General Business

Program Description

As a student of GBS, you’ll establish a solid knowledge base in business management. You’ll learn how to start thinking like a manager while building a solid foundation in business fundamentals like marketing and accounting.

The General Business program shares the first two years of the three-year Business Administration programs. When you complete the GBS program, you have the option to enroll in one of the Business Administration three-year diploma programs for two extra semesters.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate business-related information persuasively and accurately in oral, written, and graphic formats.
• Work in a manner consistent with law and professional standards, practices, and protocols.
• Develop customer-service strategies to meet the needs of internal and external customers.
• Apply knowledge of the human resources function to the operation of an organization.
• Apply knowledge of the marketing function to the operation of an organization.
• Apply accounting and financial knowledge to the operation of an organization.
• Apply knowledge of operations management to the operation of an organization.
• Apply computer skills and knowledge of information technology to support the management of an organization.
• Take into account the interrelationship among the functional areas of a business.
• Work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and others.
• Apply research skills to gather and interpret available information.
• Apply creative problem-solving skills to address business problems and opportunities.
• Develop strategies for personal and professional development to manage job stress, enhance work performance, and maximize career opportunities.
• Apply time management and organizational skills to facilitate the completion of tasks and to meet deadlines in a business environment.
• Recognize the economic, social, political, and cultural variables which impact on a business.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

Desirable:

• Basic proficiency in word processing, preferably Microsoft Word.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

The four-semester General Business (GBS) diploma program provides you with an understanding of management functions and general managerial skills for a rewarding career in business. Prepare to graduate with a wide range of options for your career. Our graduates have succeeded in a variety of manufacturing, sales and service industries among many others.

Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA)

Graduates will have completed all educational requirements and can make application to CPSA to receive a Certificate of Professional Sales from the Canadian Professional Sales Association. Graduates will have also met all the educational requirements for the CPSA’s professional designation - Certified Sales Professional CSP.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

International

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject (from any category) for which EAC150 is a pre-requisite.

Curriculum

Professional Options

The subjects listed below are a representative sample of those which may be available. Students will be advised during semester two which options will be offered for semester four.

Note: Professional option subjects not having a minimum of 30 students enrolled may be cancelled at the discretion of the School. Not all professional options are offered every semester.

Educational Pathways

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