Bachelor of Business Administration Specializing in Accounting
Build the expertise to lead complex financial decisions while progressing toward your CPA designation.
The BBA was high-quality, flexible and gave me the confidence to better support local businesses.
Kristina Hawkins
Founder, Oakton Financial Corporation
Yorkville University Graduate
Become the Expert Who Turns Numbers Into Business Advantage
Develop the technical precision and analytical judgment to support business decisions in real-world accounting environments. Through applied case studies, financial reporting projects, and business decision analysis, you strengthen expertise in financial reporting, managerial accounting, budgeting, cost analysis, and performance evaluation.
Learn from faculty with academic and industry experience who connect theory to current business challenges. Graduate prepared to contribute across reporting, audit, compliance, and decision-making functions, and take on increasing responsibility in accounting and finance roles.
Duration
As Few as 2.5 Years*
*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits. Contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.
Tuition – Domestic
$45,870*
Online and On Campus
Cost per credit: $381
Total credits: 120
Application fee: $150
*Total program cost may be reduced when applying applicable transfer credits.
Tuition – International
$59,150*
On Campus
Cost per credit: $491.66
Total credits: 120
Application fee: $150
*Total program cost may be reduced when applying applicable transfer credits.
Campus
Vancouver & Online
Starts
January, April, July, October
Your Program. Your Advantage.
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CPA-Aligned Pathway
Meet the academic requirements for direct progression toward CPA designation eligibility.
$1.5T Global Market by 2032
Build your future in an accounting market projected to reach $1.5 trillion.
Source: Allied Market Research
Rising Talent Shortage
Enter a field where 87% of Canadian hiring managers report difficulty finding qualified talent.
Source: Robert Half
Up to 60 Transfer Credits
Apply previous learning and experience to reduce both investment and time to completion.
Learn From Industry Experts
Study with experienced professionals who bring real-world insight into every course.
Hear From Our Graduates
Mike
Joanna
Accreditation and Professional Recognition
Graduate with confidence knowing your degree supports recognized professional designations across accounting, payroll, and management in Canada. This strengthens your standing with employers, supports progression toward the CPA designation, and opens pathways to additional professional credentials that advance your career.
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
CPA Canada is the national body that sets the academic and certification standards for the CPA designation. By completing the Accounting specialization, you meet the academic requirements for direct progression toward the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), including alignment with the upcoming 2027 CPA pathway and full coverage of prerequisite CPA topic areas.
Canadian Payroll Association (CPA)
The Canadian Payroll Association is the recognized body for payroll credentials in Canada. Select courses within the specialization are approved for credit transfer toward the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) and Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designations, helping accelerate your progression in payroll and compensation-focused roles.
Chartered Managers Canada
Chartered Managers Canada recognizes leadership and management capability across industries. As a BBA graduate, you meet the academic requirements for entry into the Chartered Management Program, supporting progression toward the Certified in Management (C.I.M.®) and Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) designations.
Career Outcomes
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Accountant
Support organizations in managing financial records, reporting, and compliance while helping guide sound business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare financial statements and reports
- Manage budgets, reconciliations, and ledgers
- Support tax, compliance, and audit processes
Average Salary
$86,500 per year
Source: Talent.com
Financial Planner
Help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about budgeting, investments, and long-term financial goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop financial plans and forecasts
- Analyze investments and risk profiles
- Support long-term wealth and budgeting goals
Average Salary
$81,075 per year
Source: Talent.com
Management Controller
Oversee financial performance, internal controls, and reporting systems that support strategic business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor budgets and financial performance
- Strengthen internal controls and reporting
- Support forecasting and strategic planning
Average Salary
$95,000 per year
Source: Randstad
Payroll Manager
Lead payroll operations to ensure employees are paid accurately and in compliance with regulations and company policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage payroll processing and reporting
- Oversee tax deductions and remittances
- Ensure payroll compliance and accuracy
Average Salary
$82,000 per year
Source: Glassdoor
Admission Requirements
To Apply, You Will Need
- Completed online application
- Official high school or post-secondary transcripts
- Resume
- $150 application fee
- Detailed course descriptions if applying for transfer credits
- Proof of English language proficiency with a TOEFL score of at least 80, IELTS overall score of 6.5 (no band score below 6), or equivalent on other recognized tests
Conditional Admission
If you meet all other admission requirements and have an IELTS score of 6.0 in every band, you may qualify for conditional admission. In your first term, you can take up to three courses, including required ENGL101, where you must earn a minimum C+ grade.
Admission Pathways
Whether you’re applying as a high school, college, or university graduate, a mature student, or an international student, there’s an admissions pathway designed to support your next step.
Course Descriptions
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Program Description
The Bachelor of Business Administration programs at Yorkville University are offered in traditional classroom setting and fully online. The online program, while accessible to all learners, is particularly suited for working adults interested in broadening and developing their knowledge and skills in business management. The on-campus program facilitates full-time study and incorporates enhanced supports for international students. Both online and on-campus students have the option of pursuing a general business education or specializing* in Accounting, Energy Management, Project Management, or Supply Chain Management.
The BBA programs are rooted in fundamental and traditional business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance, and marketing; they focus on the roles played by ethics, sustainability, organizational behavior, HR development, and strategic management in creating successful businesses. The programs foster student skills in communications, decision making, problem solving, and teamwork. Emphasis is placed on helping students develop their abilities to use technology, analyze data, and manage resources in support of an organization’s mission.
0 credits (required unless exempted)
This course introduces core mathematical concepts including numeracy, algebra, factorials, and pre-calculus to support success in quantitative business courses.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
A brief review of pre-calculus math. Topics include logarithmic and exponential functions; limits; introduction to derivatives; linear systems; matrices; systems of linear inequalities; difference equations; arithmetic and geometric sequences; annuities; and installment buying. Applications to business and economics are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s): Standard British Columbia Grade 12 Math (i.e.: Pre-Calculus 11 (60%)) or equivalent.
(3 credits)
The course introduces the students to the concepts of applied statistics and data analysis used in business and economics, as well as managerial decision-making, using both quantitative and qualitative tools. It covers statistical topics that include: collecting and exploring data; basic inference; simple and multiple linear regression; analysis of variance; nonparametric methods; probability; and statistical computing.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1003 – Math for Business or MATH 100 Pre-Calculus.
(3 credits)
This course explores the interrelatedness of the various functions of business operations, and sets the context for understanding the broader environment in which business organizations function. Attention will be given to key functional areas of business including resource bases, organizational structures, corporate culture, financial systems, and management theories prevalent in today’s business environment.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
Introduces the language of financial accounting, designed to capture, summarize, and communicate the economic facts about an organization in a set of financial statements and related descriptive notes. Focus is on the principles of accounting and reporting to various users that are external to the organization and will emphasize what information is provided in financial statements, as well as the uses and limitations of this information.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1003 – Math for Business.
(3 credits)
This course examines the distinction between academic and business writing and how to use APA format for writing essays and referencing and citing sources. Students explore communication in settings shaped by rapidly changing technologies and an increasingly diverse workforce, applying persuasive business writing and presentation techniques, preparing business reports, and communicating for teamwork and meetings with cross-cultural considerations.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course introduces microeconomic concepts including consumer behaviour, production and costs, partial equilibrium analysis of pricing in competitive and monopolistic markets, general equilibrium, welfare, and externalities. Students examine the theory of the firm, competition, and monopoly through foundational models and principles.
Prerequisite(s): None.
Anti-requisite(s): BUSI 1023 Introduction to Economics for Managers.
(3 credits)
This course introduces basic concepts and principles of the marketing function, tracing the evolution of the Marketing discipline through to the current era of the Social Marketing Concept. Students examine the Marketing Mix, segmentation and positioning tools, and Canadian and international marketing structures and techniques including market analysis, forecasting, and consumer and industrial trends.
Prerequisite(s): None.
Anti-requisite(s): BUSI 2063 Introduction to Marketing.
(3 credits)
This course explores how to interpret changes in key aggregate economic variables and apply macroeconomic tools to issues such as national output growth, unemployment, inflation, and global trade. Topics include business cycle fluctuations, public debt, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade policy, and basic models applied to North American and global economies.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course examines modeling, analytical and problem-solving techniques for business decision-making. Students explore certainty, uncertainty, probability and risk analysis, basic probability concepts, random variables, descriptive measures, and properties of distribution, along with statistical decision theory, Bayesian approaches, and discrete and continuous probability models applied to business problems.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1013 – Statistics for Business.
(3 credits)
This course introduces a basic understanding of fundamental structural legal frameworks under which firms must operate. Students examine the basic building blocks of business law, legal business structures including sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, for profit, not-for-profit, and public firms, and legal issues such as contracts, intellectual property, and bankruptcy.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course examines interaction among individuals and organizations, and how this interaction can impact others or the organization itself. Topics include value systems, motivation, teams, communication, power and conflict, organizational culture and structure, leadership, ethics, and change, emphasizing how organizational effectiveness depends on leveraging the strengths of people within operations.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course introduces international business as it relates to the functional areas of managing business operations. Students examine how decisions are influenced by culture, ethics, CSR, sustainability, political economy, finance, economics, and marketing, and explore opportunities and problems in global contexts through case analyses of specific countries or regions.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course examines how accounting information informs decision-making in business settings. Students explore product costing, job costing, activity-based costing, budgetary control, performance evaluation, flexible budgeting, and break-even analysis to support planning, coordination, and monitoring of organizational performance.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1043 – Introduction to Financial Accounting.
(3 credits)
This course examines foundational concepts in finance and investment decision-making. Students explore time value of money, cash flow analysis, risk and return, capital structure, dividend policy, financial planning, forecasting, asset valuation, working capital management, cost of capital, and performance assessment.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2083 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting.
(3 credits)
This course examines ethical reasoning as a key factor in business success. Students explore the relationship between business and society, connections between corporate strategy and social responsibility, ethical decision-making, corporate reputation, and the environmental impact of business practices.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 45 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course examines the theory and practice of human resource management and its role in organizations. Students explore how to design, describe, and implement effective strategies, while identifying and developing specific management skills relevant to human resource functions.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2033 – Organizational Behaviour and Management.
(3 credits)
This course examines how organizations plan and manage processes that transform inputs into goods and services. Students explore operations strategy, process design, capacity planning, location and layout, forecasting, scheduling, inventory control, quality assurance, and project management within both product-based and service-based environments.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1013 – Statistics for Business.
(3 credits)
This course examines how information systems support organizational strategy and decision-making. Students explore infrastructure components, system types, project management processes, and decision frameworks. Topics include system development, governance, ethical and social considerations, privacy, and information security in business environments.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course explores the impact of business activity on ecosystems and examines methods of approaching business activity from a sustainability perspective. Students investigate how ecosystem-based management (EBM) informs business decisions in today’s context and examine the implications of EBM across various business actions and activities.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits)
This course examines organizational approaches to managing environmental challenges. Students explore principles of design, strategy, and culture, along with governance, accountability, planning for growth and change, resource management, and market analysis to support strategic decision-making across diverse organizational contexts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2033 – Organizational Behaviour and Management.
(3 credits)
This course examines the business planning process and how new ventures are conceived, tested, financed, and grown in startup and corporate contexts. Students explore entrepreneuring and intrapreneuring across organizational contexts, including business models, customer development, financing, and strategic growth. Emphasis is placed on understanding the foundational elements of successful entrepreneurial initiatives.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1083 – Microeconomics, BUSI 1043 – Introduction to Financial Accounting; BUSI 2033 – Organizational Behaviour and Management; BUSI 1093 – Introduction to Marketing; BUSI 2083 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting.
(3 credits)
This course examines strategic marketing decision-making through the analysis of market opportunities, positioning, segmentation, and planning. Students explore pricing, promotion, product and service offerings, distribution, and forecasting to understand how marketing strategies influence organizational performance and competitive positioning.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1093 – Introduction to Marketing.
(3 credits)
This course is an introductory course that explores the fundamentals of sales through the lens of relationship selling. The course provides students with a foundational understanding of the selling process and how it may be applied to a professional sales career. Students will be introduced to the range of career opportunities related to sales, understand ethical and effective relationship selling practices, and acquire necessary knowledge required to have a successful selling career.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1093 – Introduction to Marketing.
(3 credits)
This course examines foundational critical thinking concepts and habits. Students explore how to evaluate information, build reasoned arguments, analyze issues without bias, recognize media influence, and apply standards for decision-making. Emphasis is placed on fair-minded thinking and rational problem-solving across academic and professional contexts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1073 – Business Writing and Communication.
(3 credits)
This course examines how business approaches can address complex social challenges. Students explore the concept of social entrepreneurship through global and local issues, analyze case studies, and consider strategies for designing ventures that respond to societal needs using creative and solution-oriented thinking.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1093 – Introduction to Marketing.
(3 credits)
This course examines foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and its organizational impact. Students explore key elements of AI, analyze trends and adoption, and consider strategic approaches to managing technological change, ethical concerns, and decision-making in evolving business environments.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2173 – Information Technology for Managers.
(3 credits)
This course explores advanced reporting issues faced by Canadian corporations, governments, and non-profits. Students examine the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE) frameworks to strategic and passive investments and financial reporting by not-for-profit organizations. Topics include consolidated financial statements, intra-group transactions, interim and segmented reporting, cash flow amalgamation, foreign currency translation, hedging, and integrated foreign operations.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 3423 – Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 – Liabilities and Equities.
(3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Canadian tax system under the Income Tax Act (ITA) with a primary focus on individuals. Key topics include residency rules, income types, allowable deductions, the distinction between business and accounting income, deferred taxes, and personal tax planning strategies. The course will also introduce taxation of corporations and trusts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 3423 – Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 – Liabilities and Equities.
(3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Canadian tax system under the
Income Tax Act (ITA), with a primary focus on Canadian corporate taxation.
Key topics include capital structure, income distribution of corporations, Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs), multiple corporation reorganizations, partnerships, and trusts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 3463 – Introduction to Individual Taxation.
(3 credits)
This course deepens students’ understanding of financial reporting through the analysis and interpretation of financial data, with an emphasis on accounting policy choices. Students examine how different policies influence income measurement and the valuation of current and capital assets, building on foundational accounting concepts introduced in earlier coursework.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1043 – Introduction to Financial Accounting; BUSI 2083 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting.
(3 credits)
This course examines how accounting information supports managerial decision-making. Students explore financial reports, statements, and analytical approaches used to plan, coordinate, evaluate, and monitor organizational performance, with emphasis on costing and cost analysis in both qualitative and quantitative contexts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2083 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting.
(3 credits)
This course examines financial reporting and analysis related to liabilities and equity. Students explore complex measurement issues, accounting policy choices, and their impact on financial statements, including the Statement of Financial Position, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 3403 – Intermediate Accounting 1 – Assets.
(3 credits)
This course examines corporate financial decision-making through analysis of risk, diversification, portfolio strategies, and market dynamics. Students explore how interest rates, taxation, dividends, cash flow, financial institutions, and regulations influence financial management and strategic planning within organizational contexts.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 2093 – Introduction to Managerial Finance.
(3 credits)
This course examines the auditing environment and the professional responsibilities of auditors in public practice. Students explore audit concepts, risk assessment, and financial reporting issues within the context of assurance and other types of engagements. Emphasis is placed on applying financial accounting knowledge and professional judgment to evaluate evidence, assess internal controls, and form audit opinions in complex and uncertain business environments.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 3413 – Intermediate Managerial Accounting, BUSI 3423 – Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 – Liabilities and Equities, BUSI 3433 – Corporate Finance.
(3 credits)
This course introduces students to processes, methods, and issues related to raising and managing the finances required for enterprises. Topics include sources of public funding and preparation of effective applications for funding; fundraising; private investment; strategic and tactical planning; risk assessment and management; making business plans; expenditure management.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 90 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course examines current topics in the business environment through case-based analysis. Students apply structured frameworks to identify key issues, explore research options, and develop evidence-based solutions. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, discussion, and evaluation of real-world business scenarios.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 60 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course examines the complexities of managing organizational change, including analysis, planning, and implementation. Students explore factors driving transformation, change management models, readiness strategies, and approaches to reducing resistance within evolving organizational environments.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 90 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course explores decision-making in the context of new business development, emphasizing strategic planning and the creation of structured business plans. Students examine business visioning, strategy formulation, and key considerations for launching viable enterprise.
Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed 90 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course introduces concepts and strategies for using data to support business decision-making. Students examine data analysis processes and modeling techniques, including descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive approaches, while exploring current trends in business intelligence and analytics.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1013 – Statistics for Business; Students must have completed 90 credit hours of the BBA program.
(3 credits)
This course introduces a strategic perspective on contemporary business issues. Students examine methodologies for strategic analysis and apply interdisciplinary concepts to evaluate and address complex organizational challenges.
Prerequisite(s): BUSI 1043 – Introduction to Financial Accounting; BUSI 2033 – Organizational Behaviour and Management; BUSI 1093 – Introduction to Marketing; BUSI 2173 – Information Technology for Managers; BUSI 2083 – Introduction to Managerial Accounting; BUSI 2093 – Introduction to Managerial Finance; BUSI 2103 – Human Resources Management and Development; BUSI 2113 – Production/Operations Management.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces cultural anthropology as a foundational subfield of anthropology and examines human beliefs, diverse cultures, and social organization across the world. Students analyze how humans in different geographical contexts shape and interact with the social and physical world around them.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces the art and architecture of ancient civilizations around the world, from pre-history and the fall of the Roman Empire to the Gothic period. Through the art and architecture of each period, students examine how visual forms reflect universal human experiences and distinct culturally specific worldviews while exploring the complexities of the ancient mind.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course traces the evolution of artistic thought from the medieval period to the present. Starting with the Renaissance, students explore shifts in worldview leading up to the art of the 20th and 21st centuries, culminating to Postmodernism’s growing desire to emphasize the inclusivity of new media and globally diverse artists.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces the foundational principles of art and design as essential elements across creative disciplines. Through an interdisciplinary lens, students explore the various applications of these principles across various cultural and historical contexts while making universal human connections.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces the scope of Canadian art industries, examining the factors that shape them and their importance to the Canadian economy. Students investigate diverse creative sectors, such as visual arts, performance, media, and literary arts, while exploring the structures and practices that shape professional creative work in Canada.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course surveys the artistic and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Students examine the meaning of Indigeneity and the impact of Indigenous cultural and artistic endeavours, such as illustration, craft, and performance, across varying historical, geographic, and cultural contexts.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces foundational and applied aspects of cross-cultural communication through the lens of diversity and subcultures in a global world. While exploring the key concepts of language, culture, and discourse, students practice communication skills required for navigating various multicultural settings.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course investigates individual creativity and innovation within organizational contexts. By exploring alternative modes of creative thinking, students examine imaginative approaches to problem-solving. Additionally, the course challenges barriers and myths about creative individuals and organizations, emphasizing the release of individual creativity and innovation within organizational structures.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course builds on the conventions and techniques of composition through critical writing. Students apply principles of logic, strategic thinking, and synthesis to prepare sound arguments supported by relevant, well documented research. Students are encouraged to write extensively, in persuasive and analytic styles, on contemporary issues of interest to them, where individual style and unique thinking are demonstrated.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course examines storytelling as a broad strategy for making and sharing meaning across cultures and contexts. Students develop storytelling as a daily practice to enhance communication, persuasion, public speaking, self-presentation, and critical thinking, drawing on Indigenous and Western frameworks alongside personal cultural knowledge.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course extends composition and research principles to writing in a career context. By examining written and spoken communication concepts in business and professional settings, students apply principles of economy and clarity to create business documents and professional communications that are informative and persuasive.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course investigates the concept of beauty through historical, cultural, and interdisciplinary lenses. Students examine its influence across visual art, design, aesthetics, and media, engaging with diverse perspectives. Topics include nature, embodiment, and the role of beauty in everyday experience.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course is a practical exploration of some of the core tenets of critical thinking and learning, as experienced throughout everyday life, and through different cultural lenses. These tenets are explored from within a variety of disciplines.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course provides students with an introduction to the Indigenous Peoples in what is now called Canada, including their worldviews, history, culture, and experiences. Students explore the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples, as well as learn about resistance movements, Truth and Reconciliation, and the active process of decolonization and Indigenization.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces foundational concepts in psychology. Covering topics such as biopsychology, sensation and perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, language, and human development, students build a strong foundation in psychological science.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course delves into key concepts in psychology, exploring personality, social interactions, and definitions of normality and mental disorders. Students connect and explore psychology theory to everyday life in a changing world.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces qualitative research methods used across the social sciences, business, and humanities. Students learn to assess existing studies, collect, and interpret qualitative data, and communicate findings. Emphasis is placed on identifying ethical, empirical, ideological, and theoretical dimensions that contribute to sound and reliable research.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course explores the foundations of sociology by providing students with analytic tools to critically explore their contemporary social and cultural world. The course includes topics such as: culture, socialization, social structure, race, gender and class, stratification, institutions, urbanization, and the environment as they affect Canadian society and the world at large.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 1)
This course introduces students to strategies for fostering belonging and engagement in a culturally diverse academic setting. Students explore communication practices, institutional expectations, and essential personal, social, and academic skills required to successfully navigate undergraduate academic environments.
Prerequisite(s): None.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course examines foundational ecological concepts and principles, biological system processes, and core research methods used by ecologists, including observation, experimentation, modelling, sampling, and data analysis. Students survey ecosystem dynamics and evaluate human impacts while reviewing future research directions for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainability.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course introduces personal financial management through the study of economic models and the Canadian economic system. Students examine gross domestic product, business cycles, inflation, interest rates, financial statements, the time value of money, and investment strategies related to wealth accumulation.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course examines climate change, pollution, soil degradation, environmental hazards, and human impact on ecosystems. Students explore biodiversity through observation and analysis, and consider the importance of renewable energy and sustainable practices in relation to ecosystem health and long-term environmental preservation.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course explores the relationships between human societies and their spatial environments. It examines how geographic factors shape cultural, political, economic, and demographic patterns, and analyzes the distribution and use of natural and human resources. Ecological challenges and their global implications are also considered.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course investigates the historical development of sport and athletics, integrating the study of recreational practices with historiographical analysis. Students examine how historical narratives are constructed and interpreted, and explore the social and ethical dimensions of sport as a reflection of broader human experiences.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course examines religious traditions from around the world through comparative analysis, focusing on historical development, key figures, and knowledge systems. It also explores religion’s role and influence on culture, both in the past and contemporarily.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This interdisciplinary course examines global youth cultures and identities through sociological and anthropological perspectives. It explores themes such as social activism, music affiliations, socio-economic influences, and youth empowerment, with attention to cultural contexts in Canada and internationally.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course explores art, culture, language, religion, and politics in East and South Asia, focusing on historical and contemporary contexts. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives, it examines diversity, regional connections, and major events in countries such as China and India during colonial and post-colonial periods.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course guides students toward meaningful engagement with the TRC’s Calls to Action and MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice by challenging performative allyship and moving beyond awareness. Students examine relational accountability, ethical collaboration, and institutional responsibility, applying reflective and advocacy-based approaches to reconciliation and justice in personal, professional, and community contexts.
Prerequisite(s): INDG 104 – Introduction to Indigenous Studies and Decolonization.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
Students read, discuss, and analyze various ethical systems of thought, applying them to complex ethical dilemmas. By evaluating how ethical arguments are constructed and applied to issues, students develop reasoned, well-organized ethical arguments.
Prerequisite(s): HUMN 101 – Modes of Thinking and Learning.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course applies philosophy and philosophical thinking to the study of leisure, exploring its role in shaping conceptions of the good life. Students examine key philosophical issues such as ethics, education, religion, aesthetics, art, health, politics, and consumerism through the lens of leisure and its relationship to broader human values and experiences.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course examines the role of multinational companies in shaping globalization. Students explore macroenvironmental influences on corporate decision-making, the evolving relationships between MNCs and national governments, and the economic, political, technological, and cultural dimensions of globalization. Topics include regulation, societal impact, and critiques of global corporate expansion.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course introduces core domains of psychology through the lens of scientific inquiry. Students learn how research methods and scientific reasoning inform areas such as health, consciousness, memory, development, emotion, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, and social behavior, emphasizing psychology’s role in understanding and influencing human experience.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course explores how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of others. Students engage with current social issues through psychological research, applying critical thinking to media representations and learning to access and evaluate scientific sources within the field of social psychology.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
In this course, students explore the workings of the creative mind. The course examines the perceptual, cognitive, motivational, educational, and cultural factors that influence creativity and that shape individuals’ aesthetic judgements.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 2)
This course examines contemporary global issues through sociological perspectives, integrating theory, empirical evidence, and case studies. Students apply the sociological imagination to topics such as migration, social mobility, climate change, pandemics, digital technology, mass media, and the digital divide to understand their impact on everyday life.
Prerequisite(s): One Tier 1 course.
(3 credits) (Tier 3)
This interdisciplinary and integrative course investigates the relationship between technology and society, with a particular focus on the sustainability of technology and the use of technology for sustainable development. In addition, the course examines the political, economic, and psychological factors that shape the complex interplay between societal and technological development.
Prerequisite(s): Two Tier 2 courses.
(3 credits) (Tier 3)
This interdisciplinary and integrative course considers the meaning and exercise of power among individuals and groups. Students explore taxonomies of power, its social origins, and the dynamics of compliance. Drawing on diverse social science perspectives, the course highlights power as a defining characteristic in all human activities.
Prerequisite(s): Two Tier 2 courses.
(3 credits) (Tier 3)
This course examines the development of smart cities through the integration of information and communication technologies, internet-connected systems, and urban analytics. Students explore, evaluate, and critique how these innovations meet social, environmental, and economic sustainability goals to enhance urban life now and in the future.
Prerequisite(s): Two Tier 2 courses.
(3 credits) (Tier 3)
Design thinking is a creative problem-solving process used in a wide variety of disciplines. This course explores theories and philosophies that form the foundation of the design thinking process, building towards a practical application of the methods to tackle, rethink, or solve a problem.
Prerequisite(s): Two Tier 2 courses.
Skills and Support for Your Success
Real-World Business Education
Build practical business confidence in core business functions, including marketing, operations, finance, and management. Understand how global businesses operate and compete using data analysis, economic principles, financial systems, and organizational behaviour.
- Work through current business and market case studies
- Apply data analysis, modeling, and problem-solving techniques
- Learn from industry leaders and subject matter experts
Career Services for Career Growth
Access experienced advisors who help strengthen your professional profile through resume support, mock interviews, and career coaching designed to help you stand out in the job market.
- Strengthen your resume and interview skills
- Access personalized career coaching
- Build networks and professional confidence
Choose the Right BBA Path for You
General BBA
BBA with Accounting Specialization
Program Basics
Complete in as little as 2.5 years.*
Online or on campus.
4 start dates per year.
Up to 60 transfer credits.
*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits.
Complete in as little as 2.5 years.*
Online or on campus.
4 start dates per year.
Up to 60 transfer credits.
*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits.
Business Focus & Career Path
Broad, cross-functional business education across marketing, operations, finance, and leadership.
Core BBA foundation plus concentrated accounting training in financial reporting, cost analysis, and performance evaluation.
Path to CPA
Includes some CPA-aligned coursework, but may require additional courses after graduation.
Aligned with CPA Canada requirements for direct entry into CPA PEP.
Skills You Develop
Strategic thinking, cross-functional decision-making, leadership, communication, and business analysis.
Financial analysis, technical accounting, reporting accuracy, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
Types of Roles After Graduation
Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, HR Generalist, and Entrepreneur
Accountant, Financial Planner, Internal Auditor, Payroll Manager, roles in accounts payable/receivable and general accounting.
Best Fit For You If…
You want flexibility, broader career options, or are still exploring your path in business.
You want a clear, structured path into accounting and plan to pursue the CPA designation.
Where Our Graduates Work
Meet the Interim Dean
Mark Nakamura brings over a decade of experience in business education, academic leadership, and international program development. He has led the creation of graduate programs, global partnerships, and cross-cultural learning initiatives that expand opportunities for students and support institutional growth.
An accomplished academic leader, he holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris and an MFA in New Media, and is currently completing a Doctor of Business Administration at Toulouse Business School.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to common questions. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, connect with an Admissions Advisor for personalized support.
Program Overview
What is the Yorkville University Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Accounting?
The Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Accounting is an accelerated program that has been granted consent in British Columbia by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The program prepares you for roles in accounting, payroll, audit, compliance, and business analysis while supporting progression toward the CPA designation.
How long does it take to complete the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program?
Most students complete the Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Accounting in as few as 2.5 to 4 years, depending on course load and approved transfer credits. Learners who study full time year‑round and bring in prior post‑secondary credits can often finish closer to the 2.5‑year mark.
Can I study the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program part time?
Yes. Students can take a reduced course load in many terms, which allows them to balance the program with work and family commitments while progressing toward graduation. An Admissions Advisor can help you plan a study schedule that aligns with your goals and availability.
Who is the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program best suited for?
The program is ideal for aspiring accountants, career changers, working professionals, and students seeking a flexible degree that supports career progression and professional designation pathways.
Is the program available online and on campus?
Yes. The program is available online and on campus in Vancouver.
Can I complete the program while working full time?
Yes. Many students choose the online format to continue working while completing their degree.
When can I start the program?
The program offers four start dates each year: January, April, July, and October.
Careers & Designations
Will this program help me work toward a CPA designation?
Yes. The Accounting specialization is aligned with the academic requirements established by CPA Canada and supports direct progression toward the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).
How does this degree support my long‑term career growth in accounting?
The program builds a strong foundation in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, tax, and core business skills that are essential for progressive accounting roles. Combined with CPA‑aligned coursework, this degree helps position you for roles with increasing responsibility in public accounting, corporate finance, and management.
Are there other professional designations supported by the program?
Yes. Select courses may support credit transfer toward the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) and Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designations, and all BBA graduates may also pursue the Certified in Management (C.I.M.®) and Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) designations.
What careers can I pursue after graduating?
Graduates can pursue roles such as accountant, financial planner, management controller, payroll manager, internal auditor, and other accounting and finance positions across industries.
Projects & Learning
Will I work on real-world business projects?
Yes. The program includes current case studies, business plans, financial reporting projects, and applied assignments designed to reflect real workplace decision-making.
Is there group work in the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program?
Yes. Many courses include collaborative projects, case analyses, and discussions where you work with classmates to solve business problems and practice professional communication. These activities help you build teamwork skills that are essential in accounting and finance roles.
What kinds of projects will I complete?
Students complete business plans, case analyses, budgeting exercises, reporting projects, and capstone-style applied work that help demonstrate professional readiness.
Admissions
What documents do I need to apply?
Standard requirements typically include:
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from previous studies
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Transfer credit documentation (if applicable)
For full details, please refer to the admission requirements page.
Can I transfer credits from previous studies?
Yes. Up to 60 transfer credits from eligible previous post-secondary education may be assessed on a case-by-case basis and can reduce your time to completion.
Are there admission requirements for high school students?
Yes. High school applicants typically need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including Grade 12 English and mathematics requirements.
Do I need a business or accounting background to apply?
No. You do not need previous business or accounting studies to apply to the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program; introductory courses are designed to build your foundation. However, strong comfort with mathematics and analytical thinking will help you succeed.
Does Yorkville University accept mature or non-traditional students?
Yes. Yorkville University offers a mature student pathway for applicants who can demonstrate academic competence through prior post-secondary coursework, work experience, or proficiency assessments.
Is there an application fee?
Applicants are required to pay a non‑refundable application fee when submitting their application; details are listed on the application portal for your program and location. Your Admissions Advisor can confirm the current fee and payment options.
How long will it take to receive an admission decision?
Once your application and supporting documents are complete, most admission decisions are made within a few weeks. Timelines can vary depending on the volume of applications and the start date you select.
What are the technology requirements for online students?
Online learners need reliable high‑speed internet access, a recent computer capable of running the learning platform and productivity software, and a webcam and microphone for live sessions. Some courses may recommend additional tools or software, which will be listed in your course outlines.
Is the program available to international students?
Yes. International students may apply to the on-campus program in Vancouver and may also be eligible for bursaries and additional admissions support.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need to be accepted?
Proof of English language proficiency is required, with a TOEFL score of at least 80, an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), or an equivalent score on another recognized test.
What if I don’t meet the minimum English language requirements?
If you meet all other admission requirements and have an IELTS score of 6.0 in every band, you may qualify for conditional admission. In your first term, you can take up to three courses, including required ENGL101, where you must earn a minimum C+ grade.
Can I work while studying in the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program in Canada?
Many international students in eligible programs and with valid study permits can work up to the maximum number of hours permitted by IRCC regulations during their studies, subject to current government rules. You should confirm your specific work eligibility on the Government of Canada website or with an immigration advisor.
Tuition & Support
How much does the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program cost?
For the most current tuition and fee information, please visit the tuition page or connect with an Admissions Advisor.
Does Yorkville University offer scholarships and bursaries?
Yes. Eligible students may access bursaries, including up to $15,000 for domestic students and up to $24,760 for international students.
Can I apply for Canadian provincial student loans?
Domestic students may be eligible to apply for provincial student loan programs and other provincial funding options.
Faculty & Services
Who teaches the BBA with a specialization in Accounting program?
Courses are taught by experienced faculty, industry leaders, and subject matter experts who bring real-world business and accounting insight into every course.
What career services are available?
Students have access to resume support, mock interviews, career coaching, and professional mentorship designed to help strengthen job-market readiness.
What support is available for online learners?
Students have access to technical support, library resources, academic services, and Admissions Advisor throughout their learning journey.
Is disability or accessibility support available?
Yes. Yorkville University provides accessibility and accommodation support for eligible students through Student Services.
Is academic support available outside regular business hours?
Many online resources such as library databases, tutorials, and recorded workshops are available 24/7 so you can study when it fits your schedule. Some services, like tutoring or advising, may offer extended hours to accommodate different time zones and working professionals.
What if I have more questions?
If you cannot find your question on this page, you can contact an Admissions Advisor, who will be happy to help.
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Faculty
Meet the Dean
Mark Nakamura is Interim Dean of Business, BC at Yorkville University’s New Westminster campus. He brings over a decade of experience in post-secondary teaching, program leadership, and international education, having led institutional internationalization strategy through the development of global partnerships, graduate pathways, and cross-cultural learning initiatives.
Mark conceived and launched a graduate program in Global Leadership and led it from design through implementation as a cornerstone for international collaboration. He developed student mobility partnerships, graduate studies pathways, and dual credential programs spanning Asia, Europe, and North America. He also designed and led the Japan Field School, bringing experiential international learning directly to students, and facilitated workshops on intercultural awareness and inclusive education for faculty and staff. His work in international program development encompassed curriculum mapping, budget oversight, and operational planning, with a consistent focus on academic alignment and sustainable growth.
Mark holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris and an MFA in New Media, and is currently completing a Doctor of Business Administration at Toulouse Business School. His interdisciplinary background shapes how he leads, with curiosity and a belief that the best learning happens at the intersection of disciplines.