Arts and Business

The Bachelor of Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for the dynamic and evolving world of arts and business. This innovative program combines the critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness gained through a Bachelor of Arts degree with practical business knowledge and management skills essential for today’s competitive global marketplace. Students in this program have the unique opportunity to tailor their academic experience by selecting from a wide array of courses across arts disciplines—including communications, languages, history, and social sciences—while simultaneously gaining foundational and advanced knowledge in business areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and organizational management. The program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, team projects, internships, and co-op work placements, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings and develop the professional skills necessary for diverse career paths. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s extensive industry connections and innovative teaching methods, which foster strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and cultural competence. Graduates of the Arts and Business program are well-equipped to pursue careers in sectors such as arts administration, marketing, consulting, nonprofit management, international relations, and entrepreneurship, among others. The University of Waterloo’s dynamic environment, combined with its commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence, ensures that students not only acquire knowledge but also develop the adaptability and problem-solving skills crucial for success in an increasingly interconnected world. The program’s flexible structure allows students to explore their interests and create a personalized academic journey aligned with their career goals, supported by dedicated faculty mentors and career advisors. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts and Business at Waterloo prepares students to become thoughtful leaders, innovative thinkers, and responsible citizens in a rapidly changing global economy.

The Bachelor of Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the arts and business disciplines, preparing graduates for a wide range of careers in today's dynamic global economy. This innovative program is designed to develop strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills while providing a solid foundation in business principles and arts-based knowledge. Students have the opportunity to explore subjects such as economics, management, marketing, communications, psychology, social sciences, and humanities, enabling them to understand the complex interactions between culture, society, and economic systems.

Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects, and internships. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of theoretical concepts, fostering skills in problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The program also offers experiential learning opportunities such as co-op placements, allowing students to gain valuable work experience and develop professional networks. These placements provide insights into real-world business environments and help students to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings.

Dedicated faculty members with expertise across multiple disciplines mentor students through personalized advising and support. The program also encourages global perspectives, with opportunities for international exchanges and research projects that broaden students' understanding of global markets and cultural diversity. Additionally, students can tailor their educational experience through elective courses and specialization options that align with their career interests, whether in marketing, management, or arts-related fields.

Graduates of the BA and Business program are equipped with versatile skills that are highly valued in various sectors, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, creative industries, and corporate enterprises. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making, cultural awareness, and innovative thinking, ensuring students are prepared to make meaningful contributions in their chosen professions. With a solid foundation in both arts and business, graduates are well-positioned to pursue further education or to begin successful careers in a competitive job market, making the Waterloo BA and Business program a premier choice for students seeking a dynamic and holistic educational experience.

Program Requirements for Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo:

The Bachelor of Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that combines liberal arts studies with business and managerial skills. To be admitted into the program, prospective students must meet the standard undergraduate admission requirements of the university, including a high school diploma or equivalent, with competitive grades in relevant courses such as English, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. International students may need to fulfill additional language proficiency requirements, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Once admitted, students are required to complete a minimum of 20.0 units to graduate. The curriculum is structured to ensure a balanced education, integrating arts and humanities courses with business and management courses. The program typically includes core courses in areas such as economics, accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategies, alongside arts courses in communication, critical thinking, and cultural studies. Electives are available in various disciplines, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Students are encouraged to participate in co-op work terms, which are integral to the program, providing valuable practical experience in real-world settings. The co-op component involves alternating academic study with paid work placements in relevant industries, helping students develop professional skills, expand their networks, and enhance employability upon graduation.

To successfully complete the program, students must maintain the required academic standards, including a minimum grade point average in core courses and a satisfactory performance during co-op work terms. Faculty advising and academic support services are available to assist students in course selection and career planning. Moreover, students are expected to undertake a capstone project or integrative experience in their final year, demonstrating their ability to apply their combined arts and business knowledge to solve complex problems.

In addition to coursework, students are often encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and student organizations to develop leadership skills and broaden their professional perspectives. Internship opportunities, seminars, and industry talks are regularly organized to complement classroom learning.

Overall, the Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo aims to produce graduates who are versatile, culturally aware, and equipped with essential business skills, ready to pursue careers in various sectors such as marketing, consulting, non-profit management, publishing, or international business. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and innovative problem-solving, preparing students for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive financing plan for students enrolled in the Arts and Business program to ensure access to quality education. Funding options include government-sponsored financial aid such as federal and provincial student loans, which are available to eligible Canadian residents and often cover a significant portion of tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, scholarships and bursaries are available based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria, providing students with additional financial support that does not require repayment. The university also encourages students to explore external funding sources, including private scholarships, employer sponsorships, and community grants, to supplement their financing. Work-study programs are accessible to eligible students, allowing them to work on or off-campus in roles related to their fields of study, thereby gaining valuable experience while earning income. The university promotes a range of payment plans, enabling students to break down tuition fees into manageable installments throughout the academic year. For international students, specific scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs are available, although they may differ from those offered to domestic students. The university also provides financial planning resources, including workshops and advising services, to assist students in managing their educational expenses effectively. Graduate students may access research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships, which offer stipends and reduce financial burdens during their studies. Overall, the financing options at the University of Waterloo are designed to support students financially and help them focus on their academic and career goals within the Arts and Business program.

Arts and Business at the University of Waterloo offers a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed for students interested in developing a comprehensive understanding of both the arts and business domains. This program combines core courses from the Faculty of Arts with specialized business coursework, providing students with a balanced education that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and business acumen. The curriculum typically includes foundational courses in arts subjects such as humanities, social sciences, and communications, alongside modules in management, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. This integration aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including arts management, marketing, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Students may also have opportunities for experiential learning through co-op placements, internships, and community-based projects, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The University of Waterloo is renowned for its strong emphasis on experiential education and innovation, which is reflected in this program through collaborative projects, case studies, and industry partnerships. Additionally, students can choose elective courses to tailor their education to specific interests within the arts or business sectors. The program fosters skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning, essential for navigating the complexities of modern organizations and societal challenges. Graduates of Arts and Business are well-positioned to pursue further studies in graduate or professional schools or to enter the workforce directly in various roles across creative industries, corporate sectors, and public organizations. The program encourages a global perspective, often including opportunities for international exchange and engagement with diverse cultures. Overall, the Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo aims to develop versatile, innovative, and socially responsible graduates equipped with a broad skill set that bridges creative and analytical thinking in a rapidly changing global economy.