Few fields are as diverse and wide-ranging as business administration.

This area of study focusses on how companies operate. That includes a lot of different departments and roles, including accounting, marketing, sales, management, customer service, and more.

By studying business administration, you can learn how to lead a team, manage resources, attract clients, run an office, help with bookkeeping, or handle routine clerical responsibilities.

Here's the key thing to know: you can study business administration at the university level with a degree program OR you can take a diploma in business at the college level.

The skills you learn will be quite different, depending on which path you choose.

In this post, we break down the differences between diplomas and degrees, including what you'll study and what jobs you'll qualify for after graduation.

Find out what it means to study business administration and if this field is right for you.

Business administration is a vast field that covers everything from marketing and accounting to management and customer service.

At its core, it's about making sure an organization runs smoothly and effectively.

That means a business diploma can be an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to work in an office, lead a team, or launch a company.

Thinking about taking business training? First, you need to be sure a business diploma will meet your needs and get you where you want to go.

To begin with, you should be clear about what skills are taught in class and what jobs you could get as a new graduate.

Is a business diploma worthwhile for you? Here are 6 things to consider when making your decision.

Photo: Business students and instructors eating lunch together at the Herzing Winnipeg campus (2019) 

Thinking about taking Business Administration training? Looking to switch careers, upgrade your office skills, or get your first job in this field? 

No matter your background, age, or level of experience, this program can help you reach your goals. Business administration is one of the most flexible diploma programs out there. 

But if you’ve done some research, you’ll notice this program is a little different at each college. Every school has its own version of the training. 

So, what’s it like to study Business Administration at Herzing? What can you expect in class? 

In this post, we break down the most important features of our diploma program.

We also spoke with some recent graduates to get their opinion on the courses, instructor, internship, and more. 

Here’s everything you need to know. 

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

Updated December, 2020.

Quick summary: Comparison of Office Assistant versus Business Administration diploma programs. Compare length, skills taught, job options, career paths, and determine which course is right for you.

If you want to become a respected member of an office team, you’ll need to learn the technology and administrative skills today’s employers want most. 

And there are always new skills to learn! Even people with years of experience go back to school to learn the latest software and add new competencies to their resume. This is key if you want to qualify for promotion and advance your career. 

What skills are you looking to learn? Accounting? Marketing and sales? MS Office software? Project management? 

There are a lot of business administration programs out there. Some focus on just one or two skills, while others cover a lot of ground. You need to sort out your career goals to find out which course is right for you. 

Maria Aquino (far right) poses with business students and faculty at the Herzing College Winnipeg campus

Updated November, 2020.

A lot of people choose business administration training because it opens up so many different career paths. Accounting, marketing, sales, management, client services...this program builds a strong foundation in several key areas of business.

And that's exactly what Maria Theresa Aquino was looking for when she started the Business Administration program at Herzing earlier this year.

A business diploma is one the most flexible post-secondary options out there. From office software to marketing strategy to accounting to human resources—this program covers a lot of ground.

What exactly does "business administration" mean?  In general terms, it means overseeing, or performing, the tasks that keep an enterprise running smoothly.

These tasks usually include everything from managing finances to overseeing employees; from selling products to serving clients.

The administration of a business involves organizing resources, overseeing operations, and working as a team toward common goals.  And like any team, there are different roles to fulfill—and different areas in which to specialize.

So how do you know if you're cut out for a career in business? Or whether you'd do well in a college  business administration program?

A couple of years ago I found myself single and without employment. What was I going to do? I was watching TV one day and I saw a Herzing College Winnipeg commercial. The graduates that were featured impressed me; especially the woman who said that she had started her program at 38 years old. I thought how wonderful it would be if I could go to college and receive a diploma. The thought came and went.