Arts Degree (BA) + Business Administration (MBA) with Co-op

This exclusive, competitive program offers you the opportunity to begin your undergraduate studies in any of our 20 Bachelor of Arts majors with a conditional offer of admission to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics' full-time MBA co-op program. 

Starting with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides a solid foundation in critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, all of which are essential for excelling in an MBA program. The diverse perspectives and knowledge gained from an Arts degree enrich your understanding of complex business challenges and enhance your ability to approach problems creatively. 

Throughout your undergraduate career, you will receive personalized mentoring to build the experience and background necessary for success in graduate studies and your future career. 

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:  

  • Dual Admission Advantage: The Arts Degree (BA) + Master of Business Administration (MBA) with co-op program offers a unique pathway with dual conditional offers: one for your undergraduate studies in any Arts major and another for the MBA co-op program at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. Secure your spot in both programs from the start and streamline your academic journey.
  • Comprehensive Skills Development and Support: Throughout your undergraduate studies, benefit from targeted mentoring and skills development to maximize your BA experience and meet MBA admission requirements. This approach builds a solid foundation in the arts and equips you with advanced business skills for success in the competitive business world. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree:

  • Engage with the Laurier Arts Scholars Community: Join the Laurier Arts Scholars to participate in exclusive social and academic events. Connect with like-minded peers and enrich your academic experience through this vibrant community.
  • Deepen Knowledge with Senior Seminars: Take part in senior small-group seminars that enhance your understanding and research skills. Engage in focused discussions and explore advanced topics in an interactive setting.
  • Build Leadership Skills with ASPIRE Workshops: As an MBA student, develop key leadership and professional skills through Laurier’s ASPIRE program and other campus workshops. Gain practical experience to excel in future leadership roles. 

Options and Pathway

Program Options

The Arts BA + MBA (with co-op) is available in the following majors:

  • Ancient Studies
  • Anthropology (only available in combination)
  • Archaeology and Heritage Studies
  • Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies (only available in combination)
  • English
  • Film Studies
  • French
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Languages
  • Medieval and Medievalism Studies (only available in combination)
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • North American Studies (only available in combination)
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Religion and Culture
  • Sociology
  • Spanish (only available in combination)
  • Women and Gender Studies

MBA Curriculum Overview

The Lazaridis MBA with co-op program is designed for high-caliber, recent university graduates with less than two years of full-time work experience. The eight months of work experience will provide an invaluable addition to your resume and give you the insights needed to help you make the right choices for your career path.

This program is designed to be completed in 20 months (12 months of coursework plus 8 months of co-op) in addition to your four-year BA program.

Your MBA courses cover all the pillars of strategic organizational leadership, including:

Term 1: Fall - Foundational Core I

  • Strategic Management
  • Operations Management
  • Marketing
  • Financial Management
  • Business Analytics

Term 2: Winter - Foundational Core II

  • Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • 3 electives

Terms 3 and 4: Spring and Fall

  • Co-op work term of eight months

Term 5: Winter

  • 3 electives
  • Capstone Applied Business Research (project) + Not-for-profit practicum

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: six years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)
  • OUAC code: UAI

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • brand strategist
  • human resources manager
  • project manager
  • senior consultant
  • senior tax analyst
  • start-up founder

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

MBA with Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. The co-op program within the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is the largest of its kind in Canada and has earned a 97-100% employment rate for many years now.

All Arts Degree (BA) + Business Administration (MBA) with Co-op students will participate in co-op as part of their graduate degree experience. Most MBA co-op students will earn four to eight months of paid work experience that will provide an invaluable addition to your resume and give you the insights needed to help you make the right choices for your career path.

Sound exciting? Learn more about our MBA with Co-op program.

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95-100%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?