On the surface, business administration and business management seem really similar. Courses for these two diplomas often overlap, and employment options appear very much alike.

But if you look closer, there can be distinct differences between these two training and career paths—in terms of what you'll be studying in school, your future job goals, and your business skill set.

Which diploma should you choose? It really depends on what you envision yourself doing post-graduation.

Photo: Karl Raynes at his home office in Winnipeg

When he moved to Canada in 2013, Karl Raynes wasn't planning on starting a business.

He got a steady job at a law firm, thought about pursuing a career in computer networking, and even took at few IT courses.

And then one day, Karl and his fiance came up with a brilliant idea for a home-care services company.

He immediately began looking for business training that would help him launch the company and make it a success.

Karl discovered Herzing College and enrolled in the Business Administration program.

This training is designed for people who want to work in an office, manage a team, or start their own business. 

Karl signed up, worked through the courses, and actually launched his company while completing the internship.

We interviewed Karl a few months after graduation to get his review of the Business Administration program, and see how the company is going so far.

Here's what we found out.

There are many types of business diploma programs out there. A major hub like Toronto has enough business colleges and business programs to make your head spin. 

Just sorting through all the options can seem like a massive task. And then you’re faced with an even bigger question: which type of business diploma should I choose? 

There are certificates and diplomas in business management, business marketing, human resources, project management, occupational health and safety, and supply chain management (just to name a few!) 

At Herzing College Toronto, we offer four different business-related diploma programs.  

But in this post, we’re focusing on the difference between Business Administration and Accounting and Payroll Administration.

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably torn between these two diplomas and need some help to make a decision.  

We’ll break down key differences between these programs, and important points to consider when deciding which path to choose.

By the end of this post, you’ll know what step to take next.

Rebecca Hiebert raised three children on her own. For many years, being a mother was her full-time job. But over the last year or two, those priorities began to change.

Her children grew older and became more independent. Gradually, she found herself with some extra time. And she knew exactly what she wanted to do with it.

Rebecca had always wanted to study business administration. With great determination, she returned to school and earned not one, but two diplomas in business from Herzing College Winnipeg.

Photo: Business students in class at the Herzing College Ottawa campus