Business Diploma
About the Business Diploma
Learn essential principles of business and explore key areas of how businesses operate. This two-year diploma program will prepare you to manage a small business by understanding the impact of globalization across cultures and markets.
You will gain skills, insight and confidence in the functional areas of business and develop an entrepreneurial mindset in a set of common business courses. Choose from a variety of options to focus on the areas that energize you.
Business students at Red Deer Polytechnic benefit from the strong relationships we have with the business community. This creates invaluable opportunities for you to have practical, applied and work-integrated learning, all while creating important connections for the future.
The Business Diploma provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration and may be completed online, depending on the focus areas you choose. Students who have already completed the Business Certificate can enter this program in Year 2.
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, Science and Computing
Years 1-4 at RDP
The Business Diploma provides credit toward the Bachelor of Business Administration. Once you have completed the Business Diploma, 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. Please enquire with 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
A wide range of career paths are available to graduates of this program, including:
Leadership positions within a franchise, such as lower/middle management or location/office manager
Marketing Assistant
Program Assistant
Accounting Technician
Payroll Administrator
Bookkeeper
Financial Services Assistant
Personal Banking Associate
Human Resources Assistant
Client Care Coordinator
Operations Coordinator
Facility Management
You can pursue work in these fields and return to complete the degree at any time, which is necessary for positions like corporate leadership.
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 have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or 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.
Eligibility for admission to the Business Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission 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 demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
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.
Program Courses
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.