Overview

If you're interested in people, business, and promoting inclusivity at work, the human resources (HR) field might be the right fit for you.  

Our program readies you for success in the dynamic HR field. Whether your interest lies in recruitment, training, payroll, or other HR roles, such as human resources assistant or manager, this program will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge. 

You will apply HR management practices to support various HR functions. You'll learn how to handle essential HR tasks in a real-world business. 

In today's fast-paced business world, leadership and professional skills are crucial. You will develop the ability to lead and excel in dynamic business environments, ensuring you're ready to adapt to any situation. 

Understanding the rules and regulations that apply to HR is essential. You'll learn about employment law, including the laws, regulations and HR standards that employers and employees must follow. 

You'll need to use technical knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in HR. You'll learn how to collect and analyze data, as well as create reports that are related to Human Resource Management. These skills are important for ensuring that HR contributes to the overall effectiveness of an organization. 

Throughout your two-year program, you'll be exposed to real-world scenarios and practical exercises that will help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge. You'll be ready to explore a dynamic HR career in human resources management, with essential skills for recruitment, training, and more. 

Those working in the human resources sector tend to be innovative, methodical, social and directive. 

You need: 

  • integrity and good judgment 
  • flexibility, especially in adapting to changing priorities 
  • tact and diplomacy 
  • sensitivity 
  • analytical decision-making and problem-solving skills 
  • data literacy skills 
  • conflict management skills 
  • interpersonal and communication skills 
  • organizational and time-management skills 
  • customer service skills 
  • leadership skills, especially during times of change 
  • innovative thinking and openness to new ideas 
  • open-mindedness and objectivity when faced with different viewpoints 
  • respect for privacy and confidentiality 
  • the discretion to not promise what you can't deliver and always deliver what you promise. 

You should enjoy coaching and counselling others, taking an organized approach to your work, and taking responsibility for projects. 

Graduates of this program with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+) may be eligible to enter the Bachelor of Business Administration and earn their degree with an additional two years of study. 

You'll have the option to participate in an integrative experience capstone project in your final semester. 

If you choose a capstone project, you'll work collaboratively with students from other majors to address a challenge faced by a real local business or organization. You'll work together as a team to investigate and analyze the challenge or problem before presenting a solution to company representatives. 

You can pursue a number of designations once you graduate including: 

  • Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) 
  • Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR), and  
  • Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP).  

A degree is required in some cases. 

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll receive a SAIT Business Administration diploma with a major in Human Resource Management.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 82% graduate employment rate

salary icon $54,390 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 10011, 11200, 12010, 12101, 13110, 14102, 22232.

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Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Courses

The Business Administration - Human Resource Management diploma requires 60 credits (20 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year. 

View classes by semester

You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Business core

Course Credits

This course provides an introduction to financial accounting from the perspective of the user who makes decisions based on financial information. The course includes an introduction to the accounting framework, generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements. Accounting concepts such as accounting for cash, accounts receivable, assets, liabilities, sales and inventories, are covered in the context of how they are applied to decision making. Decision analysis regarding corporate ownership and application of financial ratios will also be studied.

Equivalents:
  • ACCT 1010
3

The use of industry-standard software is essential to effectively manage the information technologies that are required in business and online environments today. In this course, you will demonstrate skills in managing and customizing the Windows environment, as well as effectively using internet resources to enhance business productivity. You will develop skills in creating professional documents, managing data using spreadsheets and using technology for effective presentations. Through hands-on applications, you will learn to use productivity tools and application software in various business situations, and be able to select the right tool for the business need.

Equivalents:
  • BCMP 1225
3

Business Law outlines the Canadian legal system in the context of a business environment and empowers students to apply the law and make informed decisions concerning their legal affairs. Emphasis is placed on the construction of the judicial system, the resolution of disputes, tort law, contract law, business structures, and employment law. These legal principles are applied to personal and business scenarios. Upon completion, students will have an understanding of when to seek legal advice.

Equivalents:
  • BLAW 2030
3

Business Mathematics introduces you to mathematical techniques used to solve finance problems involving simple and compound interest, debt repayment, valuation of investments, simple and general annuities, amortization of debts, sinking funds and bond valuations.

Equivalents:
  • BMAT 1040
  • BMAT 205
3

Communication and Presentation Skills provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to compose business documents and give engaging, formal presentations. You will learn how to effectively communicate in a professional environment and consider different aspects of spoken, written and nonverbal communication (e.g., channel, content, organization, style, tone, format and mechanics) in order to share clear and concise messages with your audience. You will be required to work in both individual and collaborative settings.

Equivalents:
  • COMM 1030
  • COMM 1070
3

In this introductory course in Microeconomics, you will learn about economic principles involved in analyzing problems in the business and consumer sectors of the Canadian economy. Some of the topics covered are: economic scarcity, demand, supply, elasticity, and perfect and imperfect competition.

Equivalents:
  • ECON 1010
3

Macroeconomics introduces you to the operation of the Canadian economy. You will apply economic principles to analyze a national economy. Topics include measuring and analyzing demand and supply, economic performance, and unemployment and inflation; As well, government fiscal, trade, and monetary policies are explored.

Equivalents:
  • ECON 1110
3

Marketing Essentials is an introductory course offering you a solid foundation in marketing principles. Working individually and in teams, you will research and discover how marketing decisions are made and identify the components of sustainable marketing programs. Your research, content application and teamwork skills will be developed and reinforced as you progress through the course.

Equivalents:
  • MKTG 1060
3

The Introduction to Business course will provide you with tools to understand multiple business functions including management, human resources, marketing, operations, and personal finance. You will also explore the Canadian Business and economic system, as well as the importance of business ethics and social responsibility in an increasingly global environment.  Working through a team project and business simulation, you will begin to develop a 21st-century skillset, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and effective teamwork. By the end of this course, you should have the foundations for understanding business and business ownership in Canada.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 1200
3

This introductory course provides an overview of human behaviour in organizations at the individual, group, and organizational level and the effect of each on organizational effectiveness. Topics include: individual differences, motivation, communication, teams, power and politics, conflict and negotiation, leadership, organizational culture, and change management.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 2250
3

Quantitative Methods will build analysis skills through the study of basic concepts in statistics, including: sampling; measurement of central tendency and variability; probability and probability distributions; random variables; estimation; hypothesis testing; small sample theory; and regression analysis.

Equivalents:
  • STAT 2040
3

Human resource management core

Course Credits

In today's fast-changing global business environment, an understanding of the legal requirements in human resources is critical for HR professionals to ensure a productive and positive work place. Employment Law provides a thorough understanding of laws, regulations and standards applicable to the HR field through case studies and analysis. Emphasis is placed on employment standards, privacy and human rights legislation. An overview of labour relations and Occupational Health and Safety is also addressed.

Equivalents:
  • ELAW 2350
3

This course provides an overview of all activities related to recruitment and selection of employees. Topics include: an in-depth approach in studying job analysis, job design, recruitment activities, selection processes, performance management and the application of human resources metrics throughout each step. A focus on the behavioral approach to identifying job specific competencies, crafting behavioral interview questions and conducting interviews are integral parts of this course. Successful completion of this course will provide you with the tools necessary to successfully support recruitment and selection processes while also considering aspects of retaining an engaged workforce.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • HRMT 320
    • MNGT 335
Equivalents:
  • HRMT 2300
3

This course has two parts. In Part A, you will learn the importance of HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) and leveraging HRIS to improve the effectiveness of HR administration, Talent Management and Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, and Rewarding. It also focuses on the importance of new technological trends like Artificial intelligence, Social Media and Mobile devices in HR processes. Topics include Systems considerations and design of HRIS, Change Management and Implementation of HRIS, Justifying HRIS investment, and HRIS in different areas of HR. Part B covers HR Metrics and Analytics, Data Visualization, Data Analytics and Data-driven decision-making in HR.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • HRMT 320
    • MNGT 335
Equivalents:
  • HRMT 2350
3

This course provides an overview of all activities related to workplace training, employee development and organizational learning. Topics include an in-depth exploration of adult learning principles; training design; metrics associated with return on investment and employee learning; health and wellness initiatives; and career development. A focus on the design, delivery and evaluation of training programs is also an integral part of this course. Successful completion of this course will provide you with the tools necessary to create and support employee training programs, while simultaneously incorporating other aspects of talent management in retaining an engaged workforce.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • HRMT 320
    • MNGT 335
Equivalents:
  • HRMT 2360
3

Business Leadership is a course that will take you on a journey of self discovery as well as an inside look at current perspectives of Leadership today. We all take on leadership roles in our lives. In business, success is often attributed to great leadership. However, today in business this role has evolved as has the business environment. Teamwork is an essential component of an organization's efficiency and effectiveness. From time to time, you may be called upon to take on a leadership role for your work group, even without a title. Throughout this course you will gain the knowledge and skills to help you fulfill your role as a leader through your understanding of personal and organizational leadership.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • MGMT 254
    • MNGT 250
Equivalents:
  • LDSH 3050
  • LDSH 405
3

Project Management introduces you to the standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute. We will cover both the technical and sociocultural components of project management at an introductory level, including project definition, work breakdown structures, cost and scheduling techniques, and an introduction to earned value concepts. Stakeholder communications, risk management, project leadership, and project closure round out the topic coverage.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 2321
3

Management Information Systems and their role in managing operations is the focus of this introductory systems course. Topics you will cover include systems theory, computer hardware and software, computer networks, file and database structures, computer security and internal control, and the systems design and development process.

Pre-requisites:
  • COMN 220
  • MNGT 200
Equivalents:
  • MNGT 2322
3

You will choose courses from the following lists.

Business core (choose one)

Course Credits

Building on the foundation established in Introductory Financial Accounting I, this course introduces accounting concepts related to partnerships and corporations. Topics including adjusting journal entries, bank reconciliations, receivables, capital assets, short and long-term liabilities, share capital, and dividends are explored. You will gain practical, hands-on experience in recording accounting transactions and preparing financial statements for partnerships and corporations.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • ACCT 210
    • ACCT 215
Equivalents:
  • ACCT 2110
3

Personal Financial Planning is an introductory course offering the student a solid foundation in financial principles. The goal of understanding personal financial planning is to achieve personal economic satisfaction. Significant areas that will be covered will be setting financial goals, budgeting, income taxes, insurance, investment products, and retirement/estate planning.

Equivalents:
  • BFIN 1255
3

Human Resource (HR) Management includes the foundational knowledge and skills required by HR Professionals and business managers. This course includes an overview of the field of human resource management, along with human resource planning, employee compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection and training of employees, performance management, government regulation and health and safety in the workplace.

Equivalents:
  • HRMT 2320
3

In this course, you will develop a practical approach to using digital, social and mobile platforms that achieve business goals. Current applications and tools, community management practices and legal/privacy issues related to digital marketing tactics will be examined. Teams will develop a digital plan that specifies the use of email, websites, SEO, social media and mobile marketing, all with the goal of targeting and delivering effective communication to digital media-savvy audiences. An emphasis is placed on the return on digital marketing investment and on building relationships that lead to a culture of trust.

Equivalents:
  • MKTG 1265
3

This introductory course examines the multi-faceted role of managers and leaders within the organization. Issues such as planning and controls, managing the team and group dynamics, and creating and leading change will be examined within the cultural context of the organization. Decision making and communication skills from a management perspective will be developed in light of sustainability, ethical, and diversity issues combined with a constantly changing competitive environment.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 1255
3

Supply chain management (SCM) is the movement of material and information through integrated processes in a supply chain to provide the highest degree of customer satisfaction at the lowest possible cost to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Elements of a supply chain include Transportation and Logistics, Procurement and Contract Management, Operations Management, Materials Management and Quality and Safety. You will analyze different components of the integrated process including: location choice, distribution system design, selection of suppliers and distributors, contracting issues, partnership formation, inventory policies, production plans and electronic data interchange. You will be introduced to the planning and management of the production and distribution of goods and services and you will start developing the skills needed to support the integrated SCM process.

Equivalents:
  • SCMT 1255
  • MNGT 2370
3

Business core integrative experience (choose one)

Course Credits

This capstone course allows you to demonstrate the integrative knowledge and skills you gained in earlier classes. You will deliver a pitch for a new or innovative idea that applies concepts learned in the program.

Pre-requisites:
  • ACCT 215
  • BCMP 225
  • BMAT 230
  • COMN 220
  • ECON 250
  • ECON 305
  • MKTG 260
  • MNGT 250
  • One of:
    • MNGT 200
    • BLAW 300
3

This course integrates the learning outcomes from pre-requisite courses to enable students to make sustainable and competitive strategic business decisions within a rapidly changing global environment. Critical thinking skills are utilized as students analyze and apply management strategies to business cases and make recommendations to maximize corporate results.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • ACCT 215
    • ACCT 210
    • ACCT 330
  • One of:
    • BCMP 225
    • BCPT 238
  • One of:
    • BMAT 230
    • BMAT 205
  • One of:
    • COMN 220
    • COMM 290
  • One of:
    • ECON 250
    • ECON 240
  • One of:
    • ECON 305
    • ECON 260
  • One of:
    • MKTG 260
    • MKTG 205
  • One of:
    • MNGT 200
    • BLAW 300
    • BLAW 200
  • One of:
    • MNGT 250
    • MGMT 254
3

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet all of the following requirements or equivalent:

  • at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
  • at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 60% in English Language Arts 30-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

Campus Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement

Program name
Provincial Business Administration pathway
Available credits:
n/a

Upon successful completion of business administration coursework from one of the Alberta institutions listed on the Campus Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement, you may be eligible to transfer credit to our business administration diploma or bachelor's degree. For more information, contact an academic advisor at the School of Business.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Griffith University

Program name
Bachelor of Business
Available credits:
45

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be eligible to receive up to 45 credits (1.5 years) toward a Bachelor of Business degree at Griffith University.

This degree program is three years in length, with intakes offered in February and July each year.

Available intakes

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Extended
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Spring 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: March 28, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $5,910 $1,608 $7,518
2 2 $5,910 $1,608 $7,518
Total cost:
$15,036

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year. 
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $19,500 $1,608 $21,108
2 2 $19,500 $1,608 $21,108
Total cost:
$42,216

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available close to your start date. Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required for that term.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Application process

When applying in the application portal, select Business Administration. You will declare your major before your second year of the program.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Business Advising

Phone
403.284.8485
Email
business.advising@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.