Wilfred Laurier, Business Administration (BBA)
Written by: Mihika Tarini Vyas
Wilfred Laurier's Lazaridis School of Business and Economics offers students the ability to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration through a four-year direct entry program. This means that you'll be able to begin your business studies right away!
A Bachelor of Business Administration comprises of 2.0 senior-level credits along with course courses counted towards your degree. You'll also be able to add a concentration to your BBA which gives you the ability to pursue subject matter within that of general management. In terms of concentrations, choices include subjects like Accounting, Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business and Supply Chain Management. Centered around the idea of incorporating other subject matter (such as humanities, life sciences, etc/.) you'll also have the opportunity to explore courses other than those related to your business degree. Laurier has a system of enhanced minors that you can pursue alongside your degree. Options range from Legal Studies, Muslim Studies, Film Production, Intercultural Understanding to Geomatics and can also be added to an honors BBA concentration. In terms of concentrations, choices include subjects like Accounting, Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Supply Chain Management.
Laurier's business program also allows students to engage in paid co-op work and immersive learning experiences. Participate in case-based learning through opportunities like the "Ikea Sustainability Challenge" and the "Pepsico Pitch Competition".
If you are interested in applying, here's how you can go about the application process.
Grade Requirements
Ontario High Schools
- Advanced Functions at 70%
- English at 70%
- One of Calculus & Vectors or Data Management at 60%
- All prerequisite courses calculated in admissions average
International Baccalaureate
- English at 4
- Mathematics at 4 (either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (HL)
How to strengthen your application
At Laurier, you can highlight your extracurricular activities and achievements by filling in the Applicant Background Summary form. While this is optional, it is a great way to show how well rounded you are as a candidate. This form can be accessed through your LORIS account after you apply. Remember, when you need to fill or write about your past activities and experiences to prioritize the ones you think help demonstrate that you are a balanced student and place emphasis on leadership roles or positions.
In order to get a better understanding of what the business program is like at the Lazaridis School of Business, Erika Kim (2024) shares her answers to the following questions.
What drew you to Wilfred Laurier's Business program?
Erika noted that she was drawn to Laurier's Co-op program. "I noticed that not a lot of university business programs offered great coop opportunities. I valued coop when I was looking for universities because going into the workforce, a lot of employers expect you to have experience. Since it's really difficult to have experience right out of university, having work experience is the perfect way to set you up after university. You'll also have connections in the field which helps better prepare you for the real world".
Why do you think you stood out as an applicant?
Since Laurier does not have a supplementary application process that is mandatory Erika mentioned that she personally did not APS form but advises students to do so. "It's good to have those extra-circulars to write about especially if you are worried that your grades are not high enough to get in". While Erika was the president of two clubs in high school, founded her own company, and participated in Junior Achievement and DECA, she didn't feel as though she needed to highlight these activities since Laurier's admission process is fairly grade centric.
How has your experience in the program been so far? Do you know what you would like to specialize in?
"I've really enjoyed my experience so far at Laurier- even though it's been all online. I've been able to meet some really great people, through my labs and participating in case competitions." Erika emphasized that there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people despite online classes and said that while she is open to other options, she is currently learning towards specializing in marketing.
Could you reflect on what remote learning has been like at Wilfred Laurier? Are there any specific resources that you have found to be particularly helpful?
Erika explained that remote learning at Laurier was a bit different than other schools since the university used a browser feature that limits and prevents cheating. "Our camera films us when we are doing our tests so if it looks like we are doing anything suspicious our camera is flagged. In the short term that looks difficult, but in the long term (in future courses) that will help us because we'd have actually understood the material tested". Erika also said that the university provides many different online aids and support services. "I have personally used the extra help for math every week for all my calculus classes. It's also one-on-one and you don't have to pay extra. We also have writing and essay checking services and office hours if you need help from professors".
What has been the highlight of your time so far at Laurier?
"Definitely the friends I have made. It is pretty crazy to say that I've truly made some long-term friends through online school. Erika said that she facetimes her friends every day and that "it makes school a lot easier to handle. People really help you in the work you do".
Works Cited