A business degree can significantly influence your career trajectory. It can help open doors to new roles, increase your earning potential and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
If you’ve already completed a college diploma, you might be wondering which next step makes the most sense: a traditional Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or a more targeted Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM)?
Both degrees can lead you into business administration, but they’re not the same. The differences in structure, focus and outcomes can shape your return on investment financially, professionally and personally.
Let’s explore what sets these pathways apart and which might offer more value for you.
Understanding BBA (and BSBA) degrees
The BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) are two of the most common undergraduate degrees in this field. While both are rooted in core business principles, they differ slightly in structure and emphasis.
Understanding these differences can help you determine which path aligns with your background, personal interests and career goals.
What is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree?
The BBA is one of the most widely recognized undergraduate degrees in business. Typically completed over four years, a BBA offers broad exposure to the essential skills of business, including marketing, finance, human resource management, operations, business analytics and sometimes international business law or entrepreneurship.
Most students enter BBA programs directly from high school. You’ll often find yourself progressing through foundational courses in years one and two, followed by more focused electives and capstone projects in the final stretch.
Some institutions offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain workplace experience along the way.
A BBA is a comprehensive, full-degree experience aimed at preparing first-time university students for a wide range of career paths.
What is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree?
In Canada, BSBA degrees are less common, but some institutions do offer them.
These programs generally place a stronger emphasis on quantitative and technical skills. Think statistics, data analysis and modelling.
While they share a similar structure to the BBA, the BSBA may include more coursework related to math, economics or science-based applications in business environments.
The BSBA is still typically a four-year first-entry program and is often grouped alongside BBA degrees when discussing undergraduate business credentials. The distinction lies in the curriculum’s analytical emphasis, which may appeal to students with an academic interest in fields such as finance, technology or data-driven consulting.
Exploring the Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) option
If you’ve already completed a college diploma and want to advance your business education without repeating previous coursework, the Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) could be the ideal next step.
This degree pathway is designed specifically for college diploma graduates looking to fast-track their progress into management roles through focused learning.
What makes a Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) degree different?
A BAM is not a first-entry program. It’s specifically built for students who already hold a college diploma and want to continue their education without starting from scratch.
That difference matters.
Rather than retaking introductory business courses, BAM students receive block credit for their previous education. This means you begin in what is typically the third year of a business program, drastically reducing the time and cost required to earn your degree.
For example, the University of New Brunswick’s Online BAM requires just 20 courses to complete the degree, all delivered entirely online. The structure is designed to respect the work you’ve already done while equipping you with the strategic management and leadership tools you need to move forward in your career and solve complex business problems.
Applied business administration: A management-focused pathway
BAM programs are intentionally geared toward career advancement. The curriculum is less theoretical and more practical, with a clear emphasis on practical skills and applied learning.
Expect courses focused on problem-solving, decision-making, human resources, leadership, strategy and real-world business applications. This degree is designed to help working professionals and recent college graduates build confidence in managing people, leading projects and making informed business decisions.
Rather than repeating foundational topics, BAM programs move directly into advanced management content. You’ll develop your business acumen, but through a management lens shaped by your prior education and experience.
Comparing Admission Requirements: BBA vs. BAM
While BBA programs cater to high school graduates starting their academic journey, BAM programs are designed specifically for college diploma holders looking to continue their education at the university level.
The differences in admission criteria reflect these distinct entry points.
BBA Program Admission Requirements
To enter most BBA programs, you’ll need a high school diploma with strong grades in university-preparatory courses. This usually includes English and mathematics, along with other grade 12 courses, depending on the institution.
Since BBA programs are first-entry degrees, no previous post-secondary education is required.
Competitive programs may have high GPA thresholds or require additional applications.
BAM Program Admission Requirements
In contrast, BAM programs are built around your existing education.
Admission requires the completion of a college diploma, usually from a provincially accredited institution.
At UNB Online, applicants are required to have a minimum average of 70% along with official transcripts and a completed online application. There is no need to retake general education courses or revisit high school prerequisites. The focus is on building from what you’ve already accomplished.
Evaluating the Value: Which Business Degree Offers Better ROI?
When deciding between a BBA and a BAM degree, one of the most important factors to consider is the return on investment. This includes not just the financial cost and time commitment, but also the potential salary increase, career mobility and job prospects after graduation.
Let’s break down how these programs compare in terms of overall value.
Cost and Time Comparison
Let’s start with the numbers.
A typical BBA or BSBA program takes four years to complete. According to Statistics Canada, tuition for business programs in Canada sits around $7,360 per year as of 2024/2025, totalling over $28,000 by graduation. This does not include housing, books, transportation or lost earnings from full-time study.
In contrast, UNB’s Online BAM consists of just 20 courses, beginning in what would be considered year three. This means you can finish faster, spend less and in many cases, continue working while studying.
Online delivery eliminates transportation and campus-related costs. Students also avoid the need to relocate or pause their careers. With part-time and accelerated options available, you have the flexibility to shape your study plan around your lifestyle.
Career Outcomes
Business administration degrees open the door to a wide range of roles across top business employment sectors in Canada, and job postings reflect this demand.
Data from Burning Glass shows that there are over 527,000 job ads across Canada seeking candidates with business and management skills. Roughly 70% require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Graduates of both the BBA and BAM can expect to qualify for these roles; however, BAM students often enter the workforce and advance more quickly due to their combination of practical experience and targeted learning.
In fact, according to IHE, 85% of Canadian business undergrads find employment within six months of graduation. That number rises to 92% within one year, with 89% working in jobs related to their field.
The average salary for Canadian business graduates sits around $66,000 per year. That number rises with experience, particularly for those who transition into business analyst, project manager or consulting roles.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing between a BBA and a BAM depends on your current credentials, your goals and how quickly you want to move forward.
Here’s how to tell which one aligns best with your path:
BBA Programs Are Ideal If:
- You are entering directly from high school.
- You want a full, four-year university experience.
- You seek broad foundational knowledge in business administration BBA subjects.
The BAM Offers Stronger Value If:
- You already hold a college diploma.
- You want to fast-track your education without duplicating previous coursework.
- You want practical, applied management skills for leadership and career advancement.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your career goals, background and the timeline you’re working with. However, if you already hold a college diploma and want to advance without starting over, the BAM offers a more efficient and focused route.
Ready to Build on Your College Diploma? Explore UNB's Online Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM)
The University of New Brunswick offers a fully online Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) program tailored to college graduates. You’ll receive credit for your previous education and begin directly in upper-year business courses, allowing you to graduate sooner.
With AACSB-accredited faculty, flexible learning options and personal support from a dedicated student success advisor, you can earn a degree that supports real career growth, without putting your life on hold.
Learn more about the program or start your application at UNB Online.