What is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree?

At Waterloo, we provide a range of innovative business programs that cover many of the core areas of a BBA, while offering added advantages to help you stand out in the job market and graduate with the essential skills to be a forward-thinking, well-rounded professional who’s ready to lead in today’s fast-changing world.

So, we’ll explore what a BBA is — just as promised — and then show you how Waterloo’s programs build on and extend what a traditional BBA offers. By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of business education options that may align even better with your interests and long-term goals.

We know a BBA is all about business — it’s in the name. But let’s dive a bit deeper. 

A Bachelor of Business Administration is an undergraduate degree that provides a solid foundation in management and organizational practices. It develops skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, while introducing areas such as organizational behaviour, entrepreneurship, strategy, and analytics. 

The challenge? Traditional BBA programs often teach these subjects in silos, making it harder to connect ideas across disciplines. In today’s business world, success requires more than foundational knowledge. You also need key human skills that go beyond traditional teamwork and communication, as well as the ability to navigate technology, global trends, and innovation. Without these abilities, you risk falling behind in an environment where change is constant. That’s where Waterloo’s business programs thrive.  

The University of Waterloo has 17 different business programs that are designed to give you an edge in the marketplace, expand your portfolio, and explore your passions to help you define your industry niche. They give you two areas of expertise: a deep knowledge of a specific subject area, plus skills in marketing, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, human resources (HR), and more.

Take Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) for example. They offer five interdisciplinary programs that let you gain the broad skills of a management degree alongside deep expertise in accounting and finance, while also drawing on fields such as computing, sustainability, science, mathematics, and technology. This structure allows you to tailor your learning and develop the cross-disciplinary perspective needed to meet industry demands.

• Computing and Financial Management

• Sustainability and Financial Management 

• Science and Financial Management 

• Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy

• Accounting and Financial Management

SAF has also updated its programs to align with the new Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) competency framework, ensuring you develop strong, relevant technical skills. Equally important, the School helps you develop the human side of business, including adaptability, creativity, ethical judgment, and resilience, preparing you to apply data-driven tools, sustainability perspectives, and value-focused thinking to real-world challenges. SAF programs open doors at every level across all industries, giving you the skills and versatility to succeed in diverse roles. Another great option with SAF is that you can continue your education by enrolling in the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program, which puts you on a direct path to a CPA designation, or you can move directly toward the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

That's not all! What if you could pursue a subject you’re passionate about while also gaining practical business skills? Waterloo’s Business+ programs allow you to do just that. You’ll focus on building two areas of expertise. You’ll combine in-depth study in your chosen discipline with a solid foundation in business, giving you the skills and perspective to succeed across fields. 

1. Deep knowledge in your chosen major — such as psychology, biology, economics, or environmental studies 
2. Core business skills — in areas like marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting, business ethics, law, and more. 

Developed in collaboration with employers, our business programs are designed to let you explore your passions, build subject matter expertise, and gain an interdisciplinary edge. If this sounds appealing to you, programs like, Science and Business, Environment and Business, Honours Arts and Business, and Sport and Recreation Management, might be a good fit!

Benefits of pursuing a BBA or other business degree

Versatility in career opportunities

A BBA or other business degree opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Graduates often pursue roles in marketing, finance, human resources, consulting, or entrepreneurship. Other common roles include operations, project management, supply chain management, and data analytics, as many BBA programs include courses in operations, quantitative methods, and business analytics.

These roles tend to span industries like tech, health care, finance, and non-profits, to name a few! It’s a great option if you’re not sure exactly where you’d like your degree to take you yet — so many doors are open to you.

At Waterloo, our diverse business programs reflect the many directions a business education can take, offering specialized pathways that prepare you for a wide range of exciting careers. Below are some examples of career possibilities associated with several of our programs to help you begin your search.

If you’d like to learn more about the different paths you can take at Waterloo and the future of business, our article on the business careers of the future is perfect for you! 

Many BBA or business graduates pursue professional certifications like the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or graduate programs such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Accounting (MAcc). 

For those interested in entrepreneurship, Waterloo also offers the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET), a graduate program similar to an MBA but with a strong entrepreneurial focus. 

Business degrees, including a BBA, are recognized internationally, and every business program at the University of Waterloo provides opportunities to participate in global co-op experiences. In particular, the Global Business and Digital Arts (GBDA) program offers unique options to study abroad and gain international work experience.

These opportunities let you develop firsthand knowledge of global markets, adapt to diverse cultural and business environments, and build a worldwide professional network. By combining academic learning with real-world international experience, you’ll be well-prepared for careers that span borders and industries, giving you a competitive edge in today’s interconnected business world. 

How to choose the right BBA or business program

Research available programs

Start by exploring what different universities offer. Compare course content, specializations, and learning formats. Are you more interested in entrepreneurship? International business? Analytics? Make sure the program includes topics you’re excited to dive into.

Accreditation means the program meets recognized academic and industry standards, something employers and grad schools often look for. Designations like the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can be earned through or worked toward, many programs offered by the School of Accounting and Finance at Waterloo. 

It’s also worth checking out the university’s reputation for business education, co-op experiences, and graduate success. 

Many Waterloo business programs are co-op compatible. Unlike some BBA programs, there’s no separate co-op application, and participation isn’t limited to the top 10 per cent of the class. This structure gives you extensive real-world experience that directly supports your career goals. In fact, 70 per cent of School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) students secure full-time positions before graduation, with 60 per cent of those offers coming from previous co-op employers. his shows how meaningful co-op experience can be in shaping your career path.

Each university has its own criteria. Some programs are highly competitive and may require strong grades in math or specific high school courses. Others might ask for supplementary applications, written responses, or even interviews, so be sure to plan ahead.

A BBA, like the business programs offered through Waterloo, can be a launchpad for your career. Whether you see yourself managing a team, building your own brand, or making data-driven decisions at a global company, business degrees provide valuable skills, experiences, and co-op opportunities. 

But remember, not all business programs are built the same, which is why it’s important to get clear about what matters most to you—whether that’s hands-on co-op experience, developing skills for the modern business world, or exploring a specialization that excites you. The right program gives you the knowledge, experience, and confidence to shape your future and make your mark in business.

Learn more about business programs at Waterloo.