BCom curriculum
This information is for planning purposes only. Those with access to Brightspace should refer to the Brightspace program resources for up-to-date information about program requirements, and the Academic Calendar for course offerings.
Years 1 & 2
Years 1 & 2 are known as your pre-core years. These years are your opportunity to try a range of subjects and explore your interests. You will also take several foundational business courses that will set you up for the immersive year 3 core experience.
The pre-core section of the BCom Program Manual on Brightspace has all the information you need on how to successfully plan your pre-core years. We recommend you refer to Brightspace regularly.
Course planning & requirements
All students must complete a number of required courses before starting the BCom core curriculum in year 3. Our program planning worksheet and pre-core course guide will help you build your schedule.
Pre-core requirements
All BCom students must complete the following pre-commerce requirements and meet the minimum GPA conditions outlined below in order to progress or transfer into year 3 BCom core. This applies if you were admitted to BCom in year 1 or 2, or if you are applying to enter directly into year 3.
Required courses & minimum GPA
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| ECON 103 | Microeconomics |
| MATH 151 | Finite Mathematics |
| STAT 252 | Statistics for Business |
| 1 of: ATWP 135, ENSH 101 or ENSH 102 | First required English course (English meeting Academic Writing Requirement) |
| ATWP 250 | Second required English course (Genres of Business Writing) |
| COM 200 | Strategy and Business Fundamentals |
- the above 6 courses (9.0 units) must be completed prior to entry to BCom core in year 3
- 4.0/9.0 (B-) GPA on required courses with no mark lower than a C+
Note: COM 200 only requires a grade of D or above.
Required pre-commerce electives
In addition to the 6 required courses above, all students must complete 21 units of non-commerce, pre-core electives.
Minimum GPA and units overall
Averaged across 6 required courses and 21 electives:
- 30 units of useable pre-core course work completed
- 5.0/9.0 (B) GPA on most recent 30 units of attempted course work
All students must complete 30.0 units of total pre-core coursework, including required courses and electives. Current students should review the core progression conditions in our BCom Program Manual in Brightspace for up-to-date information.
If you have another combination of English or math/statistics courses, please contact a BCom admissions officer. Decisions regarding course applicability are at the discretion of the Gustavson School of Business.
Mandatory courses for international students
International students are required to complete COM 206C (Business English and Communications – Level III) and/or COM 290 (Introduction to Canadian Business) as mandatory courses in January of their second year, unless otherwise specified by a BCom advisor.
BCom applicants for direct-entry into BCom core must submit a Request for Registration form in October of their second year to be added to these courses on a first-come, first-served basis. It is the applicant’s responsibility to consult with an advisor to determine whether or not they need to take these courses.
Years 3 & 4
Year 3
In year 3 of the BCom program, you will take a set of foundation business courses; there are no electives in year 3. View more detailed information in the year 3 Brightspace.
Most students complete a co-op work term in the summer between years 3 and year 4, and again in the spring of year 4. You will know your individualized program sequence in the spring of year 3.
Year 4
In year 4 of the BCom program, you will be able to specialize in a specific area: entrepreneurship, service management or international business. Find more details in the year 4 Brightspace.
Specialization courses are grouped in modules and each module must be completed within 1 academic term.
You will also spend 4 months on an academic exchange studying at one of our many partner universities across the world.
You can also participate in the Applied Portfolio Management Program (after completing the Applied Investment Management Course in 3rd year).
Program manual
The BCom Program Manual is your one-stop shop for information relating to:
- BCom policies
- program-specific and UVic resources
- scheduling an appointment with a BCom advisor
- frequently used forms
- graduation and degree evaluation (CAPP report)
- assessment tools and guides
Standards & professional behaviour
In the interest of mutual respect and professionalism, we ask that students abide by the Gustavson Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Review of academic performance
Students who have failed a work term required in the mandatory Business co-op program, or have a GPA below 3.0/9.0 in any academic session, will be ranked as unsatisfactory and may be required to withdraw for at least 1 calendar year. Gustavson is under no obligation to re-admit students who have been required to withdraw, regardless of the cut-off GPA in the year in which they re-apply.
Contact us
The best way to be sure you are on track in your BCom degree is to stay in touch with your advisor!