA 501 - (Foundations 2)2
MBAA 511 - (Research 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 512 - (Economics 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 513 - (Marketing 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 514 - (Management 1 - Strategic Management)1.5
MBAA 515 - (Finance 1 - Finance and Quantitative Analysis) 1.5
MBAA 516 - (Accounting 1 - Basics of Accounting)1.5
Credits12

 

Year 1 - Spring SemesterCredits
MBAA 521 - (Research 2 - Research Design)2
MBAA 522 - (Economics 2 - Microeconomics)2
MBAA 523 - (Marketing 2 - Strategic Marketing)2
MBAA 524 - (Management 2 - Leadership and Managerial Skills)3
MBAA 525 - (Finance 2 - Finance Theory and Application) 2
MBAA 526 - (Accounting 2 - Context of Accounting)2
MBAA 527 - (Technology 1 - System Management)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations)  
Credits15

 

Year 1 - Intersession SemesterCredits
MBAA 531 - (Research 3 - Data Analytics)3
MBAA 532 - (Economics 3 - Global Context)2
MBAA 533 - (Technology 2 - Communication Tools)2
MBAA 534 - (Management 3 - Strategic Global Talent Management)3
MBAA 536 - (Accounting 3 - Financial Decision Making)2
MBAA 537 - (Technology 3 - Digital Behaviour)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations) 
Credits14

 

Year 2 - Fall SemesterCredits
MBAA 542 - (Economics 4 - Advanced Topics in Economics)2
MBAA 543 - (Marketing 3 - Global Marketing)3
MBAA 544 - (Management 4 - Operations Management)3
MBAA 545 - (Finance 3 - Investment Management and Markets)2
MBAA 547 - (Emerging Business Technology)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations)3
Credits 
 
15

 

Year 2 - Spring SemesterCredits
MBAA 550 - (Internship)6
MBAA 551 - (Research 4 - Applied Business Project)6
Credits12

 

Spring Intake

Year 1 - Spring Semester
 

Credits

MBAA 500 - (Foundations 1)1
MBAA 501 - (Foundations 2)2
MBAA 511 - (Research 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 512 - (Economics 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 513 - (Marketing 1 - Introduction)1.5
MBAA 514 - (Management 1 - Strategic Management)1.5
MBAA 515 - (Finance 1 - Finance and Quantitative Analysis) 1.5
MBAA 516 - (Accounting 1 - Basics of Accounting)1.5
Credits12

 

Year 1 - Intersession Semester

Credits

MBAA 521 - (Research 2 - Research Design)2
MBAA 522 - (Economics 2 - Microeconomics)2
MBAA 523 - (Marketing 2 - Strategic Marketing)2
MBAA 524 - (Management 2 - Leadership and Managerial Skills)3
MBAA 525 - (Finance 2 - Finance Theory and Application) 2
MBAA 526 - (Accounting 2 - Context of Accounting)2
MBAA 527 - (Technology 1 - System Management)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations)  
Credits15

 

Year 1 - Fall Semester

Credits

MBAA 531 - (Research 3 - Data Analytics)3
MBAA 532 - (Economics 3 - Global Context)2
MBAA 533 - (Technology 2 - Communication Tools)2
MBAA 534 - (Management 3 - Strategic Global Talent Management)3
MBAA 536 - (Accounting 3 - Financial Decision Making)2
MBAA 537 - (Technology 3 - Digital Behaviour)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations) 
Credits14

 

Year 2 - Spring Semester

Credits

MBAA 542 - (Economics 4 - Advanced Topics in Economics)2
MBAA 543 - (Marketing 3 - Global Marketing)3
MBAA 544 - (Management 4 - Operations Management)3
MBAA 545 - (Finance 3 - Investment Management and Markets)2
MBAA 547 - (Emerging Business Technology)2
MBAA 552 - (Work Integrated Learning Foundations)3
Credits 
 
15

 

Year 2 - Intersession Semester 

Credits

MBAA 550 - (Internship)6
MBAA 551 - (Research 4 - Applied Business Project)6
Credits12

 

Completion Requirements

1. Students must maintain a ‘C+’ average (2.33) in each SEMESTER of the program.

2. Any student that receives a grade below a ‘C+’ in an individual course, or for any set or semester within the program, is required to meet with the Graduate Programs Advisor to map out a plan to improve their academic standing.

3. Students must achieve an overall GPA of 2.33 to transition to the ABP and internship. 

4. Students may receive a failing grade and may retake up to 4 courses or 12 credits of coursework, whichever comes first. If they fail a 5th course or 13 or more credits, they will be asked to leave the program.

5. Students that are asked to leave the program may re‐apply after a period of 1 year (12 months) with proof of improved academic standing.

6. Students must achieve an overall "C+” CGPA to graduate from the MBA program.

7. Attendance of all class activity is considered mandatory and students missing greater than 25% of any course without prior instructor permission will be withdrawn from the course.

With Distinction

The notation “With Distinction” shall be used on the degree parchment, the convocation program, and transcript for those students whose graduating averages are equal to or higher than the minimum distinction GPA calculated as:

  • the 90th percentile of the pooled graduating GPA from all the graduates in the same degree program since September 2010 or the previous five years, whichever is most recent.

This is a competitive admission process with limited seats in the program.  Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

  • University Bachelor degree from a business or non-business discipline.
  • A minimum “B” average in last two years of undergraduate degree.
  • Letter of introduction explaining how the MBA will contribute to career plans.
  • A résumé describing education, work and volunteer experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation from past employers or professors.
  • One year minimum of work experience is required.
  • No GMAT (entrance examination) score required.
  • Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
  • Additional Admission Requirement for International students:
    • Certified copy of all educational documents (enclose one copy in the original language and a certified copy translated into English, if applicable).

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study. In addition to standard application requirements, applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:

  • Provide evidence of relevant prior learning, including, but not limited to, training and certification provided by professional or employment organizations;
  • Appear for an interview, in person or online

In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:

  • Take one or more qualifying courses; and/or
  • Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application

Notes on Admission

Indigenous students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees per Program Amount
Tuition (68 credits x $428.60 per credit) 29,144.93
Student Activity fee (68 credits x $9.79 per credit) 665.72
VIU Students' Union fee (20 months x $26.59 per month) 531.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 530.00
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) 1,500.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees per Program Amount
Tuition (68 credits x $756.00 per credit) 51,408.00
Ancillary Fees (68 credits x $28.62 per credit) 1,946.16
VIU Students' Union fee (20 months x $26.59 per month) 531.80
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) 530.00
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) 1,500.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus Options
Next Intake(s):

The Master of Business Administration has program has two start dates each year. One in September and one in January.

Application Fee:
$114.83
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Nicolas Ismirnioglou
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2531
Email: Nicolas.Ismirnioglou@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: Rob.Ferguson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than two weeks after the applications close date to be considered for September 3, 2024.

Comments:

It is to your advantage to submit all documents as soon as possible after you've applied.

Next Intake(s):

The Master of Business Administration program has two start dates each year; one in September and one in January.

Application Fee:
$114.83
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Nicolas Ismirnioglou
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2531
Email: Nicolas.Ismirnioglou@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: Rob.Ferguson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

2 weeks after application close date.

Comments:

It is to your advantage to submit all documents as soon as possible after you've applied.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Master of Business Administration has two program start dates each year. One in September and one in January.

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Charles Schell
Email: Charles.Schell@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Alexandra van Vianen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2527
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than April 5, 2024 to be considered for September 3, 2024.

Comments:

Applicants are encouraged to review VIU's English Proficiency requirements for direct entry to graduate programs. 

Applications are open late until March 31, 2024. All documents must be submitted no later than April 5, 2024. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

 

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Master of Business Administration has two program start dates each year. One in September and one in January.

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: Rob.Ferguson@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Alexandra van Vianen
Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2527
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than July 5, 2024 to be considered for January 6, 2025.

Comments:

Applicants are encouraged to review VIU's English Proficiency requirements for direct entry to graduate programs. 

Applications are open until June 30, 2024. All documents must be submitted no later than July 5, 2024. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.