Online business programs in Canada
By: Kyle Quilatan
Published on: January 10th, 2025
Many postsecondary students have become used to the asynchronous education model that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as many schools switched to online learning. However, although most schools have returned to in-person learning, many fully online programs are still available at various institutions.
These online programs have several benefits, but the most notable are increased flexibility and lower costs. With online learning, students can work through courses at their own pace from wherever they desire. While students can still interact with their peers and instructors, there are no scheduled class times like in a traditional classroom setting. Students are free to complete their courses from the comfort of their own homes. This makes distance learning a good option for students with other commitments like families or jobs.
Online learning also ends up cutting out many costs associated with in-class learning. While students must still purchase the required materials for each course, there is no need to commute to campus to be in the classroom. This means they do not have to pay for gas or public transportation fares. Since there is no need to be on campus, students can also opt to live with their parents for the duration of their program. Additionally, by not having to relocate to where their school is located, they will not have to pay for student housing or meal plans.
While online learning has many benefits, there are some things students must be aware of to succeed with distance education. First, proficiency with technology is a must. This is already true for in-person learning but is even more so when classes are online. Students should be able to navigate school websites and programs independently and must familiarize themselves with online tests and assignment submission processes.
There is also a greater need for self-discipline with online learning. Since students create their own study schedules, they must ensure they do not allow themselves to fall behind. It becomes easy to lose track of deadlines and miss lessons when there is no instructor to deliver the content to you directly. Students must have a strong sense of commitment to continue learning.
That being said, distance learning is an excellent option for many individuals. Fortunately, many Canadian postsecondary schools offer business courses and programs that are entirely online.
Athabasca University sets itself apart from many other Canadian postsecondary institutions because its programs are exclusively online. This includes undergraduate programs, graduate programs, individual courses, and professional development options.
The Bachelor of Commerce program offers a general program and six different options for majors. These include accounting, business technology management, and indigenous business. Though there are some exceptions, most programs at Athabasca University have no set deadline for completion. This flexibility allows students to take as much time as they need to finish their requirements.
Yorkville University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration program that is available across all three of its campuses. The program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years, though this will vary depending on a student’s individual circumstances.
The Vancouver campus has the most options, offering the general program and specializations in accounting, energy management, project management or supply chain management. Meanwhile, the Fredericton campus offers the general program, and the Toronto campus offers the project management specialization.
While all three campuses provide the same core content, they differ in admissions requirements and transfer credit policies. Students must understand these differences before choosing which campus to apply to.
Laurentian University offers a four-year online Bachelor of Business Administration program. Courses are offered in September, January, and May each year. While most of the program is online, the final examination is in person, though the exam-writing location is usually close to students’ permanent addresses.
University of Fredericton
The University of Fredericton also offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration program that full-time students can complete in as little as 3.5 years. Alongside core courses in accounting, economics, and marketing, students also complete courses from the international business specialty stream. With its flexibility and convenience, distance learning can be a great option for many students. Depending on an individual’s situation, the benefits of online learning can make education much more accessible for many people. Continue to research other online programs and courses to find what works best for you.