Program Overview

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Program Overview

Durham College (DC) and Ontario Tech University’s joint diploma-to-degree program offers a unique pathway to earn both your diploma and degree in just four years. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive business education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experiences in entrepreneurship. Engage in business plan development, digital marketing, mentorship, and launch new ventures on DC’s vibrant campus. Start your journey towards a fulfilling business career with the best of college and university learning.

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2025	Open	Open
January 2026	Open	Closed

Program Highlights

• DC Experience
• Success Stories
• Resources

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSDD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

• Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
• Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
• Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Introduction to Accounting (ACCT 1101)
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship (ENTR 1100)
• Financial Planning (FINC 1100)
• Human Resource Management 1 (HURM 1100)
• Marketing 1 (MKTG 1100)
• Supply Chain Management (SCMT 1100)

Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue self-employment as an entrepreneur or small business owner or gain employment in a small business.

Program Details

This program was created by DC and Ontario Tech for individuals who plan to take Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree program. The bridging courses required for admission to the degree program are embedded in the curriculum. If you achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in each semester of your DC courses and no grade below C in your Ontario Tech courses, you can apply directly to the third year of the degree program. This opportunity allows qualified candidates to major in Entrepreneurship at Ontario Tech; however, acceptance is based on Ontario Tech approval with higher marks required. The Ontario Tech embedded courses are flexible and subject to change by the university. Academic planning assistance will be offered to you by a DC student advisor representative.

As a student participating in this program, you will be registered at DC and at Ontario Tech. The annual calendars for both institutions, including reading week, are generally different. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. In addition, the two institutions use different learning management systems.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and discuss the impact of global issues on an organization's business opportunities by using an environmental scan.
2. Apply principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics to support an organization’s business initiatives.
3. Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives.
4. Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
5. Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
6. Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices.
7. Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization.
8. Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization.
9. Describe and apply marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
10. Outline principles of supply chain management and operations management.
11. Outline and assess the components of a business plan.
12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance in the business field.

Industry Partners

Certifications

Students can earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:

• Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate (COMP1209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint Associate (COMP1209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (COMP2209)
• Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (if applicable currently will be offered in Accounting and Supply Chain programs)

Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account.

CCI Learning is the exclusive Canadian partner of Certiport and through our partnership with them it enables us to bring Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist certifications to our students.

ACCREDITATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Students entering their first year of studies in a Faculty of Business and Information Technology program will receive a membership to all of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students with access to local businesses at a regional level.

The Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:

• Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
• Brock Board of Trade
• Clarington Board of Trade
• Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
• Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce
• North Durham Chamber of Commerce
• Whitby Chamber of Commerce

Membership benefits:

• Opportunities to connect with over 2,500 local businesses and jumpstart your career by networking with potential future employers;
• Access to professional development events across Durham Region to gain unique business insights and learn from industry leaders; and
• Learning opportunities to develop the in-demand skills to launch a successful career.

Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.

Semester 1

• Introduction to Accounting (ACCT 1101)
• Introduction to Entrepreneurship (ENTR 1100)
• Financial Planning (FINC 1100)
• Human Resource Management 1 (HURM 1100)
• Marketing 1 (MKTG 1100)
• Supply Chain Management (SCMT 1100)

Semester 2

• Writing and Critical Thinking (BUSI 1030U)
• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Business Computer Applications 1 (COMP 1112)
• Macroeconomics (ECON 1202)
• Marketing for Entrepreneurs (ENTR 1302)
• Online Accounting for Small Business (ENTR 1303)
• Business Mathematics (MATH 1207)

Semester 3

• Financial Accounting (BUSI 1130U)
• Organizational Behaviour (BUSI 2311U)
• Business Computer Applications 2 (COMP 1214)
• Starting The Business (ENTR 2200)
• Website Design and Management (ENTR 2201)
• Mentoring and Networking (ENTR 2202)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)

Semester 4

• Fundamentals Of Business Math (BUSI 1915U)
• Finance 1 (BUSI 2401U)
• Mentoring and Networking 2 (ENTR 3304)
• Launching The Business (ENTR 4200)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Small Business Law (LAWW 2202)
• Digital Marketing (MKTG 2205)

Course Delivery

In person

Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Costs

Students will also be required to pay an additional tuition fee to Ontario Tech for one course in Semester 2 and four courses in semesters 3 and 4. Ontario Tech tuition will be charged at the beginning of each semester, starting in Semester 2. The Ontario Tech tuition will be in addition to the figures shown below.

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.

Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals. DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business - Business - Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Year 1 Costs

Semester 1		Tuition:	$1,361.02
	Program Fee:	$181.93
	Ancillary Fee:	$493.77
	DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$430
	Total:	$2,466.72

Semester 2		Tuition:	$1,361.02
	Program Fee:	$0
	Ancillary Fee:	$493.77
	DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$120
	Total:	$1,974.79

Entrepreneurship and Small Business - Business - Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Year 2 Costs

Semester 3		Tuition:	$1,361.02
	Program Fee:	$29.38
	Ancillary Fee:	$474.19
	DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$430
	Total:	$2,294.59

Semester 4		Tuition:	$1,361.02
	Program Fee:	$0
	Ancillary Fee:	$474.19
	DCSA Ancillary Fee:	$120
	Total:	$1,955.21

FAQ

• What is the transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) embedded program?

This joint Durham College and Ontario Tech University diploma-to-degree program will enable you to earn a diploma and degree in only four years. As a student participating in this program, you will be registered at Durham College and at Ontario Tech. There are 5 Ontario Tech courses embedded in the Durham College curriculum.

• Is there a mandatory Ontario Tech application?

Yes, there is a mandatory Ontario Tech application. If you don’t submit it by the semester 1 deadline, you’ll be transferred into the regular 2-year diploma program without Ontario Tech courses. The internal Ontario Tech application has no associated cost.

• How do I submit an application to Ontario Tech?

You’ll receive an invitation to an information session in semester 1 via your DC Mail. This session will provide you with the Ontario Tech application and application deadline. The application will be sent to your DC Mail.

• What is the grade requirement for program eligibility?

To be eligible, you must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (B+ or 75-79%) within the Durham College program and a minimum “C” (60-66%) in all five embedded courses taken at Ontario Tech. Note that each institution has different grading systems.

• What if I don’t meet the grade requirements?

Your final grades are reviewed each semester. If your Durham College cumulative GPA falls below 3.5, you’ll be notified and removed from the program. You may have the opportunity to continue into the regular 2- or 3-year diploma program at Durham College without Ontario Tech courses or explore alternate pathway options with Ontario Tech.

• Are there additional fees for the five Ontario Tech courses?

Yes, students must pay additional fees for each Ontario Tech course taken during each semester. Ontario Tech fees are charged at the beginning of each semester. If you receive OSAP, inform them about the additional fees for the university courses.

• How do I register for the five Ontario Tech courses?

You will select your Durham College timetable when the registration window opens up. Your Ontario Tech courses will appear as placeholders on your Durham College schedule to avoid scheduling conflicts between the two institutions. Ontario Tech will manually register you in their courses for each semester once eligibility is confirmed.

• Will I receive a diploma from Durham College?

Upon successfully completing all required Durham College and the five Ontario Tech courses in your program of study, you’ll receive a 2-year diploma from Durham College.

• Can I transfer out of the program after starting Ontario Tech courses while still completing my diploma?

Yes, you can transfer, but the timing matters. Depending on when you transfer, you might miss Durham College courses needed to graduate from the 2- or 3-year regular diploma (without Ontario Tech courses). Contact your Durham College Student Advisor for assistance.

• Do I have to continue to third year at Ontario Tech?

No, it’s not mandatory. However, you won’t receive a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree from Ontario Tech. Upon successful completion of both Durham College and the five Ontario Tech courses, you’ll receive your 2-year Durham College diploma.

• Can I repeat an Ontario Tech course if I’m not successful in my first attempt?

Yes, but only once. You’ll need to pay full fees to Ontario Tech for the retake. Contact your Student Advisor at Durham College to complete the appropriate registration forms; self-registration isn’t allowed for a retake of a course.

• Can I major at Ontario Tech starting in year 3?

Ontario Tech offers majors for some programs. In semester 4 of your Durham College program, you can apply for the corresponding program you are graduating from at Durham College. ACTU is the only program that requires additional admission requirements, which will be provided to you during the information session in semester 1 of the Durham College program.

• Can I apply for credit transfer for any of the Ontario Tech embedded courses or Durham College courses?

If you’ve previously studied at Durham College or another recognized post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for credit transfer for Durham College courses. However, Ontario Tech doesn’t accept credit transfers for the five embedded courses. Students must complete all five embedded courses with Ontario Tech. For credit transfer applications and additional information, visit this link.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.

Tech Requirements

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED HARDWARE

• Laptop: Personal computer (PC). A Mac is not recommended – see notes below*
• Operating System: Windows 10 Professional (64-bit only) and later
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
• Memory: 4 GB of RAM (8 GB preferred)
• Hard Drive: 250 GB or larger (Solid State Drive (SSD) preferred)
• Warranty: 3 years parts and labour (On-site preferred)
• 2 USB ports
• Webcam
• Microphone (headset preferred)

*Mac Computers

• Some required software applications are not available for Mac.
• Students who choose a Mac may need to purchase additional software to complete assessments and class exercises at their own cost.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

• Windows 10 Professional (64-bit only)
• Microsoft Office 2019 or 365 (Students will be provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the College’s Microsoft Office account)
• Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox
• Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Flash Player and Browser Plug-in

OPTIONAL

• AVG
• Avira

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.