Shannon School of Business

Degrees & Programs

Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development

Cape Breton University’s MBA in Community Economic Development (CED) is an advanced program with community at its core; it resonates with people who wish to make a difference in their organizations and their communities.

The MBA in CED curriculum, in addition to business subjects found in traditional MBA programs, focuses on economic development, leadership, strategy, governance, managing change and international management.

This program is designed for learners and graduates who aspire to play leadership roles in the public sector, in Third Sector organizations, and in community-minded businesses. CBU’s MBA in CED aims to develop a new generation of leaders who have strong business management capabilities, well developed collaborative and interpersonal skills, and deep knowledge of accountability, social responsibility, and development issues and practices. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in leading organizations in an increasingly global community and economy.

CBU’s size and governance structure allows for the adaption of curriculum in a timely fashion to meet the evolving requirements of learners and organizations. The special appeal of the MBA in CED is evidenced by the demand for this program in different regions of Canada.

(See the Academic Calendar for more information)

Pre-MBA Program for International Students

Cape Breton University’s Pre-MBA program is designed to prepare international students, who have intermediate English language skills, to study for the MBA in CED. Many students have not experienced a Canadian university education program, and they are not familiar with the professional, academic, and cultural expectations of an MBA program.

The Pre-MBA is a full-time eight week program offered in July and August and includes language learning, business English, GMAT preparation, Canadian business environment, reading techniques, business report writing, research skills, case study analysis, and presentation skills. Students will also complete a major group project that includes a written report with a recommendation, and an oral presentation to CBU faculty.

Students cannot apply directly to the Pre-MBA program but must make application to the MBA in CED program. The Selection Committee, based on documents received, will determine the need for the Pre-MBA program. The Pre-MBA program is taken in conjunction with intro courses within the MBA in CED program and is an added cost.

For additional information please contact mba@cbu.ca

Pre-Core Program for International Students
Cape Breton University’s Pre-Core program is a series of no-fee sessions in Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Excel Modeling and Case Analysis techniques. Individuals who have not recently completed a Business degree in Canada are expected to enroll into the Pre-Core program.

The Pre-Core program takes place during the week before classes start in September and January, and in the weekend preceding July classes. For more information please contact mba@cbu.ca

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Are you interested in future opportunities in a variety of careers accessed or aided by a Bachelor of Business Administration degree? Time spent studying business is time well spent. The BBA at CBU will prepare you to analyze a business situation, identify alternative responses and resolve business difficulties. If you intend to have a career in any of the professions, in private sector or public sector management, or intend to run your own business a BBA degree will help develop and sharpen your business skills. Programs within the BBA core courses place an emphasis on a broad range of business topics - accounting, marketing, finance, human resources, and economics. You have the option to study elective courses in many areas including: law, tourism, IT, the arts, health, sports, sciences, engineering.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting

Do you have an aptitude for numbers? Do you want to assist with decision making by possessing the ability to analyze, compare and interpret business statements competently and quickly? Computers have changed the world of accounting but have not reduced the demand for accountants. An Accounting Major allows you to have a career placement shortly after graduation with numerous opportunities for steady career advancement.

Business Concentrations

The open elective concept provides sufficient flexibility for students to obtain a concentration in the business disciplines. This concept can be used to obtain concentrations by choosing business or other electives from the specific subject areas in addition to the required BBA core courses. Those wishing to enter a business concentration should see the appropriate discipline coordinator as shown below.

For detailed information, see the Academic Calendar (pdf)

Concentrations can be obtained in the following subject areas:

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Economics

Economics is a social science concerned with the efficient use of scarce resources in production, exchange, and consumption, to attain the maximum satisfaction of society’s material wants. Students may take Economics to obtain a concentration in the discipline. Alternatively, students may take Economics courses as electives to complement studies in related fields.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Finance

Finance is a set of concepts, principles and theories dealing with the allocation of scarce monetary resources, risk analysis and valuation of risky assets. Finance encompasses topics such as business finance, personal finance, investments, capital market theory, financial institutions and markets and international finance. The scope of Finance is broad. As such, this discipline requires that students have a sound background in Accounting and Economics.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Legal Studies

Today’s managers and professionals are constantly faced with decisions that have legal implications. Smart businesspeople arm themselves with the information required for seeking and understanding legal advice. Learn business self-defence, experience what the study of law has to offer and develop critical thinking for business at CBU. What you need to know.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Marketing

Identifying the market and the customers is fundamental to business success. Successful businesses communicate the strengths of the business, track and respond to changes in consumer preferences and understand marketing strategy. Start your career in Marketing by studying at CBU.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Human Resources

Human Resources prepares students for career options such as Human Rights Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Human Resources Director, Compensation/Payroll Specialist, Industrial Relations Specialist, as well as many other exciting managerial and administrative career opportunities.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Concentration in Tourism Marketing and Management

Tourism is one of the industries marked for growth. CBU has been instructing hospitality /tourism programs for 25+ years. Combine specific knowledge from the tourism industry with your BBA and be prepared for a future management position in this exciting field.

Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM)

Graduates of this specialist degree are specifically skilled to fill the growing demand worldwide for management positions in the hospitality and tourism industry. The Bachelor of Hospitality Tourism Management program integrates the strengths of a business education with the theories of tourism development and hospitality management to give the graduate an understanding of the key areas of the industry.

While earning your BHTM degree at Cape Breton University, you will also be preparing yourself through industry internships to begin a career in the exciting and fun filled fields of travel, tourism and hospitality management. The BHTM program will assist you in developing the people skills, creativity and critical thinking required for the management, marketing and operations positions in this expanding market.

Bachelor of Arts Community Studies / Bachelor of Business Administration

Cape Breton University offers students an opportunity to obtain both their BACS and BBA degrees in four years. At the end of three successful years, students will receive a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies degree with a career concentration in Business. After the fourth successful year, the student will receive the Bachelor of Business Administration.

Bachelor of Business Administration - Transfer upon Graduation from Business Technology

Graduates from Business Technology are eligible to receive credit for a minimum of 10, 6-credit courses toward the completion of the BBA degree. For details contact the office of the Dean, Shannon School of Business.

For further information on transfer programs: Contact the Assistant to the Dean, Shannon School of Business - (902) 563-1161.