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Ministry-approved title: Business – Accounting
Accounting is widely recognized as the universal language of business, and Durham College’s Accounting – Business program provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Taught by industry-experienced faculty, the program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with the latest tools and technologies. Students gain proficiency in leading accounting and tax software, including QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage 50, and Profile. The curriculum also integrates opportunities to earn Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, further enhancing your professional credentials. With a focus on real-world application and in-demand skills, this program prepares graduates to meet the evolving needs of employers across the accounting industry.
This program is offered in a consecutive format (16 months) from May until the following August. If you begin classes in May, you will complete semester 2 in September, semester 3 in January and semester 4 in May.
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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Used in a wide variety of organizations, accounting involves measuring business activities; processing information into financial reports and statements; and communicating information to appropriate decision-makers. To meet the wide range of accounting employment opportunities, Durham College incorporates a variety of simulations into the courses to help prepare students for the workplace. Students will be exposed to QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Sage 50, and Profile. Courses include:
Please note:
As a graduate, you can apply to return for a third year to complete the Accounting – Business Administration three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma.
Subject to additional education and training requirements, you may be eligible to apply your credits towards other related certifications, including:
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. Students are responsible to ensure they are not duplicating their GNED or FNMI selections as per their diploma requirements. For a successful program completion, students must have successfully completed three unique elective courses as per their program of study.
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.
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.
As a graduate, you can apply to return for a third year to complete the Accounting – Business Administration three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma. Subject to additional education and training requirements, you may be eligible to apply your credits towards other related certifications, including:
Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with several Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:
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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