University of British Columbia

What you'll study

The BCom curriculum begins with core courses that establish fundamentals in accounting, economics, statistics, organisational behaviour and quantitative decision-making. After completing foundational requirements, students progress to major-specific and elective courses that deepen subject-matter expertise and applied skills.

• Foundational modules: introductory financial and managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business statistics and modelling, introductory finance, marketing principles, organisational behaviour.
• Major pathways: typical majors include Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Business Technology Management, Operations and Logistics, Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources, Strategy and Business Economics, and Entrepreneurship; each major combines required core courses with concentration electives.
• Advanced and elective topics: corporate finance, investment analysis, managerial accounting, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, supply chain management, project management, leadership and negotiation, strategy, sustainable business and data analytics.
• Capstone and experiential learning: many students complete integrative capstone projects, case-based courses and industry projects. There are strong pathways for internships, industry practicum, student consulting projects and international exchange options to complement classroom study.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Sauder BCom is competitive and based on academic achievement and the strength of the overall application. Applicants are evaluated on their secondary school or post-secondary academic record and, where applicable, standardised qualifications.

• Academic preparation: successful applicants typically present strong grades across a broad secondary-school curriculum. Required subjects generally include English plus mathematics—often with emphasis on algebra, precalculus or calculus depending on the applicant’s curriculum.
• Qualifying credentials: UBC recognises a variety of credentials (secondary school diplomas, International Baccalaureate, A‑levels, and equivalent post‑secondary study). Applicants with prior university coursework should submit official transcripts.
• Additional considerations: some applicants benefit from submitting evidence of extracurricular leadership, work experience, or community involvement. International applicants must meet UBC’s English-language proficiency requirements.
• Progression within Sauder: once at UBC, entry into the BCom program and into particular majors may require completion of specified first-year business prerequisites and meeting program-specific progression criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BCom follow a wide range of career paths in finance, consulting, marketing, accounting, operations, technology and public policy. The degree also serves as preparation for professional designations and postgraduate study.

• Corporate roles: financial analyst, product manager, brand or marketing specialist, operations analyst, human resources generalist, supply chain coordinator.
• Professional pathways: accounting graduates often pursue CPA accreditation (subject to meeting professional course and experiential requirements); finance majors may pursue CFA study or roles in investment management and corporate finance.
• Advisory and entrepreneurial paths: management consulting, business development, startup founding and roles in innovation or corporate strategy are common outcomes.
• Further study: alumni also progress to specialized master’s programmes (MBA, MSc in Management, or other professional graduate degrees) and professional certifications.

Why study at University of British Columbia

Studying commerce at UBC’s Sauder School of Business provides access to a research‑focused university with strong industry connections in Vancouver’s dynamic economy. The school emphasises experiential learning, ethical and sustainable business practices, and international perspectives through exchange and global study options.

• Reputation and network: Sauder is known for rigorous business education and has a broad alumni and employer network in Canada and internationally.
• Location and industry access: Vancouver’s diverse economy offers opportunities in finance, technology, natural resources, and creative industries for internships and employer engagement.
• Learning resources: students benefit from dedicated career services, student clubs and competitions, entrepreneurship support and research centres that connect theory to practice.