Business Management - Postgraduate Diploma
*Please note, this program is not accepting applications for Spring 2025 or the 2025/26 academic year.
Overview
Practical
Our applied Business Management Program provides the practical skills that can be immediately used in the workplace. Selkirk College is a Designated Learning Institution (a school approved by government to host international students).
Cost Effective
Selkirk College offers one of the least expensive programs in Canada. As the college is located in a small town, accommodation and other living costs are much lower than similar institutions in much larger cities.
Safe, Small Towns
You can choose to live in either Castlegar, Nelson or Trail, which are all safe small towns that are welcoming to international students.
Flexible
With up to 50% of your credits from elective courses, you can choose courses that appeal to you!
The Postgraduate Business Management (PGBM) diploma offers international students the opportunity to complement and build on their previous education and work experience.
The PGBM Program provides training to work as a business specialist in positions such as human resource managers, marketing professionals, accountants and entrepreneurs, which are among Canada’s top 10 highest paid personnel.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you!
Completion of a bachelor’s degree is required for admission.
Learn more about Selkirk International.
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Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain terms, concepts and theories relevant to Canadian business
- Demonstrate developing critical and creative thinking skills
- Apply problem-solving skills
- Communicate effectively in various formats to a variety of stakeholders
- Demonstrate developing collaborative skills
- Outline the importance of ethical and professional behaviour
- Demonstrate developing business skills
- Apply numerical analysis and calculation to business-related operations
- Demonstrate literacy skills required in the Canadian business environment
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants must meet the following Postgraduate Business Management requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum 60% CGPA) from a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada or English-speaking institution from another country, or equivalent training and experience
- English Studies 12 with minimum of 65% or higher, or equivalent
- For international applicants, IELTS 6.5 overall band score with no band below 6.0, or equivalent on other internationally recognized English Language Proficiency Tests
- Math at the Grade 11 level with a minimum of 60% or higher or equivalent
Before an applicant’s file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions Department:
- Completed application form
- Appropriate official transcripts and proof of
- English proficiency for international applicants.
The deadline for receiving required documentation is stated in the student’s admissions letter.
Students are required to complete an orientation at the beginning of the program.
This program may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.
1. General
a) Applicants must submit a completed application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts, application package) to the Registrar’s office.
b) Entry to the Program may be made at the commencement of the Fall, Winter, or Spring semesters. However, normal entry is at the beginning of the Fall semester. The progression of courses may be different dependent on which semester the student commences studies.
c) Where space permits students may be admitted up to the end of the first week of the Fall and Winter semesters, and first week of the Spring semester. Admission beyond this point will only be possible with the approval of the instructor(s) and School Chair.
d) Entry may be limited by prerequisites, space limitations and/or completion of preadmission assessment. International entry may be limited where international student enrolment targets or limits have been met.
e) Accepted applicants may be placed in particular classes and/or sections by the School Chair or designate.
f) No class or section switches will be permitted after the first week of the Fall, Winter or Spring semester. All class or section switches require the approval of the School Chair or designate.
g) Students admitted to a specific program will be given preferred access to that program’s courses.
2. Part-time Study
a) Students who wish to take fewer than the maximum number of courses in any semester may do so.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application deadline for Fall intake is June 30, for Winter intake is October 30, and for Spring intake is February 28. Late applications will be admitted where space permits and on the discretion of the School Chair/School Dean.
CO-OP EDUCATION
This program is eligible for co-op education opportunities. Details under Program Specific Regulations.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
1. To be promoted in good standing, a student must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00.
2. Early Entry students must complete upgrade courses before advancing beyond 30 program credit hours or receive prior approval from the School Chair or designate.
3. To be qualified for automatic admission into a course which stipulates a prerequisite, a minimum grade of “C” or better must be achieved in the prerequisite course, unless the course concerned requires a higher grade.
4. Students will not be permitted to exceed a full semester course load except with the permission of the School Chair or designate.
a) Two (2) failures in a non-elective course is cause for withdrawal from the program. A third attempt at a course may be made at the discretion of the School Chair or designate.
b) Any student who has left the program because of unsatisfactory performance may be readmitted with the approval of the School Chair or designate after consultation with Faculty members no earlier than the semester following removal.
1. A student who has completed the Diploma graduation requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better and no “C+” or lower grades in any subject will be designated as graduating with Honours.
2. Requirements: (see Policy 8617: Graduation)
3. In order to graduate students must:
a) Complete the required 60 credits in a combination listed below.
b) Have a minimum Program GPA of 2.00.
Courses
ADMN100 - Skills Orientation
ADMN 100 Skills Orientation will welcome students to Selkirk College and highlight the expected knowledge and skills that will be required in all School of Business programs. This course will provide resources and learning opportunities to assist students in acquiring the essential skills in math and computer applications to support the successful completion of their chosen program in business. In addition, this course introduces several important college policies and programs that all students need to be aware of.
BUS300 - An Introduction to Business Communication I
BUS 300 An Introduction to Business Communication I is an introduction to the language and culture of business and academia in Canada. Topics include Canadian academic culture, forms of plagiarism, plagiarism avoidance, paraphrasing, citing appropriate sources, appropriate register in business correspondence, various forms of written and spoken Business English, and writing/speaking techniques for presentations. Students are required to work both individually and in teams, as well as demonstrate professional behaviour in collaborative projects, discussions, and presentations.
BUS301 - An Introduction to Business Communication II
BUS 301 An Introduction to Business Communication II explores business and academic language skills commonly in Canada. In addition to reinforcing the essential academic integrity skills (plagiarism/citations and authentic work), students will focus on reflective writing, summarizing and expressing opinion and using formal business language for communication and reporting. Students will have to demonstrate appropriate skills both orally and in writing. Topics will vary, and students are required to work individually and in small groups demonstrating professional and collaborative business skills on projects, in discussions and for presentations.
BUS320 - Principles of Organizational Behaviour
BUS 320 Principles of Organizational Behaviour provides an introduction to the behaviour, relationships, and performance of individuals and groups in work organizations as well as the nature of organizational structure and processes. Organizational dynamics are examined with a view to creating an effective, ethical working environment from a human perspective. This course is designed to develop the `top attributes BC employers are looking for, according to the Business Council of BC.
BUS342 - Accounting for Managers
BUS 342 Accounting for Managers exposes non-accounting post-graduate students to accounting. It will give students an understanding of basic accounting terms and concepts to more effectively communicate and understand financial statements and other accounting information.
BUS350 - Management Accounting
BUS 350 Management Accounting is an introduction to management accounting concepts and methods. Main topic areas include: job order and process costing, budgeting and responsibility accounting, identification of costs relevant to price, product, and replacement decisions, cost/volume/profit relationships, cost control through flexible budgets, standard costs, and variance analysis.
BUS370 - Introduction to Business
BUS 370 Introduction to Business is a course that introduces students to the management and operation of business, including the principles, concepts, ideas and tools used by managers. In addition, the course exposes students to international and local business issues, and to large companies as well as to smaller, entrepreneurial firms.
BUS372 - Commercial Law
BUS 372 Commercial Law is an introduction to law as it applies to business. The development of the courts and the machinery of justice will be outlined. A study will then be made of torts and negligence, and of contracts including their formation, interpretation, breach, assignment and discharge. Methods of carrying on business such as employer/employee, proprietorship, partnership, agency and incorporation will be introduced and compared.
BUS381 - Marketing
BUS 381 Marketing introduces students to basic concepts and principles of marketing. Topics include Canadian entrepreneurship, small business management, evaluation of business opportunities, and marketing management. Market planning will be emphasized as well as practical decision making in regards to evaluating the business environment, market segmentation, market research, and strategy choices. The marketing mix or product, price, place of distribution, and promotion will be discussed in depth.
BUS497 - Entrepreneurship
BUS 497 Entrepreneurship examines the process of researching and developing a business plan to create a comprehensive framework for a firm's marketing, financing, and operational activities, while also assessing the viability of a proposed business venture.
ECON104 - Economic Analysis for Small Business
ECON 104 Economic Analysis for Small Business is designed to engage students with contemporary global and Canadian issues, and with some of the region's competitive markets. Students will survey contemporary news publications and other data sources, analyzing their contents to identify economic concepts and management implications. Focus will be on identifying the economic impacts on business resulting from the cloud of seemingly chaotic global events.
ECON106 - Principles Of Macroeconomics
ECON 106 Principles of Macroeconomics covers: national income accounts, national income determination model, monetary system, monetary and fiscal policy, problems with the Macro System, inflation, unemployment, etc.; international trade - balance of payments, exchange rates, capital flows.
ECON107 - Principles Of Microeconomics
ECON 107 Principles of Microeconomics usually taken following Economics 106 Principles of Macroeconomics. Topics covered include: supply and demand - price supports, the agricultural problem, value theory, theory of the firm - competition, pollution, industrial organization - monopoly, public utilities, advertising, income distribution - labour unions, productivity.
MATH125 - Business Mathematics
MATH 125 Business Mathematics is intended for first year students enrolled in the Business Administration program. It stresses the mathematics required in financial processes. The course starts with a review of basic arithmetic and algebra. With these skills the student will solve several practical business problems. Topics include (but are not limited to) ratio and proportion, merchandising, break-even analysis, simple interest and promissory notes, compound interest and effective rates, equivalent payment streams, simple and general annuities, annuities due and deferred annuities, amortization of loans and payment schedules.
TWC164 - Business Communications I
TWC 164 Business Communications I is an introduction to the fundamentals of effective written business communication and their application to workplace communication. Additionally, students will solidify and advance their skills in researching and presenting ideas and reports.
TWC165 - Business Communications II
TWC 165 Business Communications II focuses on developing oral presentation skills by practice and application. Students will develop these skills by planning and delivering speeches, pitches, interviews, and informative reports created through a rigorous research and pre-writing process.
BUS300 - An Introduction to Business Communication I
BUS 300 An Introduction to Business Communication I is an introduction to the language and culture of business and academia in Canada. Topics include Canadian academic culture, forms of plagiarism, plagiarism avoidance, paraphrasing, citing appropriate sources, appropriate register in business correspondence, various forms of written and spoken Business English, and writing/speaking techniques for presentations. Students are required to work both individually and in teams, as well as demonstrate professional behaviour in collaborative projects, discussions, and presentations.
BUS301 - An Introduction to Business Communication II
BUS 301 An Introduction to Business Communication II explores business and academic language skills commonly in Canada. In addition to reinforcing the essential academic integrity skills (plagiarism/citations and authentic work), students will focus on reflective writing, summarizing and expressing opinion and using formal business language for communication and reporting. Students will have to demonstrate appropriate skills both orally and in writing. Topics will vary, and students are required to work individually and in small groups demonstrating professional and collaborative business skills on projects, in discussions and for presentations.
BUS340 - Financial Accounting I
BUS 340 Financial Accounting I covers accounting from the basic accounting equation to the preparation of the income statement, statement of owners' equity, and balance sheet. This course covers merchandise operations, valuation and control of cash, temporary investments and receivables, inventories and cost of goods sold, principles of internal control, and accounting for payroll liabilities. Important accounting principles and concepts are included, as well as the classification of accounts.
BUS341 - Financial Accounting II
BUS 341 Financial Accounting II is the second financial accounting course that reviews and enlarges upon concepts and principles, their application to, and effect upon, financial statements. Topics include capital assets and intangible assets, current and long-term liabilities, partnership accounting, accounting for corporate transactions, notes and bonds payable, the cash flow statement, and financial statement analysis.
BUS369 - Accounting Information Systems
BUS 369 Accounting Information Systems covers the use of computer-based information systems in management and accounting. After completing this course, students will have the knowledge required to make informed decisions about the applications of information technology. (Adapted from CPA)
BUS388 - Personal Finance
BUS 388 Personal Finance explores key personal financial management concepts with a goal of creating an effective personal financial plan. Major concepts include consumer credit, asset management, the time value of money, investments, tax strategies, retirement planning, and estate planning.
BUS389 - Retail Management
BUS 389 Retail Management is a demanding and complex business, which is facing extensive changes and challenges due to factors like: e-commerce, globalization, changing consumer preferences, and more. Skilled retail managers are required to help companies navigate their new environment.
This course provides an introduction to retail management and will provide a foundation for those students who plan to work in retailing or related disciplines. Topics will focus on key functional areas in the retail business, including merchandising, HR, financial strategy, sales, customer service, marketing and more.
BUS392 - Professional Sales Skills
BUS 392 Professional Sales Skills. No matter the industry, nor the state of the economy, businesses are almost always on the search to find enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and effective sales people. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand and demonstrate the core skills of professional selling, with a focus on the common tools and processes used in the field. Relationship-building and needs-satisfaction are fundamental components of the process. Strong English language verbal communication skills are needed to be successful in this course.
BUS410 - Event Management and Marketing
BUS 410 Event Management and Marketing includes the creation of an event management plan for a potential client. A situation analysis will investigate consumer behaviour, targeting and position as related to the planning and operation of events. Further development of the management plan will require an examination and the application of integrated marketing communications, sales, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management, staging, logistics and performance measures.
BUS415 - Leadership
BUS 415 Leadership examines the theory and practical application of leadership. It covers the latest thinking in leadership theory and contemporary practices at work within organizations in a global economy. Topics such as motivation, strategic planning, team building and negotiation will be explored.
BUS430 - Project Management
BUS 430 Project Management is designed as a first course in project management. Building foundation skills in project management is of value to anyone who is currently facing project planning and management challenges at work.
BUS 430 Project Management gives you the foundation, experience, techniques and tools to:
- learn the 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas
- plan a project effectively and successfully
- manage each stage of the project life cycle successfully
- work with organizational constraints
- set goals and objectives tied directly to stakeholder needs
- get the most from your project management team
- utilize state-of-the-art project management tools to get the work done on time, within scope and on budget
BUS486 - Human Resource Management
BUS 486 Human Resource Management is an examination of how to most effectively utilize and manage the human element in work organizations including staffing, training and development, appraisal and compensation, industrial relations and human resources planning.
BUS493 - Electronic Commerce
BUS 493 Electronic Commerce is about implementing e-commerce strategies in an organization, and is an introduction to the business models, strategies, marketing design and analytic systems of electronic commerce business solutions.
BUS496 - International Business
BUS 496 International Business offers an in-depth review of basic concepts, institutional practices and developments in the global business environment. The course also offers an introduction to international business management. Core management topics will be examined within an international framework.
The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and aims to link developments in the international business environment into everyday life. In this way, students may be able to integrate concepts and institutional practices into a practical, work-oriented environment.
ECON106 - Principles Of Macroeconomics
ECON 106 Principles of Macroeconomics covers: national income accounts, national income determination model, monetary system, monetary and fiscal policy, problems with the Macro System, inflation, unemployment, etc.; international trade - balance of payments, exchange rates, capital flows.
ECON107 - Principles Of Microeconomics
ECON 107 Principles of Microeconomics usually taken following Economics 106 Principles of Macroeconomics. Topics covered include: supply and demand - price supports, the agricultural problem, value theory, theory of the firm - competition, pollution, industrial organization - monopoly, public utilities, advertising, income distribution - labour unions, productivity.
COOP101 - Business Co-op Work-term I
COOP201 - Business Co-op Work-term II
BUS 300 or BUS 301 may be taken if not already taken as a required course.
Coop 101 Can be taken for a maximum of 3 credits toward the program requirements.
Coop 201 May be taken to receive a COOP designation, but must be taken in addition to the 60 credits outlined above.
Tuition & Fees
All amounts are estimates and are subject to change. Tuition amounts are based on a full-time course load. Please note that many programs have additional costs beyond those listed here. For more information, please visit Tuition & Fees.
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