Bachelor of Business Administration

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various business sectors. Through an engaging curriculum that includes in-class activities, individual assignments, hands-on projects, and industry case studies, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of essential business principles and practices.

Program Structure

The BBA program spans four years, with the first two years focusing on foundational knowledge and core skills across multiple business domains:

• Marketing
• Communication
• Strategic Planning
• Analysis
• Management
• Leadership

In the third and fourth years, students have the option to either pursue a general business degree or specialize in one of the following areas:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources

To earn a major in a chosen area, students must complete a set of four prescribed upper-level elective courses. Additionally, students can opt for a minor in the following:

• Financial Management
• Operations Management/Management Information Systems
• Organizational Studies

Co-op Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to participate in optional paid co-op work placements, allowing them to graduate with practical work experience, valuable industry connections, and references that are beneficial for future employment or further academic pursuits.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the BBA program are well-prepared to tackle business challenges across various sectorsincluding public, private, and government organizationsor to venture into entrepreneurship. Potential career paths include:

• Marketing
• Finance
• Accounting
• Economics
• Advertising
• Logistics
• Operations
• Management
• Government
• Retail and Sales
• Human Resources

Moreover, graduates may seek employment with companies that offer post-graduate certifications, such as:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
• Certified Marketing Specialist (CMS)
• Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI)

Alumni may also consider further specialization within their degree, such as in hospitality or data analysis, or pursue graduate studies to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a four-year program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to launch successful careers in business. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical application, and industry exposure, students gain a comprehensive understanding of key business principles and develop essential skills in areas like marketing, communication, strategic planning, analysis, management, and leadership.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required for success in various business careers.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Develop effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Enhance analytical and research capabilities.
• Cultivate ethical awareness and social responsibility.

Program Description:

The BBA program consists of two main components:

Foundational Courses:

In the first two years, students acquire a solid foundation in all key business areas through courses such as:

• Introduction to Business
• Marketing Principles
• Financial Accounting
• Business Law
• Operations Management
• Human Resource Management
• Business Communication
• Quantitative Methods for Business
• Management Information Systems

Specialization or General Degree:

In the third and fourth years, students can choose to either pursue a general business degree or specialize in one of four areas:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Human Resources
Students who opt for specialization complete four prescribed upper-level elective courses in their chosen area, while those seeking a general degree can choose their electives freely from a wider range of courses. Additionally, the program offers minors in Financial Management, Operations Management/Management Information Systems, and Organizational Studies.

Outline:

Program Content:

The BBA curriculum covers a broad range of business topics, including:

• Accounting and Finance
• Marketing and Sales
• Management and Leadership
• Human Resource Management
• Operations Management
• International Business
• Business Law and Ethics
• Business Communication
• Quantitative Methods for Business

Structure:

The program follows a semester-based structure, with two semesters per academic year. Each semester typically consists of four courses. Students complete a total of 120 credits to graduate.

Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule varies each semester and is available on the UFV website.

Individual Modules:

Sample Modules:

• Introduction to Business: Explores the fundamental concepts of business, including the different types of businesses, the economic environment, and the role of business in society.
• Marketing Principles: Examines the principles of marketing, including market research, consumer behavior, product development, pricing strategies, and distribution channels.
• Financial Accounting: Introduces the principles of financial accounting, including double-entry bookkeeping, financial statements, and financial analysis.
• Business Law: Provides an overview of the legal system and its impact on business, including contracts, torts, property law, and business ethics.
• Operations Management: Focuses on the design, operation, and improvement of business processes, including production, inventory management, and quality control.
• Human Resource Management: Explores the various functions of human resource management, including recruitment, training, compensation, performance management, and employee relations.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the BBA program vary depending on the specific course but may include:

• Exams (midterms and finals)
• Assignments (individual and group projects)
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Participation
• Quizzes
• Portfolios
Grading criteria are based on a point system, with a passing grade typically requiring 50% or higher.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The BBA program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Simulations
• Guest speakers
• Online resources

Faculty:

The BBA faculty comprises experienced professionals with industry experience and academic qualifications. They are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and fostering their professional development.

Unique Approaches:

• Optional Paid Co-op Work Placements: The program offers students the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience through paid co-op placements in various business organizations.
This allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical settings, develop professional networks, and enhance their employability.
• Focus on Applied Learning: The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences through case studies, simulations, and projects.
This approach helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Industry Partnerships: The BBA program maintains close ties with various businesses and organizations, which provide opportunities for guest speakers, industry-based projects, and potential employment for graduates.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the BBA program can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Marketing and Sales
• Accounting and Finance
• Human Resources
• Management
• Retail and Sales
• Government
• Operations
• Logistics
• Advertising
• Entrepreneurship

Opportunities:

The BBA program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities within various industries and organizations. Graduates can find employment in entry-level or junior positions and progress to more senior roles with experience.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the BBA program are highly sought after by employers for their well-rounded knowledge, practical skills, and strong work ethic. The program boasts a high rate of graduate employment, with many alumni securing positions in top companies and organizations.

Other:

• The minimum admission requirements for the BBA program include a high school diploma or equivalent and a competitive average.
• The University of the Fraser Valley is located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, and offers a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver