Bachelor of Applied Business Administration - Accounting

Program Details

Program Model / Completion Requirements

This program is part of a four-year program delivered over eight semesters. The first two years of this program is a Business Diploma. The next two years consist of two academic terms and two directed field studies (DFS) terms which are completed while employed in a paid full-time accounting position. The student is responsible, with advice from the program and NAIT Student Career Services, for procuring employment in the accounting field during these terms.

Students who have completed course work required in the degree program before entering this program may receive advanced credit. If the course(s) was/were part of the prerequisite two-year diploma, additional electives will be required.

This unique combination of classroom training (10 courses) and on-the-job training (two DFS terms) offers students both advanced courses in accounting and practical, structured work experience. NAIT students can also progress into the Certified General Accountants (CGA) program of professional studies, or take senior courses within the pre-professional program of studies for the Society of Management Accountants (CMA) program.

Program Format
This degree can be earned through a combination of full-time studies and part-time evening classes. Students can complete the two academic semesters through part-time continuing education. The combination of part-time academic studies and full-time, paid field studies means students can be employed the entire time they are enrolled in this program.

During each DFS term, students are enrolled in five DFS courses designed to link the academic courses to relevant employment experience through the preparation and presentation of papers and attendance at residency sessions.

The residency sessions will be held twice each term, and will require the student to be away from the workplace during that time.  At each session, each student will give two presentations based on the two papers they have prepared and submitted prior to the residency session and the student will participate in a group case culminating a group presentation.  The residency sessions normally take place at the NAIT Main campus and meals and refreshment breaks are included.  Prior to each residency session, we will confirm time and locations by e-mail.  Instructors from the faculty will work closely with the students as they complete the DFS requirement.  All communication beween students and instructors during the term will be by Ookmail.  At least  one month prior to the beginning of the DFS semester in which you intend to enroll, you must contact the Associate Chair at 780-471-8950 regarding your intention.  If it has been more than six months since you last attended a full-time semester, you will be required to submit to the office of the NAIT Registrar an "Application for Admission to Full-Time Programs".

During each DFS term, the student must also be employed on a full-time basis in a paid accounting or accounting-related job.  You must provide us by e-mail your employment information: name and address of employer, name and position of supervisor, your position, and telephone, fax and e-mail addresses for you and your supervisor. 

Each student will be assigned to a mentor instructor. The student will arrange for this instructor to make a site visit to the student’s place of employment during the first three weeks of Semester 6. We will inform you of your mentor, and send you contact information by e-mail and WebCT. NAIT requires a three-party agreement signed by you, your employer and NAIT. The document will be signed when the mentor visits the student at his/her workplace.

Program Length
Students must complete four terms of studies, including two academic terms (Semesters 5 and 8), and two DFS terms (Semesters 6 and 7).  Before entering the first DFS semester, the student must have, as a minimum, successfully completed the Semester 5 courses. Students can do any combination of academic studies and DFS semesters, provided they have successfully completed all Semester 5 courses first.

• Semesters 5 and 8 are offered in the daytime beginning September and January.
• Semesters 6 and 7 are offered beginning September, January and May.

Completion Requirements
To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Business Administration - Accounting degree, the student must successfully complete:

a) a two-year business diploma from an accredited Alberta post-secondary institution, and
b) NAIT's Bachelor of Applied Business Administration - Accounting, Years 3 and 4:

• Semester 5 (five academic courses - 320 hours)
• Semester 5 (one seminar - 16 hours)
• Semester 6 (five DFS courses - 240 hours)
• Semester 7 (five DFS courses - 240 hours)
• Semester 8 (one core academic course - 64 hours)
• Semester 8 (four elective academic courses, one of which must be either JRSB350 or JRSB460 - 256 hours)
• Semester 8 (one seminar - 16 hours)

Certification

Bachelor of Applied Business Administration - Accounting

Accreditation

Detailed exemptions for degree courses are available with the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta (CGA Alberta) and the Society of Management Accountants of Alberta (CMA Alberta) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

This applied degree meets the degree requirements of CGA Alberta and CMA Alberta.