A sneak peak of a Graduate Certificate in Business Studies class

Graduate Certificate in Business

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 1 Year

Program credential icon Credential

  • Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Business Program

The GCIB is a fast paced, intense, integrated, full-time, cohort based program. Depending on graduating grade point average, successful graduates can move onto a Faculty of Management graduate diploma, or other graduate programs. Graduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may also apply to the VIU MBA program (work experience required).

Semester 1 
GCIB 501 - (Foundations of Management and Strategy)3
GCIB 502  - (Foundations of Marketing)2
GCIB 506 - (Academic Integrity and University Culture)2
GCIB 508 - (Effective Business Research and Communications)2
Total Credits9
Semester 2 
GCIB 503 - (Business Economics)2
GCIB 504  - (Foundations of Financial Accounting)2
GCIB 505 - (Foundations of Mathematics and Statistics for Business)2
GCIB 560 - (Influences on Consumer Behaviour)3
GCIB 593 - (Leadership and Management Skills)3
Total Credits

12

 

Semester 3 
GCIB 530 - (Financial Management for Decision Makers)3
GCIB 590  - (Managerial Economics)3
GCIB 594 - (Cost Management)3
Total Credits9

Completion Requirements

The Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of 30 credits of selected VIU Business courses with a minimum “C” average.

  • An undergraduate degree from a recognized institution or Red Seal Endorsement. 
  • 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.

Applicants with an undergraduate degree in business or commerce:

  • Students with a minimum “C+” grade point average in five out of six business topic areas and a minimum “C+” overall grade point average may wish to apply directly for one of the Faculty of Management graduate diplomas. Other specific admission criteria such as work experience may be required.
  • Students with a minimum “B” average in last two years of undergraduate degree may be eligible for admission to the MBA program at VIU. Other admission criteria may apply.

Recommendations for Admission

This program is highly recommended for students with non-business degrees, or business degrees that lacked substantive research and writing. It is also recommended for those wishing to improve their academic grade point average for purposes of seeking entrance into graduate programs at the Masters level.

Notes on Admission

  • 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.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of work experience.
  • Consideration will be given to mature students without an undergraduate degree or Red Seal Endorsement; however, prerequisites or equivalents may be required before applying.
  • 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).
    • International students, see also International Students Admission.

Graduates will combine the skills learned in this program along with their other education and experience to seek entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as entry level management positions in a variety of organizations.

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.

Program Fees Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $463.76 per credit) 13,912.80
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Notes

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.

Program Fees Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $765.77 per credit) 22,973.10
Student Activity fee (12 months x $19.97 per month) 239.64
Student Services fee (12 months x $22.05 per month) 264.60
VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $27.60 per month) 331.20
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Notes

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

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.

Visit the Department Website

Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.