Elective course guide
Important
This guide applies to students starting UVic’s BCom program in the fall of 2025. If you started the program before the fall of 2025, please view your pre-core course guide.1. Know your timeline
- May: UVic deposit due and housing application deadline
- early June: find your registration date and time in Online Tools
- mid-June: course registration for fall and spring terms
- July/August: find out about orientation for September
2. Shape your early academic terms
Make the most of your first 3 terms. In addition to your required courses, you should choose electives that fit with your goals and interests.
This is your time to broaden your knowledge through a diverse selection of topics, dive into areas of curiosity and challenge, and build a foundation for your business knowledge and tools later on.
Elective focus
Take one of these course bundles to gain knowledge in topics and areas you find interesting and that are relevant for all business leaders.
Each elective focus consists of 5 courses (7.5 units). You will not earn a formal credential but it can be a great way to shape your first 3 terms in BCom. Some courses appear in more than one elective focus. You can also use the list below for inspiration to select individual electives.
Recommended courses
These courses are highly recommended for all BCom students
- ECON 104 - Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECON 205 - Managerial Economics
- ES 200 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
- PHIL 201 - Critical Thinking
- SOCI 100A - Introduction to Sociology: Understanding Social Life
- THEA 122 - The Acting Experience
- THEA 150 - Public Speaking
- ENT 100 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship (a business elective)
Certificates
Earn an additional credential alongside your BCom degree by adding any of these optional 10.5-unit certificates. Simply take the courses and declare your certificate.
In your fourth year you will apply to graduate for the certificate at the same time that you apply to graduate from BCom! Talk to a BCom adviser if you need help declaring your certificate.
Career connection
Take courses that connect with a career you might be interested in!
3. Pick your fall and spring courses
- review course availability in the UVic timetable
- review detailed course descriptions in the UVic Calendar
- build an “ideal” course plan for your first year by using the optional Plan Ahead tool
- be flexible by thinking of a few back up courses in case your first choices are full or not offered
- write down or save all the relevant course codes and course registration numbers (CRNs)
- think of what your second year might look like, but remain flexible as course selection may be different next year
Be flexible with your course planning: the courses in this guide may not be offered every academic session and some courses may have prerequisites. Find a list of courses without prerequisites. Check the UVic Academic Calendar for course availability.
Study plan
Below is a recommended study plan for the first 3 terms: the 6 required courses listed below and notes about when to take your 13.5 units of non-business electives. The order in which the required courses are displayed is recommended for a balanced schedule and academic success.
Use a blank timetable or the Plan Ahead tool, and map out a conflict-free schedule that fits your learning style, including alternate courses and/or sections if some are full or unavailable. Remember that some courses have more than one required component, including lectures (A), labs (B) and tutorials (T). Find more tips for building your timetable.
Year 1
Fall term courses (September-December)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | ||
| COM 100 | ||
| 4.5 units of electives |
Spring term courses (January-April)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| COM 120 | ||
| STAT 252 | ||
| 4.5 units of electives |
- please note that STAT 252 has a pre-requisite of MATH 151
Year 2
Fall term courses (September-December)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| ATWP 250 | ||
| COM 315 | ||
| COM 204 (this is a non-credit, required, pass/fail course) | ||
| 4.5 units of electives |
- please note that ATWP 250 has a pre-requisite and you may need to complete an AWR satisfied course in Year 1
Refer to our Program Planning Worksheet for more information.
Good things to know:
4. Register
- learn about registration a few days before you plan to register
- register as early as you can, ideally right on your registration date and time
- review important dates, such as the various drop deadlines
5. Ask for help
- registration support: 250-721-8121 or studentsupport@uvic.ca
- BCom advisers: 250-472-4728 or advisor@uvic.ca
Current students can book directly with an academic adviser.
Get to know the BCom advisers and don’t hesitate to book an appointment or send an email whenever you have a question. Come prepared to your advising appointments and write down your questions.
Frequently asked questions:
- I am not sure my course schedule is well balanced. Any tips?
- I am not sure I am studying in the most effective way. Any suggestions?
- I am interested in accounting, which courses should I take?
- I have a learning disability: where on campus can I get the right support?