Online Business Courses

Considering a career in business?

EZ-Teach will walk students through some answers to common questions about preparing for a future in business.

Click on the links below or scroll down for more information.

And if we don’t answer your questions in this here, feel free to contact us!

1. Online Business Courses Offered

EZ-Teach is excited to partner with Waterloo Independent Secondary School (WISS), a private school offering both online and on-campus classes. WISS particularly focuses on preparing international students for entrance to Canadian universities like the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University found right here in our hometown. Naturally, we’d like to begin by introducing a course they offer, one that we have available right through our website:

BBB4M INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS – GRADE 12

This online course prepares students for college and university programs in general business as well as international business, management, and marketing. BBB4M covers the following units:

  • Business, Trade and the Economy

  • The Global Environment for Business

  • Factors Influencing Success in International Markets

  • Marketing Challenges, Approaches, and Distribution

  • Cartography

Please click here to learn more about this course or contact us to sign up. For other individual online course ideas geared towards high school students, go to Ontario Virtual School.

2. What is the best business course to do?

In this section, we’ll focus on programs designed for students who have completed high school and wish to study at the post-secondary level. For students in Ontario, Canada, several reputable institutions offer excellent business courses that cater to various interests and career aspirations. Here are some top choices:

1. Rotman School of Management - University of Toronto

Program: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

  • Overview: Offers a solid foundation in business principles with specializations in areas like Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and more.

  • Why It's Great: The Rotman School is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and strong industry connections, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.

2. Schulich School of Business - York University

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

  • Overview: Provides a comprehensive business education with the option to specialize in areas such as International Business, Operations Management, and Marketing.

  • Why It's Great: Schulich is known for its global perspective and strong emphasis on real-world experience through internships and co-op programs.

3. Ivey Business School - Western University

Program: Honors Business Administration (HBA)

  • Overview: Focuses on case-based learning, providing students with hands-on experience in solving real business problems.

  • Why It's Great: Ivey's HBA program is highly respected for its leadership training and strong alumni network, which can be a significant advantage in career development.

4. DeGroote School of Business - McMaster University

Program: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

  • Overview: Offers a broad business education with options to specialize in areas such as Finance, Marketing, and Human Resources.

  • Why It's Great: DeGroote is known for its experiential learning opportunities, including co-op programs and international exchanges.

5. Smith School of Business - Queen's University

Program: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

  • Overview: Provides a balanced business education with opportunities to focus on specific areas such as Consulting, Marketing, and Finance.

  • Why It's Great: Smith School offers a collaborative learning environment and strong support for entrepreneurial initiatives, making it ideal for students interested in starting their own businesses.

6. Ted Rogers School of Management - Ryerson University / Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

  • Overview: Offers various majors including Business Technology Management, Global Management, and Marketing Management.

  • Why It's Great: Known for its innovative approach to business education, Ted Rogers School emphasizes hands-on learning and industry partnerships.

7. Goodman School of Business - Brock University

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

  • Overview: Provides a comprehensive business education with co-op opportunities and various specializations.

  • Why It's Great: Goodman School offers a supportive learning environment with a strong focus on practical experience through its co-op programs.

8. Lazaridis School of Business and Economics - Wilfrid Laurier University

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

  • Overview: Offers a strong foundation in business with opportunities to specialize in areas like Marketing, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.

  • Why It's Great: Lazaridis School is known for its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students with the skills needed to succeed in a dynamic business environment.

In conclusion, the best business course for a student in Ontario, Canada, depends on their specific interests and career goals. Each of these programs offers unique strengths, from case-based learning and strong industry connections to global perspectives and experiential learning opportunities. Choosing the right program involves considering factors such as the curriculum, specialization options, experiential learning opportunities, and the overall reputation of the institution. For a full overview of the courses that make up the programs listed above, click on the links provided. The specific school generally outlines the program and offers a sample of courses.

3. Should I take an online business course?

Whether you should take an online business course depends on your individual circumstances, learning preferences, and career goals. Here are some factors to consider when deciding:

Advantages of Online Business Courses

  • Flexibility: Online courses often allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, which is ideal if you have other commitments like work or family.

  • Accessibility: You can access a wide variety of high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world without the need to relocate or commute.

  • Cost-Effective: Online courses can be more affordable than traditional in-person programs, and you can often save on additional costs such as commuting, housing, and materials.

  • Skill Development: Online courses often focus on practical skills and real-world applications, which can be immediately applicable to your job or business.

Potential Drawbacks of Online Business Courses

  • Self-Discipline Required: Online learning requires a high level of self-motivation and time management skills. Without a structured classroom environment, it can be easy to fall behind.

  • Limited Networking Opportunities: While many online courses offer forums and group projects, the networking opportunities are generally not as robust as those in traditional, in-person programs.

  • Perceived Credibility: Some employers may view online degrees or certifications as less prestigious than those earned through traditional programs. However, this perception is changing as more reputable institutions offer online courses.

  • Lack of Hands-On Experience: Certain business skills, such as leadership and team collaboration, might be harder to develop in an online setting compared to in-person interactions.

Taking an online business course can be a great way to gain new skills, advance your career, or pivot to a new field. It offers flexibility and accessibility that traditional programs might not provide.

However, it's important to choose a reputable program and be prepared to commit to self-directed learning. If you can manage your time well and stay motivated, an online business course can be a valuable investment in your future.

4. Which business course is most useful after Grade 12?

One of the most useful business classes to take after Grade 12 is "Introduction to Business". This class provides a comprehensive overview of the business world, covering essential topics that form the foundation of business knowledge. It is aimed at helping students develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of business terminology. Such courses also help students explore career possibilities and develop practical skills in business decision-making and strategy.

Key topics that are typically covered include:

  • Business Environment:

  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility:

  • Management

  • Marketing

  • Finance

  • Accounting

  • Operations Management

  • Human Resources

  • Global Business

Taking an Introduction to Business class after Grade 12 is an excellent way to build a strong foundation in business principles.

This introductory type of class equips you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in more advanced business courses and provides a clearer understanding of the diverse opportunities within the business field.

This class is highly recommended for anyone considering a career in business, as it prepares you for further education and helps you develop a versatile skill set applicable to various business contexts.

5. Which university business course is most useful after university?

The usefulness of a business course after university depends on your career goals and interests. However, here are some business courses that are generally considered valuable in various career paths:

  1. Accounting: Provides a strong foundation in financial principles and is crucial for roles in finance, auditing, and management.

  2. Finance: Essential for careers in investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, and asset management.

  3. Marketing: Important for careers in advertising, market research, brand management, and sales.

  4. Management Information Systems (MIS): Combines business and technology, preparing you for roles in IT management, business analysis, and systems management.

  5. Operations Management: Focuses on optimizing business processes, which is valuable for roles in supply chain management, logistics, and production management.

  6. Entrepreneurship: Ideal if you're interested in starting your own business or working in a startup environment.

  7. Human Resources Management: Prepares you for roles in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development.

  8. International Business: Useful for careers in multinational corporations, global trade, and international market analysis.

  9. Economics: Provides a broad understanding of market dynamics, policy-making, and economic analysis, applicable in various business and government roles.

  10. Business Analytics: Equips you with skills in data analysis and decision-making, highly valuable in today's data-driven business environment.

Choosing the right course depends on your specific career aspirations and interests within the business field.

6. List of Online Business Courses With Certificates

Depending on your circumstances, you might want to consider a certificate program in business. Here are five online business courses with certificates available in Ontario:

  1. University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

    • Course: Certificate in Business Analysis

    • Details: This program offers practical knowledge in business analysis and prepares students for roles in this field. It covers techniques for identifying business needs and finding solutions to business problems.

    • Website: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

  2. York University School of Continuing Studies

    • Course: Certificate in Digital Marketing

    • Details: This course focuses on digital marketing strategies, including SEO, social media, and content marketing, preparing students for roles in marketing and communications.

    • Website: York University School of Continuing Studies

  3. Ryerson University / Toronto Metropolitan University Chang School of Continuing Education

    • Course: Certificate in Business Management

    • Details: This program covers fundamental business management principles, including finance, marketing, and human resources, suitable for those looking to advance their managerial skills.

    • Website: Ryerson University Chang School

  4. McMaster University Centre for Continuing Education

    • Course: Certificate in Project Management

    • Details: This course provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices, preparing students for roles in project coordination and management.

    • Website: McMaster University CCE

  5. Humber College Continuing Education

    • Course: Certificate in Human Resources Management

    • Details: This program covers essential HR practices, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management, suitable for those pursuing careers in HR.

    • Website: Humber College Continuing Education

These programs offer valuable skills and certifications that can enhance your career prospects in various business fields.

7. Free Online Business Courses

Here are three of the best free online business courses:

  1. Introduction to Marketing - University of Pennsylvania (Coursera)

    • Details: This course is taught by professors from the Wharton School and covers the fundamental principles of marketing, including branding, customer centricity, and go-to-market strategies.

    • Platform: Coursera

    • Website: Introduction to Marketing

  2. Financial Markets - Yale University (Coursera)

    • Details: Taught by Nobel laureate Robert Shiller, this course provides insights into the functioning of financial markets, including risk management, behavioural finance, and financial crises.

    • Platform: Coursera

    • Website: Financial Markets

  3. Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies - Harvard University (edX)

    • Details: This course explores how entrepreneurship and innovation tackle complex social problems in emerging markets. It includes case studies and interactive sessions.

    • Platform: edX

    • Website: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

These courses provide valuable insights into various aspects of business and are taught by leading experts in their fields.

8. Best Online Business Courses

Still wondering what online course to try out? Here are three highly-rated online business classes in Canada:

  1. University of British Columbia (UBC) - Introduction to Marketing: This course is highly regarded for its comprehensive introduction to marketing principles and strategies, taught by faculty from UBC's renowned Sauder School of Business.

  2. Queen's University - Fundamentals of Business Analysis: Queen's University offers a highly-rated course focusing on the fundamentals of business analysis, covering essential techniques and methodologies used in analyzing business problems and making informed decisions.

  3. University of Toronto (UofT) - Digital Strategy & Action: UofT's course on digital strategy and action is well-regarded for its practical approach to developing and implementing digital strategies, equipping learners with skills applicable to today's digital business environment.

These classes are recognized for their quality content, expert instruction, and relevance to current business practices, making them valuable for professionals seeking to enhance their business knowledge and skills through online learning.

Whatever it is you want to learn, EZ-Teach is here to help.

We’re pretty sure we’ve provided a lot of information for you to think about, but if you still have questions about online business courses, contact us!