Channel your passion for sustaining our planet into a business education that will transform the world. Learn to move a business forward while keeping your values, like environmentalism, top of mind.
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September 05, 2023
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September 05, 2023
Program variation
Start date
Application deadline
Specialization
Delivery model
Entry point
Domestic tuition
International tuition
Related Schedules
Program description
You believe in capitalism with a conscience. In doing business in a way that does good for the environment, the community and society.
In the BBA in Innovation and Sustainability, you'll earn a solid business education that will sharpen your vision for social and environmental change.
You’ll learn skills to make you a valuable — and valued — employee: problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and digital literacy.
And, throughout this degree-completion program, you'll channel your passion for sustainability into project-based experiences as you work with clients in the community and build a portfolio of work that showcases your creativity, work ethic and potential.
Whether you dream of starting your own venture or leading change at a global company, you'll be ready to advance business solutions that are as good for the bottom line as they are for the planet.
Who it's for
This program is right for you if you:
- want to impact the local and global community through social innovation
- are committed to enterprises that are financially, socially, environmentally sustainable
- believe in responsible management practices
- wish to create value for stakeholders
- are looking for ways to discover, challenge, and maximize your personal potential
- are curious about the relationships between individuals, organizations, society and the environment
- want to develop career-ready knowledge, skills and a portfolio of hands-on experience
Program outcomes
Once you've completed this program, you'll:
- have the innovation- and sustainability-focused experience employers want and that global leaders are calling for
- be equipped to tackle the social and environmental issues you care about
Program delivery
Program options
There are two program options for the Bachelor of Business Administration:
- coming September 2024: four-year undergraduate degree for students typically entering from high school (or equivalent)
- first-year entry (four-year undergraduate degree) with language support for students, who are still becoming proficient in English
- two-year degree completion option (years three and four) for eligible students
First-year entry (four-year undergraduate degree)
Coming September 2024. Accepting applications in the near future. Please check regularly for updates.
A new undergraduate experience for students coming from high school is on the way.
For future changemakers. The passionate an the curious. Those who are ready to take action.
Learn more at www.royalroads.ca/challenge.
First-year entry (four-year undergraduate degree) with academic and language support
This option is for students coming from high school and beginning a four-year undergraduate degree who are still becoming proficient in English.
Learn more about first-year entry with academic and language support.
Two-year degree completion (third-year entry)
For students completing years three and four of an undergraduate degree
Studying on campus brings you together with your class colleagues and instructors. Expect the program to be rigorous. You’ll do homework, readings and team assignments outside of your full-time class hours.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Program completion options
For the final component of your BBA, you'll choose between three options:
- Capstone option
- Internship option
- International semester option
Project-based learning
Project-based learning in the BBA program will prepare you to launch your career. Working on teams with your classmates, you'll use your skills and knowledge to support the work of organizations and businesses — your project clients — in the community.
Through these projects, you'll learn to:
- engage in client and stakeholder meetings, field work and workshops
- identify, design, prototype and develop concrete solutions
- apply subject-specific knowledge and build the skills you need for a career in business and social innovation
- anticipate opportunities for sustainable development
Example projects
BBA students work on projects like these:
- developing a plan to re-engineer an organization's operations to reduce inefficiency and carbon footprint
- creating a stakeholder engagement strategy for a new product development and launch
- developing customer service solutions based on primary and secondary research
- conducting a feasibility study and making recommendations for a proposed for-profit/not-for-profit partnership aimed at increasing employment opportunities for youth
- designing a marketing plan for an eco-conscious brand
- updating a company’s annual reporting process and documents to give a transparent account of sustainability and community impact metrics as well as financial performance
- producing a case study of an exemplary sustainability initiative to submit to government
Courses
Entry options
Below are the courses you will take depending on the option you choose:
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Year 1 & 2 - with language support
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Year 3 & 4 - degree completion
YEAR 1 & 2 - Language support option
Below are the list of courses for Year 1 & 2 students (English language support option).
Year 1 & 2 - Language support option - Required courses
All students MUST attend and complete these requirements.
ORNT
Orientation
0.0 Credits
On Campus, Online
ITAI
Introduction to Academic Integrity
0.0 Credits
Online
EAP084
Academic Skills for University Success
0.0 Credits
On Campus
HUMN103
Foundations of Global Citizenship
9.0 Credits
On Campus
EAP086
Research Skills and Strategies
0.0 Credits
On Campus
WRIT110
Writing for Success
3.0 Credits
On Campus
HUMN104
Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability
3.0 Credits
On Campus
CDNS101
Canadian Studies
3.0 Credits
On Campus
EAP085
Critical Inquiry and Academic Writing Processes
0.0 Credits
On Campus
WRIT111
Academic Writing
3.0 Credits
On Campus
CESL100
Civic Engagement and Service Learning
3.0 Credits
On Campus
COMM211
Advanced Academic Communication
3.0 Credits
On Campus
BUSA205
Management Statistics
3.0 Credits
On Campus
BUSA204
Principles of Economics
3.0 Credits
On Campus
JUST205
The Environment and Justice
3.0 Credits
On Campus
IHMN230
Fundamentals of Accounting
3.0 Credits
On Campus
BUSA206
Fundamentals of Human Resources Management
3.0 Credits
On Campus
IHMN290
Work-Term Preparation
3.0 Credits
On Campus
JUST205
The Environment and Justice
3.0 Credits
On Campus
IHMN245
Introduction to Marketing
3.0 Credits
On Campus
IHMN251
Sales and Services
3.0 Credits
On Campus
IHMN295
Industry Work Term
3.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project, Online
Year 1 & 2 - Language support option - Elective courses
Students select ONE of the following two electives in their first year.
IHMN201
The Business of Tourism
3.0 Credits
On Campus
BUSA201
Introduction to Business Administration
3.0 Credits
On Campus
Year 3 & 4 - Degree completion
The following program is for those students who have already completed years one and two of their studies (60 credits) and will be taking the Degree Completion Option. In each term students will be exploring a number of subjects while working on an applied project and as each term progresses they will continue to explore new subject areas.
Students will complete four terms over 16-months, each comprising of applied Business Projects – A, B and C have a 15-credit value, while Business Project D in Term 4 has a 9-credit value and runs concurrent with a Capstone Project (6-credits), or a choice of other completion options that extend the program by another 4-months. Each of these four terms will include work on 2-4 projects, with each projects’ length being determined by their individual complexity.
Projects may take on one of four styles: client-based, simulation, venture or challenge, and will be sourced from organizations in the private, public and non-profit sectors. In following a program comprised of a range of projects, students will build a portfolio of work that will directly demonstrate the skills acquired in business related subject areas throughout the program to their potential employers.
Below is the list of subjects you will be exploring as you progress through the program.
Subjects
BBAS410
Behavioural Economics
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS411
Business Model Innovation
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS412
Communicating for Impact
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS413
Complexity Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS414
Creativity, Innovation and Design
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS415
Critical Thinking and Inquiry
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS416
Developing Effective Teams
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS418
Ecology and Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS419
Evidence-based Decision-Making
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS420
Financial Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS421
Humanistic Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS422
Professionalism and Career Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS423
Leading Social Change with Systems Thinking
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS425
Marketing
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS426
Operations and Processes
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS427
Project Management
0.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAS428
Social Innovation and Social Finance
0.0 Credits
On Campus
Year 3 & 4 - Degree completion - Required courses
BBAP300
Business Administration Applied Projects A
15.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAP301
Business Administration Applied Projects B
15.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAP400
Business Administration Applied Projects C
15.0 Credits
On Campus
BBAP401
Business Administration Applied Projects D
9.0 Credits
On Campus
Year 3 & 4 - Degree completion 0ptions
Students select ONE of the following options below OR to do an International Semester.
BBAP490
Capstone
6.0 Credits
Online
BBAP491
Internship
6.0 Credits
Directed, Field, Lab or Major Project
Faculty
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First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree with language support)
This option is for students who require English language support. Please review the requirements for first-year entry with language support for more information.
First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree)
First-year entry is for students coming from high school (or equivalent). Please review the first-year admission and application requirements for more information.
Third-year entry (degree completion - 3rd & 4th year)
If you've completed some university or college courses, you may be eligible for the degree completion option, comprising of years 3 & 4 of this program.
Standard admission
Students who have completed a minimum of 60 college or university credits (including 24 second-year level credits) in any discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum overall GPA of 'B' (3.00/4.33) are eligible for admission.
Flexible admission
- For applicants who bring a wealth of work and life experience but do not meet standard admission requirements, your application may be considered based on a combination of your education, informal learning, and the real-world experiences, as per our flexible admission policy.
- For applicants with fewer than 15 college or university credits, a minimum five years of full-time work experience (with at least three years at a supervisory, management, or project lead level) is required.
Additional requirements for all applicants
In addition to meeting the admissions requirements (above), successful applicants will also:
1. Demonstrate strengths gained through work, previous studies, volunteer service and/or personal development in two or more of the following areas:
- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Social entrepreneurship and social impact
- Environmental protection or conservation
- Social, cultural and/or environmental sustainability
- Civic leadership and/or community engagement
2. Demonstrate through their statement of intent a clear alignment of personal goals and vision with the goals, values and processes of the program.
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
Additional recommendations for all applicants
- Solid academic writing skills are required for success in this program; therefore an English composition course focused on academic writing and critical thinking is strongly recommended. APA style citation is used in this program. Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University offers an Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course.
First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree with language support)
This option is for students who require English language support. Please review the requirements for first-year entry with language support for more information.
First-year entry (4-year undergraduate degree)
First-year entry is for students coming from high school (or equivalent). Please review the First-year admission and application requirements for more information.
Third-year entry (degree completion - 3rd & 4th year)
If you've completed some university or college courses, you may be eligible for the degree completion option, comprising of years 3 & 4 of this program.
All applications to this third-year program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Letters of reference
Typically, applicants will provide one professional letter and one academic or community service letter, but two letters of any combination are generally acceptable.
Letters should confirm suitable candidacy for the program. For example, a reference should describe why they believe you will succeed in the program and why they believe the program will benefit you. The context in which the writer has come to know you should also be mentioned. There is no set standard for formatting, length or level of detail.
Statement of intent
The statement of intent should consist of (but is not limited to) a two to three page essay, addressing the following three points:
- the reason for selecting the BBA program; and
- how the BBA program will support, develop or enhance the applicant’s sense of purpose or personal and professional goals; and
- why the applicant believes that project-based learning is the best learning style for them.
All applicants should highlight their strengths in business, entrepreneurship, sustainability, leadership and community involvement. Statements of intent should reflect a clear and realistic understanding of the program, and its goals, values and processes and should explain why the program is meaningful and relevant to the applicant.
Detailed résumé (chronological)
- Education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Work experience: Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties.
- Training and professional development: List career-related training and professional development programs completed within the past five years. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Information technology training and experience: Briefly describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
Financial aid and awards
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Four-year undergraduate program with academic & language support
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a unique four-year undergraduate program for international students, Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
You'll receive academic and English language support in your first two years to prepare you for success in your degree and career.
You'll be studying on campus with other international students for your first two years of the program. After this, you'll join years three and four with domestic and international students in the regular undergraduate degree completion program.
Our small class sizes mean that you'll get to know your classmates and instructors by name.
You'll take classes with a group of students from around the world. You'll start and finish your courses and program at the same time. This group of students will become your support network during your program, and part of your professional network once you graduate.
Program delivery
First year: International foundations (three semesters)
During your first year, you'll take a set program of English language, academic preparation and academic courses.
You'll take the same courses as students in the other four-year degree programs with academic and language support.
Courses will provide you with a foundation in global citizenship, critical thinking, independent and inquiry-based learning, intercultural relationships, communication and social justice.
You'll explore:
- what it means to be a global citizen
- how to analyze global issues from different perspectives
- Canadian history and identity
And you'll learn through the in the following activities:
- writing blogs and filming newscasts
- researching and writing essays
- creating your own non-governmental organization
- engaging in lively discussions and debates
- volunteering with a local service organization and learning about Canadian society
Second year
During your second year, you'll take introductory courses related to business administration with other students in this program.
Read first and second year course descriptions.
Third and fourth year (degree completion)
In your third and fourth years, you'll join other students in the degree completion program. This consists of four semesters of courses and can be completed in 16 months.
You'll further your understanding of the concepts and themes within business sustainability through client projects that allow you to hone your skills and develop relevant work experience – all while deepening your insight into how you can drive important change in the local and global community.
You can build to here
If you don't meet the English language requirement for this program, you may be conditionally admitted.
To meet the minimum level of English proficiency for the program, you can take an academic preparation and English language program at our Global Learning and Language Centre.
After you successfully complete one, two or three semesters in an intensive English program, you'll be ready to begin your first year of this undergraduate degree program.
We offer three options for you to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration.
You can choose the option that works best for your goals.
In all completion options, you'll create a portfolio of work that documents and showcases your learning and skill development.
Option 1: Capstone project
The capstone project integrates your learning into a single project within your area of interest. You’ll take on a real-life challenge for an organizational client. You’ll research, develop and present an innovative business solution for social and environmental change.
The capstone option can be completed with 16 months (four terms).
Option 2: Internship
Take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in the workplace through an internship at an organization.
In order to achieve the required number of internship hours (420), the internship option can be completed within 20 months (five terms).
We'll help you through the process of finding an internship in your preferred industry. You'll attend workshops for career development and work search skills.
Option 3: International semester
Study abroad while continuing project-based learning in business, innovation and sustainability. You will complete at least six credits at one of our partner universities.
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Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Belgium.
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Avans University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.
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ITESO Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, Mexico.
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National Economics University, Vietnam.
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Management Centre Innsbruck, Austria.
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Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain.
We’ll help you select courses and prepare you to study abroad.
