Your Queen’s Degree +
Powerful Business Credentials
Apply by December 1, 2025 to Start in January 2026
Download Brochure (PDF 294KB)This Certificate adds Smith School of Business expertise to your Queen's degree through six introductory-level courses taught by the same faculty who lead our top-ranked Commerce and MBA programs. Your first two courses count as electives toward graduation at the 200-level, while the remaining four are taken at the 600-level under the Certificate.
All courses appear on your official transcript, contribute to your cumulative GPA, and help you stand out in the eyes of employers.
Program capacity
A limited number of students are accepted annually from faculties across Queen’s University. No business background is required.
Get StartedNo Business Background? No Problem.
All courses are taught at the introductory level, designed to build your career foundation from the ground up. While we recommend taking at least one Commerce course before applying, it's not required - making this the perfect entry point into business education for any Queen's student.
Study Abroad? Take CIB With You.
Planning a semester on exchange? Our online course format means you can continue your Certificate progress from anywhere in the world. The flexible online delivery ensures your business education doesn't have to pause for your global adventures.
Summer Learning Made Simple.
Don't let summer break slow your progress. CIB courses are available during the summer term, letting you accelerate your timeline or catch up while other students take time off.
Key Features
Flexible Scheduling
Three start dates annually with asynchronous online delivery
Extended Timeline
Complete up to two years after graduation
Summer Availability
Courses conveniently offered during the summer
Curriculum
Take six introductory Commerce courses, in conjunction with your undergraduate degree and earn your Smith Certificate in Business – a powerful credential recognized on your university transcript.
Certificate courses can be taken in any order.
| Core Courses | |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Accounting: Integrating Financial and Managerial Accounting Principles |
COMM 210/610 |
| Foundations of Finance | COMM 221/621 |
| Foundations of Marketing | COMM 231/631 |
| Managing People in Organizations | COMM 251/651 |
| Elective Courses (Choose two of four) | |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Business Strategy | COMM 203/603 |
| Entrepreneurial Thinking | COMM 204/604 |
| Global Business in a Connected World | COMM 273/673 |
| Foundations of Digital Business: Strategy, Data, and Emerging Technologies |
COMM 290/690 |
When should I apply?
There are three start dates per year: September, January and May.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis within each application period:
- September Start:
Apply between June 1 - August 1 - January Start:
Apply between October 1 - December 1 - May Start:
Apply between February 1 - April 1
Admission Requirements
Choose one of two pathways to begin earning credits toward your Certificate in Business.
Pathway 1: Direct Admission
For individuals with a minimum cumulative 2.60GPA across a minimum of 18.0 graded units.
- Apply for direct admission into the CIB program.
Please note: if you’ve previously completed any of the CIB course requirements, a minimum grade of C- (1.7) is required in each course to be accepted into the program.
Apply onlinePathway 2: Enroll in Core
For individuals without a minimum cumulative 2.60GPA across a minimum of 18.0 graded units:
- Enroll in two core Certificate courses at the 200 level.
- Achieve a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in these courses to qualify for admission into the CIB.
Progression Requirements
- Achieve a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in each Certificate course
- Complete all requirements within two years (six terms) of convocation
Fees for 2025-2026
CIB courses can be completed at one of two levels. Queen’s students can take up to two courses as electives (200-level). The remaining credits must be taken at the 600-level to meet certificate requirements.
600-Level Courses
| Student | Units per course | Fee per unit | Fee per course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Students | 3.0 | $493.56 | $1,480.68 |
| International Students | 3.0 | $1,843.63 | $5,530.89 |
Any applicable student activity fees (SAF), student assistance levy (SAL), and University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) assessed by Queen’s University are not included in the above totals.
Note: fees do not include access to the Smith School of Business Career Advancement Centre.
200-Level Courses
Fees for CIB 200-level courses are assessed according to the student’s home faculty rate and therefore vary by program of registration.
Any applicable student activity fees (SAF), student assistance levy (SAL), and University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) assessed by Queen’s University are not included in the above totals.
Note: fees do not include access to the Smith School of Business Career Advancement Centre.