VIU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) students in class

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 20 Months

Program credential icon Credential

  • Master Degree

Program location icon Location Offered

  • Nanaimo

Earn your MBA at VIU

Are you ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex, interconnected world?

A VIU MBA connects you to more opportunity to build the in-demand skills you need to thrive in tomorrow’s business landscape. VIU offers the most technology-focussed MBA in Canada, giving you a career advantage in a tech-driven world.

With a VIU MBA you gain a global perspective on:

  • leadership
  • marketing
  • economics 
  • sustainability
  • and more

You put your learning to work and gain practical experience solving real-world business challenges during your paid internship and an applied business project. You graduate prepared for a leadership role anywhere around the globe. 
 

Request information

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Leadership skills for the future

With data analytics embedded in research courses and  dedicated to technology for business, you graduate with expertise on how technology intersects with decision-making, organizational behaviour and more. This deep understanding of tech innovation sets you up for success in your career. 

Career coaching 

You get career coaching throughout the MBA program. We help you find career opportunities, and we help you make the most of those opportunities, ensuring that you graduate ready to build a successful career in business leadership. 

MBA mentorship

You will be paired with an industry mentor who will advise you and provide feedback. You will also have a faculty advisor assigned to you. And all VIU MBA professors are available to answer questions.   

Practical hands-on experience

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Internship

16-week paid work experience with an industry mentor

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Applied business project 

Investigate and analyze a complex business problem or management issue

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MBA Games

Compete with other universities in challenges that build analytical and strategic skills

About the VIU MBA

This program is an intensive, 20-month, in-person program with classes at the VIU Nanaimo campus. The VIU MBA uses a cohort model, so you take classes with the same group of people. This combined with our small class size provides a sense of community and a supportive environment.

Along with a full suite of business skills and knowledge, you gain writing and professional presentation skills that give you a career advantage.  

Our MBA faculty bring a unique combination of industry expertise and international experience into the classroom providing real-world examples to support the theory you learn.

You take four semesters of courses, with a two-week break between each semester. For your final semester, you have a 16-week paid practicum, and you complete an applied business project.

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

ACBSP accredited program badge

VIU MBA focus areas

Accounting

Learn about financial reporting issues and practices for organizational problem-solving and decision-making.

Marketing

Develop a strategic marketing plan andlearn to make marketing decisions based on a market situation analysis

Finance

Learn mathematical and statistical techniques and models used in financial and business decision-making.

Research 

Learn to Identify research needs design research projects. Includes extensive data analysis.

Management

Strategic managerial decision making and leadership skills that inspire effective indivdual and arganizational performance. 

Technology

Learn how systems management, data analytics, communication technologies and digital behavior inform decision making. 

Courses and Concentrations

Fall Intake

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Spring Intake

Year 1 - Spring Semester
 

Credits

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

 

Year 1 - Intersession Semester

Credits

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

 

Year 1 - Fall Semester

Credits

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

 

Year 2 - Spring Semester

Credits

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

 

Year 2 - Intersession Semester 

Credits

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

 

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Enjoy the journey at VIU

When you join us in the VIU MBA program, you join a community dedicated to your success. You study in an environment that values teamwork and collaboration. You make lifelong friends and build a network you can count on for years to come. 

Take the first steps in your journey today. 

Apply to VIU

Admission Information

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

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

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

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

In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:

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

Notes on Admission

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

Domestic (Canadian)

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

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

Application Fee:
$117.13
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia
Email: ekaterina.kurovskaia@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: Rob.Ferguson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than one week after the applications close date to be considered for September 2025.

Comments:

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

Next Intake(s):

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

Application Fee:
$117.13
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia
Email: ekaterina.kurovskaia@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: rob.ferguson@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

1 week after application close date.

Comments:

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

International

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

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

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: Rob.Ferguson@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than April 7, 2025 to be considered for September 2, 2025.

Comments:

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

 

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

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

Application Fee:
$150
Accepting Late Applications:
No
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Rob Ferguson
Email: rob.ferguson@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Ekaterina Kurovskaia
Email: Masters@viu.ca
Document Deadline:

All documents must be submitted no later than August 7, 2025 to be considered for January 5, 2026.

Comments:

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

Applications are open until July 31, 2025. All documents must be submitted no later than August 7, 2025. There is a possibility qualified applicants may be waitlisted.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

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

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

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

Fees per Program Amount
Tuition (68 credits x $437.17 per credit) 29,727.83
Student Activity fee (20 months x $19.97 per month) 399.40
Student Services fee (20 months x $22.05 per month) 441.00
VIU Students' Union fee (20 months x $27.60 per month) 552.00
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 570.00
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) 1,500.00
Notes

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

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


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

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

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

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

Fees per Program Amount
Tuition (68 credits x $756.00 per credit) 51,408.00
Student Activity fee (20 months x $19.97 per month) 399.40
Student Services fee (20 months x $22.05 per month) 441.00
VIU Students' Union fee (20 months x $27.60 per month) 552.00
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 570.00
Textbooks and supplies (approximate cost) 1,500.00
Notes

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

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