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Ministry-approved title: Business Fundamentals
Explore the business world in our one-year Business Fundamentals, Ontario College Certificate program. Develop a solid foundation in business knowledge, skills, and competences. Discover your career fit through comprehensive studies in accounting, business communications, finance, human resources, marketing, and supply chain management. Whether you’re starting your career or advancing in the workforce, this program provides pathways to other Durham College business diplomas.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that 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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905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
This program is designed for individuals who want to develop skills and knowledge appropriate for an entry level position in a business setting.
You will study:
All courses offered are available in the daytime, but also in the evenings and online through the Centre for Professional and Part-Time Learning (additional fees apply).
Students can 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 (Microsoft 365) 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.
Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business 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.
Upon successful completion of this program, you can opt to take one or two additional years in another Business program offered at Durham College to obtain a diploma or advanced diploma in Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management or Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. Qualified graduates can then go on to take the Durham College Human Resources Management graduate certificate program, the Project Management graduate certificate program, the Supply Chain Management – Global graduate certificate or may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
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
Hussam is an experienced Professor with a history of working in the higher education environment, along with skills and experiences in industrial engineering and operations management. Hussam holds a PhD degree with a focus on Sustainable Supply Chain, Inventory and Logistics Management (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
Howard is an experienced professional with extensive experience working at the post-secondary level. He has taught Business and Engineering at multiple colleges and universities, in various countries. He has a wealth of industry experience having worked in operations management and process improvement, and a passion for working with students.
I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of Durham College’s Business Fundamental program. It has significantly impacted my intellectual and personal development in numerous ways. The dedicated faculty and staff provided consistent support, creating an environment where I could thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The curriculum was carefully designed to provide a thorough understanding of subjects while also promoting critical-thinking and innovation.
Beyond academics, the program offered a vibrant environment in which I formed lifetime friendships and professional connections. Thanks to Durham college’s seminars and Job fairs, I was able to get a job right after I graduated from college. I am confident that the knowledge and experiences I received here will continue to benefit my life and career.
When I first started in the Business Fundamentals program at Durham College, I was unsure which field of study to pursue. Through the various classes offered, I was able to get a better understanding thanks to hands-on classes and technical assignments as well as the professors who taught me about Marketing, which led me to further my studies in this field. In pursuing Marketing as my field of study, I have been able to attend events and competitions that have helped me prepare for my future, connect with CEOs, business representatives, and even travel to further gain stronger connections across Canada and even into the U.S.. Durham College is leading the way with the Business Fundamentals program, and I am so happy I was able to start my future here.
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