Be a leader, not a follower.

The Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) is a comprehensive business administration program designed to give you the practical knowledge and skills required for professional success. You'll learn business administration, business writing, management computing, financial accounting, marketing, small business management, international business and more.

If you're planning to come to Canada to study with us, please review the information related to international students.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Program at a glance

Program description

The Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to enable non-business degree graduates and learners with professional experience to pursue studies for career or professional development needs. The DBA also allows graduates to complete bridging programs designed to satisfy professional organization accreditation.

Full-time students may complete their DBA in 12 to 16 months by completing the CBA – Fast Track program in their first term of study. Find the right business program to suit your needs with our helpful comparison chart.

Accredited by

CIM logo

Our business programs allow you to become certified with the CIM (Certified in Management) professional designation.

Courses can be completed in a variety of formats:

COURSE FORMAT DETAILS
Face to face

Many courses are 13 weeks in duration and consist of one three-hour class per week. Classes are primarily held on campus, and will be scheduled for a weekday, weekday evening, or weekend day times. A more limited selection of course topics may be offered during the Summer (May) term. Please note that course schedules may vary, depending on class format and location.
Online

Many DBA program courses may be completed online. Students login to the course and communicate with the instructor and fellow students via the course management system Brightspace. All assignments and course activities will be submitted electronically to the course instructor. Students should be sure to review Brightspace Computer Requirements when registering for online courses.

Intensive courses

A limited selection of full-day, short (1-2 week) intensive face to face courses may also be offered each term.

Program outcomes

Students who complete the program will have an effective working knowledge of the analytical tools and vital management concepts used in modern business, as well as grounding in the practical skills, values and perspectives required for success in a changing world.

Students who complete the updated UVic Diploma in Business Administration will be able to:

  • Describe and analyze how organizational and functional business units, such as marketing, accounting, finance, human resources and others integrate for success
  • Apply foundational skills and tools in administration, finance, human resources, communication, and marketing to support the management and business operations of an organization
  • Develop and use effective communication, teamwork and analytical skills and competencies in a variety of specialized and functional business disciplines using a variety of mediums
  • Apply international, cross-cultural, and Indigenous perspectives to business strategies, functions, and operations
  • Evaluate and apply principles of ethical, social and sustainable responsibility to business strategies, functions and operations
  • Articulate, evaluate, and effectively apply decision-making and problem-solving frameworks to recommend initiatives in line with strategic goals
  • Describe, analyze and apply strategic leadership and management concepts and skills
  • Apply basic research skills to support business decision making
  • Analyze and apply concepts and methods of planning, implementation, organization and monitoring to various business operations
  • Understand and apply foundational leadership skills, in both informal and formal settings, to effectively support and lead individuals and teams in an inclusive and diverse workforce

Who is this program for?

The DBA program will be of value to you if:

  • you’re looking to enhance your career or professional development needs
  • you’re a graduate of the Certificate in Business Administration (CBA) program and want further knowledge and credentials in business and management

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Small Business Owner/Manager
  • Government Manager/Director (Provincial/Federal)
  • Consultant
  • University Administrator
  • Restaurant/Hotel/Retail Manager
  • Police/Fire Department Administrator

Instructors

News and resources

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VIEW SCHEDULE: Upcoming DBA courses

LEARN MORE: Financial support for DBA students

VIEW PAGE: Important program dates and deadlines

Courses and fees

The DBA program requires the completion of 14 courses. Courses are offered face-to-face or online. Please note that not all courses are available online, and not are all courses are available face-to-face. As such, please plan to complete a mix of face-to-face and online courses through your time in the program. Please review back to the course requirements on this page when selecting courses. Students are welcome to contact our office for help with course selection.

Please note that Computing Concepts and Management Computing are equivalent courses. Only one of these courses may count toward the diploma.

Restrictions: A maximum of three courses with TECH (previously TECB or TECJ) or BIDA course codes can be taken as DBA electives.

DBA program completion updates effective September 2021: Students who submit a completed application to the DBA program or defer after Sept. 1, 2021 will be required to meet the program completion requirements listed below. For more information about the program requirements update, please visit our FAQs.

Apply online
= Courses open for registration
Nine (9) required courses
Plus Five (5) electives below

Program planning

The length of the program varies depending on how many courses you take per term. On average, students complete the program in two years full-time or four years part-time. 

A different selection of courses are offered every term. To see our upcoming offerings, please view our anticipated course schedule. To assist in your program planning, you can also view all course descriptions. Please plan to complete a mix of face-to-face and online courses through your time in the program. 

Graduation information

For students who are in their final term of study or those who have completed the program requirements, please be sure to submit an Application to Graduate. The deadline to apply for Spring (June) convocation is February 28, and the deadline to apply for Fall (November) convocation is August 15. Students are responsible for ensuring they apply to graduate in their final term or once their program requirements are complete. 

Estimated fees

Full-time Canadian students International students
Full-time program application fee (non-refundable) $150.00 $300.00
Non-refundable program deposit (due upon application) -- $300.00
Tuition (includes deposit, if applicable) $8,330.00

$11,130.00
Student fees $1,805.00 $3,180.00
Textbook costs (estimated) $1,750.00 $1,750.00
Estimated Total $12,035.00* $16,360.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate for the full two-year program. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, tuition rate, course selections, student and service fees, textbooks and taxes. Tuition and fees are subject to annual increases. 
Part-time     Canadian students International students
Part-time program application fee (non-refundable) $150.00 $300.00
Non-refundable program deposit (due upon application) -- $300.00
Tuition per course $595.00 $795.00
Textbook per course (estimated) $125.00 $125.00
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, tuition rate, course selections, student and service fees, textbooks and taxes. Tuition and fees are subject to annual increases. 

Application information

Admission requirements

To qualify for the DBA program, candidates are required to have a minimum of high school completion. In addition, two years of professional, full-time work experience (or educational equivalent) is recommended. 

It is recommended that candidates for the DBA program review the program completion requirements. Students are welcome to consult with program staff prior to enrolling in courses to ensure that their planned selections will satisfy the diploma program requirements.

If your first language is not English, you will be asked to provide evidence of proficiency through the submission of an IELTS (Academic) score of minimum 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5), TOEFL score of 550 (79 Internet Based TOEFL), completion of the UVic English Language Centre's ELPI 570 level, or equivalent level through one of our English pathway partners.

Advanced standing

Students may transfer up to three courses from UVic credit programs or from other colleges and universities, providing the course content and requirements closely match the certificate courses.

To obtain advanced standing, students should submit the Request for Advanced Standing form by email, along with course outlines and related transcripts. Requests for Advanced Standing can be emailed to bmt@uvic.ca. Approved courses will have a transfer fee of $150.

Policies

For more information about fees, processes and requirements, please visit the Business and Management Programs policies page.

How to apply

Students may apply by completing the PDF or online program application forms. Students must also submit required supplementary documents such as transcripts, resumes, letters and/or record of English fluency by mail or email.

The program may edit or change application deadlines without notice, depending on seat availability. As such, we strongly encourage early application to the program. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee registration in individual courses.

Application dates

Starting in
May 2022 (Full*)
Availability
Not Currently Accepting
Apply by
Open until filled

Program full*

Starting in
September 2022 (Full*)
Availability
Not Currently Accepting
Apply by
Open until filled

Program full*

Starting in
January 2023 (Full*)
Availability
Not Currently Accepting
Apply by
Open until filled

Program full*

* Unfortunately the programs starting in September 2022 and January 2023 have reached maximum capacity at this time. You may contact us at bmt@uvic.ca to discuss your options. Please note we do not accept waitlists for program applications. Future entry terms will open in 2022, space permitting. 

Questions?

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RELATED TOPICS: Business, Management and Leadership

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