Arts Degree (BA) + Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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 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) program offers a unique pathway with dual conditional offers: one for your undergraduate studies in any Arts major and another for the MBA 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.
  • Gain Teaching Experience
    Apply for instructional assistant positions in the Faculty of Arts to gain teaching experience and deepen your expertise. 
  • Professional Skills Development
    As an MBA student, develop key leadership and professional skills through Lazaridis Career Development, Laurier’s ASPIRE program and other campus workshops. Complement your business education and gain practical experience to excel in your future career.

Options and Pathway

Program Options

The Arts BA + MBA 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 BA + MBA pathway collaboration between the Faculty of Arts and the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics is designed for high-calibre students aspiring to obtain both an arts and business education.

The MBA program is designed to be completed in one year in addition to your four-year BA program.

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: five years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

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

All Arts Degree (BA) + Master of Business Administration (MBA) students have the option to apply for the co-op stream as part of their graduate degree experience. Co-op in the MBA program is competitive, and students apply in their final year of undergraduate studies.
 
Most MBA co-op students will earn eight months of paid work experience that will provide an invaluable addition to your resumé and give you the insights needed to help you make the right choices for your career path. Students not selected for co-op will be able to continue in the full-time MBA program. 

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 Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

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. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

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.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, 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?