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Gustavson School of Business logo
BCom students walking in the quad
Discover your potential Define success on your own terms

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

Develop the skills, confidence and experience to take your future in any number of directions. Business can take you anywhere, from the art gallery to the alternative-energy start-up or the international financing group. Whether you know exactly where you’re going, or don’t know where to start, a BCom equips you with the building blocks to grow, change and succeed over the course of your career.
 
We give you the tools. You build your own definition of success.

Highlights

82
EMPLOYED AFTER 3 MONTHS
graduate career ready
60
STUDENTS PER COHORT
create lifelong connections
450
CO-OP EMPLOYERS
enjoy 2 paid work experience terms

Hands-on learning

Work experience

Our BCom program includes 2 terms of paid, full-time work experience, with the option to add an additional term and gain a full year of work experience. Apply knowledge from the classroom in a real-world setting and find what job fits.

Mentorship

All BCom students can take part in our mentorship program. You'll get one-on-one guidance from a business professional who will help you understand what you need to succeed in your chosen field. 

Careers

One-on-one coaching, a career-development course, reflection exercises and more; you'll graduate ready for a range of careers.

Teams & collaboration

There are a total of 3 terms during your BCom degree that we call “cohorted terms”. During the first 2 of these terms, which are spring term year 2 and fall term year 3, you’ll be placed in a 60-person cohort. All your classes are taken with this cohort, making it a personalized, close-knit experience. (The third cohorted term takes place during your specialization in Year 4.)

During your year 2 and 3 cohorted terms, you are also assigned to a team of 4-6 students with whom you complete all group assignments. Working within teams is a key part of your education at Gustavson, as it is a key part of succeeding in the workplace after graduation. 

Case competitions

All BCom students participate in at least one case competition. It’s an opportunity to apply your business knowledge, teamwork and presentation skills to solve a business case for a panel of judges.

Lead responsibly

Innovate to create a more equitable society, put business solutions to work on climate change or tackle critical issues like mental health—it’s all possible at Gustavson. Our non-traditional business education can put you at the heart of meaningful change including social, environmental and economic reform. 

  • 89% of courses in BCom integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) content
  • projects and events such as the Pitch Perfect sustainability competition challenge your innovation skills
  • Working for a Better World awards fund work terms for students at organizations with a social responsibility or sustainability mission
  • the Centre for Regenerative Futures at Gustavson is a research and learning centre dedicated to embedding regenerative sustainability in business.

Program structure: building your unique path

With our program, you design the first 3 terms. Complete a mix of required courses and non-business electives to develop business foundations and explore your other interests. Then, dive into the BCom cohort experience in the spring term of year 2, your first term that’s entirely made up of business courses – all taken alongside a group of 50-60 other students.

Year Fall Spring Summer
Year 1 Required courses & non-business electives Required courses & non-business electives Free
Year 2 Required courses & non-business electives Cohorted term Work experience
Year 3 Cohorted term Upper level electives Work experience
Year 4 International exchange Specialization Optional work experience

Note: This is a typical schedule for BCom students. Your program order may vary. Students completing the Financial Management (Accounting stream) specialization will have different program sequencing and are encouraged to speak with an advisor upon acceptance into the program, particularly if they wish to pursue an international exchange.

Specializations

Our non-traditional specializations help you master the building blocks of business no matter which area you choose.

Exchange

Experience cross-cultural perspectives and business practices with an exchange at one of our 80+ partner institutions.

Student stories

Many people think that an education can only be acquired if you’re in a classroom. Well, I think the experience of an international exchange completely disproves this belief. While on exchange I grew as a person, a student and as a global citizen.

From the volleyball court to the kitchen: A Gustavson grad’s entrepreneurial path

Mara Pappas turned her passion for volleyball into a coaching program and now she’s bringing her business skills to the kitchen. Learn how this Gustavson grad is carving out a unique...

Mission Impossible: Gustavson's global sustainability showdown

In just one day, students from around the globe join forces to tackle real-world sustainability challenges. BCom student Tereza Jarosova reveals how this high-energy event reshaped her views on...

Connecting people, empowering communities: A BCom student’s leadership journey

At just 18, Sophia Vaillant has already saved her local hospital thousands of dollars and been honoured with a national medal for community leadership. This BCom student has a passion for bringing...

Read more stories.