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Ministry-approved title: Business Fundamentals
Entrance Award Available
The Business Fundamentals program offers a practical introduction to the business world and a strong starting point for developing core professional skills. This one-year certificate builds foundational knowledge in key areas of business while supporting confidence, communication, and applied problem-solving.
Students are introduced to accounting, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, and business communications, with a focus on how these functions operate together within organizations. Learning is supported through applied activities that reflect real workplace situations and emphasize collaboration, organization, and professional behaviour.
The program is designed to strengthen workplace readiness while also supporting continued academic pathways in business. By combining essential theory with hands-on learning, students build the skills needed for pathways into further business education or employment.
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The Business Fundamentals program introduces students to the core building blocks of business and how organizations operate in practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of key business functions and how they contribute to effective decision-making, coordination, and overall organizational success.
The program offers a balance of foundational knowledge in accounting, marketing, human resources, supply chain management, and business communications, helping students develop a well-rounded understanding of how business areas interact across different environments and industries.
Learning is applied and interactive, with activities such as case studies, group projects, presentations, and problem-solving exercises based on real workplace scenarios. These experiences support the development of communication, teamwork, organization, and introductory financial literacy skills, while reinforcing professional behaviour and workplace expectations.
By combining theory with applied learning, the program supports the development of confidence and capability in business settings. Graduates will be prepared to contribute in entry-level business environments or continue building their skills through further education or professional experience.
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
Students in this program are eligible to apply for The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary. Available to students in any program, with preference to those entering preparatory programs, The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will be awarded to up to 10 students annually and will help students cover tuition in their chosen program as well as in any continued studies at DC for up to four years. Recipients of The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary will also have the opportunity to participate in mentorship programs at the college.
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The Business Fundamentals program prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level opportunities across many industries. With foundational business knowledge and practical professional skills, graduates are equipped to support business operations, work effectively in team environments, and continue building their education in business or related fields.
The Business Fundamentals program uses applied learning to connect foundational business concepts with real-world practice, helping students build confidence, capability, and workplace readiness throughout the program.
Preparation for Workplace and Continued Studies: Applied learning experiences are intentionally designed to build workplace readiness and support continued academic pathways. Engagement with realistic business scenarios and commonly used tools helps develop confidence in navigating entry-level business environments and provides a strong foundation for further study within Durham College business diploma programs.
Applied Classroom Learning: Experiential learning is embedded throughout the Business Fundamentals program through applied classroom activities that reflect real business situations. Students engage in case studies, group projects, presentations, and problem-solving exercises that support the application of foundational business concepts in practical contexts. These experiences strengthen communication, teamwork, organization, and decision-making skills aligned with entry-level business expectations.
Project-Based and Collaborative Activities: Students participate in collaborative projects that integrate key business functions such as accounting, marketing, management, and business communications. These activities build understanding of how organizations operate and how decisions are made across teams and departments. Emphasis is placed on professional behaviour, meeting deadlines, and communicating ideas clearly and effectively in a workplace context.
Durham College (DC) partners with colleges and universities across Ontario, Canada, and around the world to offer pathway opportunities to continue your education and reach your goals. Whether you’re a current student or a graduate, our Transfer Services team will guide you toward opportunities that fit your aspirations and open doors to new possibilities.
This program can open doors to additional learning opportunities. Pathway opportunities may include advanced standing or transfer credit toward diplomas, graduate certificates, degrees, and other academic routes, helping reduce duplication and create a clear path to your next credential.
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You may be eligible to receive recognition for your prior learning. Credit Transfer can recognize completed post-secondary coursework, while Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) can assess skills and knowledge gained through work, training, volunteering, military service, or other life experiences.
Learn more about Credit Transfer and PLAR
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.
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