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Student FAQ

Academics

How does my mark in a 600-level courses affect my admission into graduate school?

Your marks for your 600-level courses will appear on your transcript and are included in your cumulative GPA. They are not included in degree specific calculations (i.e. Dean’s List).

How does this certificate work in conjunction with my major? Does it act like a minor or does it replace my major?

The Certificate does not replace a major or a minor; rather, it complements your degree.

I have applied to transfer into the Commerce program, would it still be possible to apply for the certificate?

Yes, you can still apply for the certificate even though you have applied to transfer. As long as you are currently a full-time student in a degree program, you are eligible.

How many students will be admitted into the program?

Overall, we accept approximately 160 students each year from Arts and Science, 80 students from Smith Engineering, and five (5) students from the Four-Year Nursing program.

Can I complete the certificate after I have graduated?

Yes, CIB students have up to three (3) terms, post-convocation, to complete Certificate requirements.

Am I able to take courses for the CIB at another university while studying abroad?

No, all Certificate courses must be taken at Smith. However, we do offer online courses so you may be able to take a course while on exchange.

Will you be offering any of the online courses during the summer?

Typically, five (5) of the Certificate courses are offered during the summer, online only. Please note that the timetable is updated annually, which may impact which courses are offered in any term.

Are the courses on the list of the Certificate in Business counted as elective credits toward undergraduate graduation?

You may apply two (2) of the six (6) courses towards your undergraduate degree. These two (2) courses are taken at the 200-level. The remaining four (4) courses are taken under the Certificate and will not be counted toward your degree. These courses will be at the 600-level.

We recommend that you complete your first two (2) Certificate courses at the 200-level.

If I do not wish to continue in the CIB program after accepting, is there any penalty?

Should you be admitted into the program and choose not to continue, you can opt to withdraw from the Certificate. There is no penalty; however, 600-level courses cannot be applied to your degree and cannot be changed to the 200-level. Your enrolment in the Certificate will still be noted on your transcript, even if you have not taken a course.

Admissions

Are there any prerequisites or required courses needed to apply for the CIB program?

There are no prerequisite courses for this program, but you must meet the admission requirements. Admission requirements are as follows:

  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60
  • Students must have achieved a minimum grade of C in any completed 200-level COMM course

Will I be able to complete the required courses for the program without any previous business knowledge?

You do not need any previous business knowledge. All courses are introductory level.

Are you required to have taken any previous 200-level Commerce courses before entering the CIB program?

You are not required to have taken any Commerce courses prior to the program, however we recommend taking at least one (1) course before applying. If you have taken any Commerce courses at the 200-level, you are required to earn a minimum grade of C.

When can I apply for the CIB program?

Students can apply in any year of their degree, after completing a minimum of 18.0 graded units at Queen’s, as long as they have not convocated yet.

Where will we find out if we have been accepted?

Students will receive a notification email of any decisions or they can go to the application in Target X to check.

Grades

Will the grades from the 600-level CIB courses show up on my transcript?

All courses taken at Smith will appear on your transcript and the grades you receive in these courses will be included in your cumulative GPA.

Can you choose to use your two highest marks as your 200-level courses?

You will choose which courses are 200-level and which courses are 600-level when you enroll in the courses. You will not be able to change the level once the courses are completed.

I do not meet the minimum GPA requirement. Is there any way around this?

The minimum GPA qualification must be met in order to be eligible for the certificate. It is a strict requirement.

Financial

What is the difference between the 200-level and 600-level Commerce courses? Why are the 600-level courses more expensive?

The 200-level courses can be applied to your undergraduate degree as electives. However, the faculty of Arts and Science, Smith Engineering, and the Four-Year Nursing Program do not recognize courses above 599, so the 600-level courses cannot be applied to your degree. For this reason, you will be charged Commerce tuition for each 600-level course.

Are the fees for the CIB program due upfront in one large payment when you begin or do you pay on a per course basis?

You pay on a per course basis, at the time you enroll in each course.

Are there any scholarships or bursaries for this program and if so, how would I go about applying/accessing more information?

For any information regarding financial assistance please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Can I still take Commerce courses if I am not enrolled in the CIB?

All 200-level courses are still open to students outside of Commerce. However, students enrolled in the CIB are given priority. 600-level courses are restricted to CIB students.

I have already taken some of the required courses. Would these courses count towards my certificate?

Students are encouraged to take up to two (2) courses at the 200 level before applying to the Certificate, which will count toward the Certificate requirements. If a student has taken more than two (2) courses at the 200-level, they may be required to repeat the course at the 600-level.

Will these 200-level and 600-level courses grant us access to upper-year Commerce courses?

Taking the certificate will only ensure you have access to the required courses required within the Certificate, it will not gain you access to upper-year Commerce courses.