Business Diploma
Build Professional Success Now
Our two-year diploma program equips you with essential business principles and operational knowledge. You will develop the skills to manage a business effectively in today's global marketplace.
The program builds your expertise in key business functions while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset through core business courses and specialized options tailored to your professional interests.
Valuable applied learning experiences and networking opportunities will enhance your career prospects through RDP's strong connections with the business community.
Students with a Business Certificate may directly enter the second year of this program. This diploma also provides credits toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Work-integrated Learning
No matter which area you focus on, you’ll participate in a 90-hour work-integrated learning opportunity as well as project-based courses where you will do in the classroom what you would do on the job.
Further Study
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Red Deer Polytechnic, Donald School of Business
Years 1-4 at RDP
Complete all four years right here at RDP! Our Business Diploma provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration so you can enter the BBA program at RDP in Year 3.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business
Year 1 at RDP, Years 2-4 at U of C
Entry to the BCom program at U of C requires six half-courses (18 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in one year, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of C in Year 2. All courses which you intend to submit to U of C for admission requirements must be completed by the end of Winter Term of the year of application.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business
Years 1 & 2 at RDP, Years 3 & 4 at U of A
Entry to the BCom program at U of A requires 20 courses (60 credits) of pre-professional studies. An advisor can suggest a list of relevant courses that can be completed in two years, and that would make you eligible to apply to the BCom program at U of A in Year 3. This program will vary slightly depending on the major you choose.
You may be eligible to transfer to other programs than those listed above. Contact the institution you are interested in to explore what possibilities exist.
"At the beginning of the program, I entered with very basic financial knowledge, and upon completion, I came out of it with a better understanding. The program provided realistic foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in the financial industry. Even if you don't decide to enter the financial industry as a career, you will leave financially prudent in your own lifestyle."
Related Careers
Retail or Office Manager
Office Administration
Business Services Coordinator
Financial Services Consultant
Human Resources Assistant
Client Care Coordinator
Operations Coordinator
Facility Management
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
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Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- This program requires students to obtain a Co-op Work permit
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Business must have a minimum of 65% or higher in the following courses or their equivalent:
ELA 30-2, OR a minimum of 60% or higher in ELA 30-1
MATH 30-2, OR a minimum of 60% or higher in MATH 30-1
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation as outlined in the English Language Proficiency Requirements page.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Your previous schooling, work experience, and informal learning may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. The Recognition of Prior Learning Application Forms should be submitted at least eight weeks before the start of applicable courses.
Indigenous Learners
Information for Indigenous Learners
The Business Diploma program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated ten (10) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
In the Business Diploma program, you will complete 20 courses. All students will complete the same 18 core business courses and choose two options. You can create a program plan that helps you achieve your unique goals.
Graduation Requirements
You must pass all courses with a minimum grade of “D” and achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.