Your Academic Path +
Career-Ready Business Credentials

Apply between February 1 - April 1, 2026 to start in May

Add a Smith School of Business credential to your post-secondary education, no matter where you currently study. The Certificate in Business consists of six introductory-level courses taught by the same renowned faculty who lead Smith’s top-ranked Bachelor of Commerce program and MBA programs. All courses are delivered fully online, allowing you to complement your current post-secondary program with practical business education.

Four core courses in key areas of marketing, finance, accounting and organizational behaviour establish a strong foundation of essential skills. Two electives allow you to tailor your Certificate around your interests and goals.

Upon completion, you’ll earn an official Queen’s University credential, providing the skills and confidence needed to stand out in the eyes of employers.

Program capacity

A limited number of applicants are accepted annually from outside of Queen’s University. No business background is required.

Apply Now

No Business Background? No Problem.

All courses are taught at the introductory level, designed to build your career foundation from the ground up.

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 five years after enrollment

Summer Availability

Courses are conveniently offered during the summer, fall and winter terms

Admission Requirements

University Students

Students from universities outside of Queen’s must have completed the equivalent of at least 18.0 graded units at the university level and have the equivalent of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60.

Please note: Transfer credit earned from Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or CEGEP courses will not be counted toward the 18.0 units required for admission.

College Students

Students from a recognized community college who have completed a two‐year diploma or two (2) years of a three‐year full‐time advanced diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.90 (Queen’s grading standards) will be considered for admission.

Students who are active degree or diploma students at another university or college are encouraged to consult with their home institution, and to obtain a Letter of Permission, before beginning CIB coursework.

Progression Requirements

Achieve a minimum grade of C- (1.7) in each Certificate course.
Once enrolled in the Certificate, students from other post‐secondary institutions have up to five years (fifteen terms) to complete the Certificate.

Fees for 2025-2026

All credits must be taken at the 600-level to meet the 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.

Pay as You Go

Applicants pay a non-refundable application fee of $100. Tuition is assessed per course at the time of enrollment. There are no additional program fees.