Business Diploma

As a student in this program, you can sharpen your intercultural skills. You may have an opportunity to study and learn abroad. Learn more about global learning experiences at Sask Polytech.

You will attend a full schedule of classes in-person at one of our campuses and will complete the program in two years.

To apply for the in-person (full-time) offering:

• at Saskatoon campus:
  • On the application form, on the Planned Program of Study page, choose Business Certificate - Saskatoon.
  • Once that program is completed (Year one: 32 weeks), then apply to the desired second year specialty in the Business Diploma program as follows:
    • Accounting or Marketing specialty - Saskatoon campus
    • Management specialty - Moose Jaw or Prince Albert campus
    • Human Resources, Insurance, Financial Services or Sport Management specialty - Moose Jaw campus
• at Moose Jaw campus:
  • On the application form, on the Planned Program of Study page, choose Business Diploma - Moose Jaw
    • All specialties except Municipal Administration are available on the Moose Jaw campus
• at Prince Albert campus:
  • On the application form, on the Planned Program of Study page, choose Business Diploma - Prince Albert
    • Only the Management specialty is available on the Prince Albert campus.
    • Students wishing to continue on to other diploma specialities can transfer to Moose Jaw (all specialties) or Saskatoon (Accounting) after year one.

Other specialties may be offered in Prince Albert and Saskatoon based on student interest and internal capacity.

The following diploma specialties are available completely online through the Centre for Continuing Education:

• Accounting
• Human Resources
• Management
• Marketing
• Municipal Administration

All courses are offered in an online format where you will study prepared materials on your own schedule. A few courses are offered as Zoom night classes 1-2 evenings per week. Options are outlined on individual course pages.

For more information, view the part-time delivery information.

Accounting is about more than numbers; it's about conducting audits, doing business analyses and presenting financial information so managers and investors can make informed decisions. Accounting is often called the language of business. If you want to be one of the people at the table when critical business decisions are made, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business Accountancy specialty will appeal to you.

You'll study cost accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, financial accounting and more. You'll apply theory to real-world situations in business simulations, case studies and group projects. You'll use industry standard software in your courses. Optional co-operative education work terms are a great way to gain valuable experience and make industry connections - while earning money.

You can apply to use your diploma for credit in a degree program at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edward School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. You can also apply to use your diploma credits for standing toward the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. For more information, visit cpacanada.ca.

Accountancy specialists are in demand. Many grads have jobs lined up before they graduate. You'll find opportunities in every sector: commercial, industrial, institutional, government and non-profit. You could work for an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a private company or government department.

Accountancy Specialty

If you're interested in a career that combines working with money and working with people, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business Financial Services specialty diploma is a great choice. Financial services is more than banking - it's loans, mortgages, investment products, financial planning and advising, money management, insurance, risk management and more. Essentially it's helping people with their financial health from the cradle to the grave. With so many services and an aging workforce, it's also an industry with exceptional potential for career growth and mentorship.

You'll develop specialized knowledge and skills in residential mortgages, bank operations, financial products and services, loans and credit, personal financial planning, tax fundamentals, advanced investment products and more.

Practical exercises and hands-on activities give you a chance to apply what you learn. A unique seminar course on strategic advising in your final semester gives you a chance to integrate theory and practice in a simulated retail banking environment. It's a chance to polish your skills before entering the workforce.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic works with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) to ensure students are meeting actual marketplace needs. As part of your course requirements, you must register with the CSI and purchase specified textbooks that will be used for Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Investment Funds in Canada preparation course. Saskatchewan Polytechnic will guide you through your CSI registration process and textbook purchase.

Graduating with a financial services specialty diploma qualifies you to apply for advanced standing into degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

Graduates are prepared to work in a multitude of positions including management trainees in the financial market (financial institutions). These include chartered banks, investment firms, credit unions, trust companies, and insurance companies.

Financial Services Specialty

Human resources offers the best of two career paths; working with people and working in a business environment. On a day-to-day basis, you might be dealing with benefits, payroll, labour relations or recruitment issues. But you'll also be involved in the bigger picture - designing competitive employee packages, supporting a productive work environment and creating a healthy organizational culture. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business human resources specialty provides the broad-based training you need to work in any sector.

This Human Resources specialty is available on campus in Moose Jaw or through flexible learning options (online and evening). You'll focus on in-depth training in the application of business management practices to employment situations, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, labour and employee relations, organizational effectiveness and behavior, recruitment and selection, training and development, and workplace wellness.

In addition to lecture material, you'll participate in class assignments, role-playing, demonstrations, and simulations. The emphasis on learning by doing will help you translate theory into real-life skills.

As a student you have the option to spend a year taking three consecutive four-month paid co-operative education work terms. Work terms not only let you develop your skills on the job, they provide an excellent introduction to potential employers.

You can use your Business Human Resources specialty diploma for credit in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

A Business diploma in Human Resources gives you a lot of choices. You could work in the HR department of a large multinational company, government agency or health organization. You could be part of a smaller team or even the only specialist in a small business. Where you work impacts what you do. In a smaller organization, you might be a generalist doing a wide variety of HR tasks. In a larger organization, you could be an HR manager, recruiter, labour relations assistant, compensation analyst, training coordinator or benefits administrator.

Human Resources Specialty

 

Insurance is big business in Canada. People, businesses, and organizations rely on insurance professionals to help manage risk and protect against loss. With more than 25 percent of the current workforce* expected to retire in the next few years, now is a great time to start a career in insurance.

Insurance brokers, appraisers, claims investigators and marketing representatives work closely with people and businesses. Insurance adjusters, underwriters, loss control specialists, risk managers, and actuaries work behind the scenes balancing the numbers.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is one of only nine colleges and universities in Canada to offer a dedicated insurance program, and the only one in Saskatchewan. The Insurance specialty is designed with extensive input from Saskatchewan's insurance industry and the Insurance Institute of Canada.

In this second year specialty, you'll take courses in insurance against liability, insurance broker/agent skills, insurance on property, loss adjusting, relationship selling, commercial law, and underwriting.

When you graduate, you'll have written five of the 10 Insurance Institute of Canada exams necessary to earn your Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. You can also apply to use your diploma for a head start in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

There are more job openings than insurance specialty grads. You'll find your skills in demand in communities around the province. Work as an insurance broker/agent in a large firm or as an independent broker. Build a career as a claims adjuster, underwriter or appraiser for government or private insurance agencies.

* Insurance Institute of Canada

Insurance Specialty

If you like being part of decision-making processes and are interested in organizational culture and interpersonal dynamics, the Business Management specialty will appeal to you. Business management is many things - efficient management of people, effective organization of resources, and strategic planning for growth. You could work in an administrative role in a wide range of public and privately owned enterprises, crown corporations and government organizations, or start your own business.

You'll develop knowledge and skills in interpersonal and organizational behavior, finance and managerial accounting, entrepreneurship, digital media, leadership and decision making, cross-cultural management, project management, and strategic management.

You can take a year to participate in the optional three consecutive four-month paid co-operative education work terms between semesters three and four. It's a chance to try different job areas in administration and discover the best fit for your career goals.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business Management specialty diploma is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM). When you graduate, you'll have met the educational requirements for the Certified in Management (CIM) professional designation. After two years of managerial (or supervisory) work experience, you can apply for the right to put the highly respected "CIM" designation after your name.

You can also use your Business Management specialty diploma for credit in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

When you graduate, you will have the knowledge and practical skills for a wide variety of administrative and supervisory jobs in many types of organizations. Or you can apply what you have learned to grow your own business.

Management Specialty

A career in marketing can take you in many directions - branding, research, public relations, retail, advertising sales or event planning. And you can find jobs in these areas in almost every sector, from health agencies to natural resource companies to non-profit organizations.

Our dynamic curriculum includes social media, computer-based simulations, industry-standard Adobe software, crisis management, and other emerging trends.

You can develop on-the-job skills, introduce yourself to different employers and test-drive different types of jobs over the year during three consecutive four-month paid co-operative education work terms.

You'll gain knowledge and skills in advertising, branding and creative design, digital and social media, market research and strategic marketing, project management and relationship selling, public relations, and retail strategy and development.

You'll get a hands-on education using social media, writing copy, doing mock presentations, conducting research, creating computer-based simulations, participating in group projects and more. You'll also get involved in the community; Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business Marketing specialty diploma gives you an opportunity to work on real projects for community-based organizations.

You can apply to use your Business Marketing specialty diploma for credit in degree programs at the University of Regina's Paul J. Hill School of Business, University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business, Royal Roads University, University of Lethbridge or online degree programs at Athabasca University. Graduates of this specialty may also receive transfer credits towards the Certified in Management designation through the Canadian Institute of Management and the Certified Logistics Professional designation through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation.

Business Marketing specialty grads work as marketing coordinators, marketing assistants, advertising sales representatives, event planners, publicists, social media specialists, account managers, brand managers, market researchers and more. Use your skills in your own business, work for an advertising agency or design firm, or look for opportunities in larger organizations and government agencies.

The Municipal Administration specialty will give you the skills you need to successfully manage the day-to-day operations of a town or municipality. For the first time in Saskatchewan, this specialty offers applied learning at the diploma level that will prepare you for success as a senior government manager or official. 

This specialty has been developed in partnership with the following organizations: Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Saskatchewan Association for Rural Municipalities (SARM), Urban Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations.

The curriculum has been developed based on the direction of these organizations and their members to ensure graduates are prepared for demanding and rewarding roles in municipal administration. 

Key learning outcomes of the specialty include managing human resources and labour relations in a municipality, applying municipal laws, ordinances, and protocols, developing strategic communication, interpersonal and project management skills, applying principles of municipal accounting and risk management by implementing tax laws, financial reporting protocols, and protocols for managing public utilities.

With 10 courses developed specifically to address the job requirements of senior government managers and officials, this program will equip you with the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes you need for a successful career in municipal administration.

Additionally, this specialty is offered online so that you can complete the program from anywhere, anytime, and at a pace that works for you. This flexible delivery model allows you to continue working while you upgrade your knowledge and skills.  

Municipal Administration Specialty

For more information contact Stephen Kirzinger, program head, Business diploma, Sport Management: stephen.kirzinger@saskpolytech.ca.

If you love sports but are unsure how to transform that passion into a meaningful career path, then the Sport Management specialty may be right for you!

Sport management combines your love of sports with business management fundamentals, making it a meaningful and rewarding career path. With careers in Saskatchewan and around the world in professional sport, junior hockey, national, provincial, and local sport organizations, college and university sport, commercial sport organizations, sport media, corporations that partner with sport organizations, or founding and managing your own business in sport, your opportunities in the sport industry will be diverse. 

In addition to its diverse career paths, the sport industry provides people with opportunities to build relationships, inclusiveness, and communities. By becoming a sport management professional, you will have the opportunity to use sport to enrich the lives of others.

The sport management curriculum focuses on providing you with skills and experiences related to generating revenue in sport and managing sport organizations. You will be prepared to obtain opportunities in the sport industry and then be a difference maker!

You will have opportunities to interact with sport industry professionals through various work-integrated learning experiences such as real-world project work and guest lectures. For example, you will prepare revenue generation, marketing, risk management and sport partnership development plans for actual sport organizations. Additionally, you will plan and manage a tournament, league, or competition, as well as sport and esports events.

Sample job titles within the sport industry this program prepares you for include manager, business operations, ticket sales executive, general manager, sales and partnership executive, manager, ticketing and sponsorship, sport administrator, manager, brand and promotions, partnerships coordinator, communications coordinator, marketing manager, executive director, business development coordinator, director, business operations, tournament director, and program director.

Working in sport is rewarding and our sport management specialty will set you up for success as a sport management professional. 

Sport Management Specialty

To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Business certificate

• Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-122)
• Organizational Behaviour (ADMN-220)
• Business Communications (BCOM-105)
• Introduction to Business (BUS-104)
• Business Solution Software (COMP-120)
• Microeconomics (ECON-120)
• Introduction to Human Resource Management (HR-120)
• Commercial Law (LAW-220)
• Business Mathematics (MATH-139)
• Marketing (MKTG-120)

Electives (Take 1 of 2)

• Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-125) (Must take to meet pre-requisites for most second year Accountancy courses)
• Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)

Electives (Take 1 of 4)

• Automated Accounting (ACCT-136) (Must take to graduate from Accountancy diploma program)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)
• Personal Finance (FIN-100) 
• Introduction to Sport Management (MGMT-108)

Accountancy

• Intermediate Financial Acct. 1 (ACCT-215)
• Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-216)
• Intermediate Financial Accounting 3 (ACCT-217)
• Intermediate Financial Accounting 4 (ACCT-218)
• Management Information Systems (ACCT-219)
• Cost Accounting 1 (ACCT-226)
• Cost Accounting 2 (ACCT-227)
• Auditing (ADTG-220)
• Macroeconomics (ECON-121)
• Finance (FIN-220)
• Introduction to Indigenous Studies (INDG-100)
• Taxation 1 (TAX-201)
• Taxation 2 (TAX-202)
• Taxation 3 (TAX-222)

To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Business certificate

• Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-122)
• Organizational Behaviour (ADMN-220)
• Business Communications (BCOM-105)
• Introduction to Business (BUS-104)
• Business Solution Software (COMP-120)
• Microeconomics (ECON-120)
• Introduction to Human Resource Management (HR-120)
• Commercial Law (LAW-220)
• Business Mathematics (MATH-139)
• Marketing (MKTG-120)

Electives (Take 1 of 2)

• Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-125)
• Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)

Electives (Take 1 of 4)

• Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)
• Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• Introduction to Sport Management (MGMT-108)

Human Resources

• Leadership Development (ADMN-206)
• Organizational Change (ADMN-209)
• Conflict Management (ADMN-255)
• Foundations of Talent Acquisition (HR-226)
• Talent Selection (HR-227)

Note: HR-226 and HR-227 is equivalent to the former HR-230. HR-226 and HR-227 are co-requisites and must be taken together in the same semester.

• Training & Development Foundations (HR-228)
• Training & Development Delivery (HR-229)

Note: HR-228 and HR-229 is equivalent to the former HR-232. HR-228 and HR-229 are co-requisites and must be taken together in the same semester.

• Strategic Compensation (HR-231)
• Employee and Labour Relations (HR-233)
• Creating Healthy Organizations (HR-234)
• Cross-Cultural Management (MGMT-208)
• Digital Marketing (MKTG 227)
• Strategic Human Resources Management (HR-225) (It is recommended that you complete your other HR courses before you enrol in HR-225 as it is a capstone course.)

Plus one elective

• Entrepreneurship (ADMN-224)
• Strategic Management (MGMT-209)
• Project Management (MGMT-214) - Equivalent to MKTG-228
• Essential Business Skills (IPSK-200)
• Relationship Selling (MKTG-221)
• Advertising and Marketing Comms. (MKTG-222)
• Market Research (MKTG-223)
• Macroeconomics (ECON-121)
• Finance (FIN-220)
• *Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• *Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)
• *Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• *Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100)

*If not satisfying a first-year requirement.

Please note any students who have completed elective courses prior to June 30, 2021, may use those courses instead of MGMT-208 and MKTG-227. Check with your program for confirmation of course equivalency.

To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Business certificate

• Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-122)
• Organizational Behaviour (ADMN-220)
• Business Communications (BCOM-105)
• Introduction to Business (BUS-104)
• Business Solution Software (COMP-120)
• Microeconomics (ECON-120)
• Introduction to Human Resource Management (HR-120)
• Commercial Law (LAW-220)
• Business Mathematics (MATH-139)
• Marketing (MKTG-120)

Electives (Take 1 of 2)

• Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-125)
• Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)

Electives (Take 1 of 4)

• Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)
• Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• Introduction to Sport Management (MGMT-108)

Management

• Leadership Development (ADMN-206)
• Entrepreneurship (ADMN-224)
• Conflict Management (ADMN-255)
• Finance (FIN-220)
• Talent Acquisition (HR-230) - Equivalent to HR-226 and HR-227
• Training & Development (HR-232) - Equivalent to HR-228 and HR-229
• Cross-Cultural Management (MGMT-208)
• Strategic Management (MGMT-209)
• Project Management (MGMT-214) - Equivalent to MKTG-228
• Advertising and Marketing Comms. (MKTG-222)
• Digital Marketing (MKTG 227)

Plus one elective

• Organizational Change (ADMN-209)
• Macroeconomics (ECON-121)
• Employee and Labour Relations (HR-233)
• Creating Healthy Organizations (HR-234)
• Strategic Human Resources Management (HR-225)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100)
• Essential Business Skills (IPSK-200)
• Relationship Selling (MKTG-221)
• Market Research (MKTG-223)
• *Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• *Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)
• *Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• *Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100)

*If not satisfying a first-year requirement.

Please note any students who have completed elective courses prior to June 30, 2021, may use those courses instead of MKTG-222, HR-230 and HR-232. Check with your program for confirmation of course equivalency.

To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Business certificate

• Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-122)
• Organizational Behaviour (ADMN-220)
• Business Communications (BCOM-105)
• Introduction to Business (BUS-104)
• Business Solution Software (COMP-120)
• Microeconomics (ECON-120)
• Introduction to Human Resource Management (HR-120)
• Commercial Law (LAW-220)
• Business Mathematics (MATH-139)
• Marketing (MKTG-120)

Electives (Take 1 of 2)

• Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-125)
• Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)

Electives (Take 1 of 4)

• Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)
• Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• Introduction to Sport Management (MGMT-108)

Marketing

• Project Management (MGMT-214) – Equivalent to MKTG-228
• Fundamentals of Design and Branding (MKTG-216)
• Creative Design in Marketing Communications (MKTG-217)

Note: MKTG-216 and MKTG-217 is equivalent to the former MKTG-224. MKTG-216 and MKTG-217 are co-requisites and must be taken together in the same semester. 

• Relationship Selling (MKTG-221)
• Marketing Research (MKTG-223)
• Public Relations (MKTG-225)
• Marketing Management (MKTG-218) – Available Fall 2024
• Marketing Strategy (MKTG-219) - Available Fall 2024

Note: MKTG-218 and MKTG-219 is equivalent to the former MKTG-226. MKTG-218 and MKTG-219 are co-requisites and must be taken together in the same semester. 

• Retail Strategy and Development (MKTG-220)
• Advertising and Marketing Communications (MKTG-222)
• Digital Marketing (MKTG-227)

Plus three electives

• Leadership Development (ADMN-206)
• Organizational Change (ADMN-209) – Equivalent to HR-236
• Entrepreneurship (ADMN-224)
• Conflict Management (ADMN-255)
• Macroeconomics (ECON-121)
• Finance (FIN-220)
• Employee and Labour Relations (HR-233)
• Creating Healthy Organizations (HR-234)
• Essential Business Skills (IPSK-200) 
• Strategic Management (MGMT-209)
• *Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• *Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)
• *Personal Finance (FIN-100) 
• *Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)

*If not satisfying a Business certificate requirement.

To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Business certificate

• Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-122)
• Organizational Behaviour (ADMN-220)
• Business Communications (BCOM-105)
• Introduction to Business (BUS-104)
• Business Solution Software (COMP-120)
• Microeconomics (ECON-120)
• Introduction to Human Resource Management (HR-120)
• Commercial Law (LAW-220)
• Business Mathematics (MATH-139)
• Marketing (MKTG-120)

Electives (Take 1 of 2)

• Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-125)
• Managerial Accounting (ACCT-225)

Electives (Take 1 of 4)

• Automated Accounting (ACCT-136)
• Principles and Practices of Insurance (INS-100) (Not available online)
• Personal Finance (FIN-100)
• Introduction to Sport Management (MGMT-108)

Municipal Administration

• Introductory Municipal Accounting and Finance (ACCT-203) – Course under development  
• Leadership Development (ADMN-206)
• Introduction to Municipal Administration (ADMN-213)  – Available Winter 2024  
• Strategic Communication for Municipalities (COMM-203)
• Professionalism within Municipal Administration (IPSK-201)
• Project Management (MGMT-214) – Equivalent to (MKTG-228)
• Municipal Structures and Governance (MUNI-200) – Course under development  
• Municipal Accounting and Finance (ACCT-204)  – Course under development  
• Asset Management (ACCT-205)  – Course under development  
• Conflict Management (ADMN-255)
• Human and Labour Relations in Municipalities (HR-203) – Course under development  
• Strategic Management (MGMT-209)
• Municipal Administration (MUNI-201) – Course under development  
• Municipal Legislation (MUNI-202)  – Course under development