Bachelor Of Commerce

• Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)
  OR]
• Twenty-one (21) years of age or older and out of high school for at least two years, and
• Documented success through academic, professional or volunteer activities
  AND
• Academic IELTS - 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent (for students whose first language is not English). More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.
  You can complete the English pathway courses (University Access Program) in order to meet the English proficiency requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce program.

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) provides you with a broad foundation of contemporary business knowledge and practices. Its courses are designed to provide a breadth of business perspective and skills, building your core skills in writing, research, and team performance.

Preparatory
New Student Orientation (NSO)
Through this orientation students come to understand their academic expectations, requirements, and rights and responsibilities at University Canada West. Students will learn how to access the university services and systems that they need to be successful in their studies. Orientation includes practices of information literacy, academic integrity, critical thinking and academic writing.

Tier 1 University Foundation
Tier 1 courses are your entry into the BCom program. They establish the basic university skills of research and writing whilst introducing you to the knowledge needed for each program. The instructors of these courses know they are your entry point and work hard on all the basics to ensure you successfully complete your degree.
ACCT 140 — Accounting Principles
Students are introduced to the accounting cycle, accrual accounting, assets, liabilities and equity and are introduced to the preparation and interpretation of financial statements. Employing the Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), students prepare cash flow statement and interpret financial statements. This course is a condensed and accelerated version of ACCT 101 and ACCT 103. Students cannot receive credit for more than two of ACCT 101, ACCT 103, and ACCT 140.
BUSI 100 - Introduction to Business
Students will study subjects including the different forms of business organizations, operational divisions, business processes and corporate responsibilities to shareholders and employees. They will also examine typical business functions and the role of managers in production, marketing and human resources. Going on to study accounting and finance in a Canadian context, including a consideration of Canadian business law and ethics.
COMM 102 - Mass Media and Society
Contemporary culture is developed and transmitted through mass communication. This course is an overview of mass communication's vital role in society, with discussion of media institutions, theories, practices, professional fields, and effects on society, groups and individuals. Students will learn to observe and critique the impact of mass communications on society.
ECON 102 - Principles of Microeconomics
An introduction to microeconomic concepts: the market system; price determination; demand and utility; competitive supply; cost analysis; market structures; equilibrium of the firm; pricing of factor inputs; land rents; wages; interest and capital.
ECON 104 - Principles of Macroeconomics
An introduction to macroeconomic concepts: circular flow of income and product; national income; equilibrium level of domestic income; fiscal policy; money and banking; international trade; inflation and unemployment.
PHIL 102 - Moral Philosophy
Every decision has an ethical and moral component. This course explores prominent theoretical approaches to ethics that attempt to answer questions about the morality of human conduct. Students will develop critical skills of analysis that enable them to identify differing applications of ethics and the cultural sources of morality.
ENGL 100 - Academic Writing
In order to succeed in an academic environment, students must be able to communicate effectively in writing. Students will learn to apply principles of rhetoric and critical thinking to readings drawn from a variety of academic disciplines. They will learn to read closely and analyze different types of essays (e.g. narrative, expository, cause and effect, comparison and contrast, persuasive) in terms of how each best engages different types of audiences and contexts. They will develop sound writing skills through a recursive approach that employs pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading. Practice with essential research strategies will complete the course. This is a writing intensive course and must be taken in a student’s first 24 credit hours of study.
ENGL 105 - Contemporary Literature: Drama and Narrative
Literature is a window into human reality through the imagination. This course is an introduction to contemporary drama and the novel, including screenplays and works by Canadian authors. Students will learn to interpret a range of works in terms of theme, plot, character, and context. This is a writing intensive course.
MATH 101 - Foundation Mathematics
Students will learn methods, procedures and applications of business mathematics, including the mathematics of merchandising, simple interest, and compound interest. Applications include discounts and mark-ups, cost-volume-profit, short-term and long-term loans, credit card debt, savings and payment plan annuities, mortgages, bonds and investment decisions. Must be taken in a student’s first 24 credit hours of study.
Electives
Tier 1 Bachelor of Commerce students must take one Science 100 or 200 elective.

Tier 2 Disciplinary Foundation
Our Tier 2 courses are more advanced than the level of study during Tier 1. Expect to find the standards more rigorous and the work more intense. These courses are taken concurrently with your Tier 3 courses.
BUSI 201 - Business Environment
This course introduces students to the ins-and-outs of the international marketplace and the many forces and interest groups that influence business decisions. These include government policies, globalization, and ecological issues. Students will learn to assess stakeholder interests and identify ethical issues.
CMPT 201 - Information Systems for Managers
Key management functions take place through computer-assisted processes. Understanding how computers operate in the workplace and integrate with organizational strategy and human limitations is an essential managerial knowledge set. Students will learn the range of computer based process tools and their appropriate work applications.
COMM 200 - Communications Theory
There are many perspectives on the nature of communication and how it functions in human groups and organizations. This course is a survey of contemporary social, scientific, and humanistic theories of mediated communication. Students will learn various theories of communication and their relationship with society.
MRKT 201 - Marketing Management
Students will learn the fundamentals of marketing and explore the relationships between companies, their customers, and their competition. They will examine concepts that are integral to the field of marketing including customer behaviour, market research, product analysis, pricing and promotion strategies.
MATH 200 - Statistics
Students will learn statistical concepts, methods and procedures used in business, including descriptive statistics--graphics and numerical presentations, probability theory and linear regression. The use of statistical software applications will form part of the course. Students will be expected to know basic Excel skills.
ORGB 201 - Organizational Behaviour
Organizations have distinct characteristics based on their culture, composition, and history. Students will learn how the behaviour of individuals and groups in work environments affect organizational performance and the dynamics of organizational relationships. Topics will include individual attributes, motivation theories and strategies, group dynamics, teamwork, organizational structure, job design, leadership, organizational culture and politics, communication, conflict, stress and change management. Diversity, cross-cultural issues and ethical conduct in organizations will also be examined.
Electives
Tier 2 BCom students are also required to take four (4) electives from the Tier 1 and Tier 2 elective pool.

Tier 3 Disciplinary Applications
Tier 3 courses develop your core skills and understanding in business. Taught by instructors who are both experts in their fields and experienced professionals, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to make you an excellent practitioner in the world of commerce.
ACCT 301 - Managerial Accounting
Management decisions are often based on internal accounting information. Students will explore the systems used by organizations to measure the cost and profitability of products and services. Financial reports are evaluated within the context of their effects on managerial judgment. Students will learn how to undertake budgeting, profit planning, variance analysis, and ethically responsible accounting.
BUSI 325 - Business Law
All businesses function in legal contexts. This course examines the essential role that law plays in business decisions, how it facilitates personal and commercial transactions, and how its knowledge builds a competitive advantage. The course will provide a practical analysis of various areas of law such at contracts, torts, environmental, property, employment, selling goods and services, import/export, financing and insurance. As well, the selection and use of various forms of business organization will be examined.
COMM 312 - Professional Communications –Written and Oral
Communication is a leadership skill. With an emphasis on interpersonal relations, team-building, and leadership, students will learn to develop, manage, and deliver complex communication products designed for diverse audiences and contexts. They will become familiar with the theories, principles, and practices for designing, developing, and delivering both individual and collaborative projects. Coursework will include the research and writing of correspondence, reports, proposals, project plans, social media communications, and technical descriptions as well as the preparation and performance of oral presentations.
FNCE 303 - Finance
This course will introduce concepts of financial techniques necessary to assist the organization obtain capital and manage it effectively. Models of evaluating various returns will be based on accounting inputs. Underlying most analysis will be net present value theory. Students will develop their decision-making skills in relation to the cost and availability of funds, and maximizing economic returns.
RSCH 300 - Research Methodology
An examination of research methodologies including attributes of a good research topic, critical literature reviews, formulating the research design, primary vs. secondary data, research ethics and writing and presenting results.
HRMT 301 - Human Resource Management
Human resources is a strategic function in business and organizations. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the various HR functions including recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, health and safety; and employee and labour relations. Students will explore how external influences such as the legal system and demographics impact the practice of HR management.
OPMT 301 - Operations Management
This course investigates the development and administration of activities that are involved in transforming financial, human, physical, and natural resources into products and services. Quality and productivity are critical outcomes of logistical operating systems. Students will learn system-wide methods of integrating efficient processes, both technical and human.
Electives
Tier 3 BCom students are also required to take 3 (three) electives from the Tier 3 and Tier 4 elective pool.

Tier 4 Integrative Applications
Tier 4 courses are the final step in your program. They provide the opportunity to integrate and refine your knowledge. You will complete your program alongside your GRES 400/401 research project. This final six credit course allows you to put your energies into a project of your choice that highlights the depth of your education.
BUSI 401 - Strategy and Decision Making
Decision making takes place in the context of organizational strategy. In this course students will apply their knowledge to developing an organizational strategy integrating contextual factors, ethics, and core organizational components. On the basis of this knowledge they will outline a decision making strategy.
BUSI 497 - Business Capstone 1
Research is a critical business skill. Students will outline and research the strategic and contextual components of a significant project or program related to an organizational strategy. This will be a team-based exercise and will produce an exhaustive report of the current status of business issues relevant to the project or program. Teams will produce and present a professional quality research report. This course is normally completed in a student’s second last term.
BUSI 498 - Business Capstone 2
Proposals are the basis of organizational development, from business plans, to operational plans to sales. Students will craft a proposal for a significant project or program in a business related area. This will be a team based exercise where students will produce a full business proposal including a financial forecast or budget. This course is normally completed in a student’s last term.
Electives
Tier 4 BCom students are also required to take 7 (seven) electives from the Tier 3 and Tier 4 elective pool, 2 (two) of which must be 400 level management courses.

Areas of Focus
UCW follows professional trends in industry closely and develops course focuses that reflect the best professional standards in specific fields. Currently, we offer the following focuses in the BCom degree:
Accounting
Accounting skills are consistently in demand. The accounting focus, in combination with the rest of the BCom degree, will prepare you for entry into a professional accounting program.
To complete the Accounting focus you must, in addition to your required core courses, take:
• Managerial Accounting II
• Principles of Auditing and Assurance
• Taxation
• Strategic Managerial Accounting

Business Communications
Communication is an essential component of every organization, whether communicating internally to staff and managers, or externally to customers, stakeholders, or the public. The Business Communications focus will prepare you to produce effective communications materials for a wide range of contexts and in the framework of business strategy.
To complete the Business Communications focus you must, in addition to your core required courses, take:
• Social Media
• Public Relations in Practice and Theory
• Persuasive Presentations
• Advertising
• Communication Strategy

Domestic

• Number of courses 40
• Cost per course $696
• Total Tuition Fees $27,840
• Typical Full-time Tuition Fees $8,352 (Year 1 to 3) $2,784 (Year 4)
• First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $500
• Compulsory Registration Fees Domestic
• Library & Technology $17 /course
• Student Activity & Alumni $8 /course
• Guard.me n/a Keep Me Safe $35/year

        *medical insurance coverage for the first term (3 months)

• Fees for Additional Services
• Application Fee $150
• Appeal to Academic Council $50 (refunded if appeal is successful)
• Audit Fee1 50% of course tuition
• Credit Card Refund $35
• Credit Card Charge Back Fee $45
• Confirmation of Enrolment $0 (free)
• Course Challenge 50% of course tuition
• Duplicate Credential $50
• Duplicate Tax Receipt $50
• Financial Hold Release2 $150
• Graduation Application Fee3 $75
• Late Graduation Application Fee $250
• Letter of Permission $35
• NSF Fee for Returned Cheques $55
• Parchment Shipment (International Only)$60
• Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) $500 per portfolio
• Program Transfer Fee $75
• Readmission Fee4 $150
• Student ID Card Replacement $35
• Supplemental Exam Fee $100 on campus / $150 off campus
• Transcript5 $10 / $8
• Tuition Refund Processing Fee $250
• Wire Transfer Fee $45
• Wire Transfer Fee ‑ By Third Party$65
• Printing Fee $0.10/B&W - $0.20/color (Minimum $5 prepaid)