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Ministry-approved title: Business – Accounting
For students seeking the advantages of both college and university education, this integrated diploma-to-degree pathway—offered jointly by Durham College and Ontario Tech University—provides an exceptional opportunity. In just four years, students earn both an Accounting diploma and a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) degree. This program begins with a strong technical foundation at Durham College, where students gain hands-on experience using leading accounting and tax software such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage 50, and Profile. Taught by industry-experienced faculty, the curriculum emphasizes real-world application through practical assignments, case-based learning, and up-to-date technology. Students also have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, adding value to their professional profile. At Ontario Tech University, students build on this foundation with advanced coursework that deepens their understanding of accounting, business strategy, and critical thinking—essential for those pursuing careers in business, finance, or the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. With the best of both educational experiences, graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the accounting profession and are well-positioned for continued professional growth.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or Math. Domestic applicants who are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s), i.e. Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 Math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
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This program was created by Durham College and Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) for individuals who plan to take Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Commerce degree program. The bridging courses required for admission to the degree program are embedded in the curriculum and if you achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in each semester of your Durham College courses and no grade below C in your Ontario Tech courses, you can apply directly to the third year of the degree program. This opportunity allows qualified candidates to major in Accounting at Ontario Tech however acceptance is based on Ontario Tech approval with higher marks required. To participate in this program, you are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and complete an application to Ontario Tech in the first semester. The Ontario Tech embedded courses are flexible and subject to change by Ontario Tech. Academic planning assistance will be offered to you by a student advisor representative.
As a student participating in this program, you will be registered at Durham College and at Ontario Tech. The annual calendars for both institutions, including reading week are generally different. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. In addition, the two institutions use different learning management systems.
For more information please visit the Accounting – Business – Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Frequently Asked Questions.
Please note: You will apply to the Accounting - Business transfer program at Ontario Colleges using the ACTU application code. Upon meeting the selection criteria, you may be eligible to complete your Bachelor of Commerce degree at Ontario Tech.
Students can also earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account. See more details about this opportunity.
CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport and through our partnership with them it enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.
Registered Professional Accountant (RPA)
Enrolling in the Business – Accounting diploma program at Durham College is your first step toward achieving the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation. Offered in collaboration with RPA Canada (rpacanada.org), this program delivers the core knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful accounting career, while streamlining your path to a professional credential in Canada. As a student, you’ll be eligible for RPA Student Membership, giving you access to exclusive benefits such as industry networking, hands-on training, and professional resources to support your development.
"The RPA designation sets you on the path to success, whether you aspire to be a leader, a skilled professional, or an ambitious entrepreneur." - Zubair Choudhry, President and CEO of The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.
The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students will also be required to pay an additional tuition fee to Ontario Tech for one course in Semester 2 and four courses in semesters 3 and 4. Ontario Tech tuition will be charged at the beginning of each semester, starting in Semester 2. The Ontario Tech tuition will be in addition to the figures shown below.
School is an investment in your future, and financial support is available to help you succeed.
DC's Financial Aid and Awards is here to help you access funding and opportunities that make pursuing your education easier and more achievable:
Visit Financial Aid and Awards to explore all the options to help finance your education.
Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply into the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) or the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) if they meet the Ontario Tech requirements. This can lead to an opportunity to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation through the requirements set out by CPA Ontario and in partnership with Ontario Tech. Graduates may also receive credit towards a Registered Professional Accountant designation. The more technical course content required for the ACAF is offered in combination with Durham College’s Accounting – Business Administration advanced diploma program.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.
*Mac Computers
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