Program Overview

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science

The BCom Combined Major in Business and Computer Science is a specialization program within the larger Bachelor of Commerce Major. Also referred to as BUCS, this program will give you the technical background and understanding you need to apply IT solutions in a business context and use them to develop opportunities for growth.

Application Process & Admissions Requirements

Application Process

1. All new and returning BCom students will be notified in May about the BUCS application which will open on April 30, 2025.
2. Complete the BUCS application online before the June 2 deadline. The application includes a short essay question on the subject of, "What specifically attracted you to the BUCS program and how will the program contribute to your career goals?"
3. The OSAS will notify applicants of decisions by the second week of June. Successful applicants will be automatically switched to the BUCS program and receive a registration guide soon after. This guide will help new BUCS students navigate the registration process.

Admission Requirements

You must be a current or newly admitted student to the BCom program. Students from any year of the BCom program can apply but, if you are not newly admitted from high school, preference will be given to students who have successfully completed or earned transfer credit for the following courses, CPSC_V 110, 121, 210, & MATH_V 101/105 at the time of application.

Admissions to the BUCS program is determined by three factors:

1. Average - For newly admitted students, admissions is based on your admissions average to Commerce. For returning students, admissions is based on the applicant’s most recent winter sessional average.
2. Short essay - Applicants must also submit a short essay that will be scored on their reason for wanting to switch to BUCS.
3. Required computer science courses - Preference will be given to students who have completed the required courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the BUCS program different from the BCom general program?

BUCS students complete the same core Commerce requirements as all BCom students; however, the BUCS program also includes twelve Computer Science course requirements instead of general electives and a specialization in an area of business (for example, Accounting, Real Estate, etc.). The BUCS program requires a total of 128-129 credits; the general program requires 122 credits.

How is admissions to the BUCS program decided?

Admission for direct entry applicants (high school) and post-secondary transfer applicants is primarily based on an applicant’s admission average. Special consideration is given to students that have completed courses required for the BUCS program in the past. An application essay is also required to ensure applicants have researched the program and have a sincere desire to major in business and computer science.

Is it possible to also complete a specialization like Finance or Marketing?

Technically yes, but BUCS is an intensive program that requires extensive planning. To complete another specialization, you would be required to take an additional 12-15 credits of coursework in addition to the 128-129 credits already required for BUCS.

Is it possible to participate in Co-op?

Yes! You can apply to the Co-op Program through UBC Sauder AND/OR the Department of Computer Science. BUCS students are fortunate to have the opportunity to apply and participate in both programs, alternating work terms between Comp Sci Co-op and BCom Co-op.

Is it possible to go on exchange?

Yes! Keep in mind that you may need to attend additional terms at UBC to finish your degree because there are more core requirements and fewer electives in BUCS.

What are possible career paths for students who complete BUCS?

Students who complete BUCS have gone on to careers as product directors, IT managers, user-experience designers, and data analysts, to name a few. Because BUCS includes a solid foundation in business, your potential career paths are not restricted to the technology sector alone.

Degree Requirements

Class Standing 1 / First Year

• ECON_V 101: Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
• ECON_V 102: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
• COMM_V 101: Business Fundamentals (3 credits)
• COMM_V 105: Values, Ethics, and Community (3 credits)
• COMM_V 192: Management and Organizational Behaviour (3 credits)
• COMM_V 196: Business Communications I (3 credits)
• MATH_V 100 or equivalent: Differential Calculus with Applications (3 credits)
• MATH_V 101: Integral Calculus with Applications (3 credits)
• CPSC_V 110: Computation, Programs, and Programming (4 credits)
• CPSC_V 121: Models of Computation (4 credits) Total Credits: 32

Class Standing 2 / Second Year

• COMM_V 202: Career Fundamentals (1 credit)
• COMM_V 190: Introduction to Quantitative Decision Making (3 credits)
• COMM_V 191: Application of Statistics in Business (3 credits)
• COMM_V 205: Introduction to Management Information Systems (3 credits)
• COMM_V 293: Financial Accounting (3 credits)
• COMM_V 294: Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
• COMM_V 295: Managerial Economics (3 credits)
• COMM_V 298: Introduction to Finance (3 credits)
• CPSC_V 210: Software Construction (4 credits)
• CPSC_V 213: Introduction to Computer Systems (4 credits)
• CPSC_V 221: Basic Algorithms and Data Structures (4 credits) Total Credits: 34

Class Standing 3 / Third Year

• COMM_V 203: Managing the Employment Relationship (3 credits)
• COMM_V 204: Logistics and Operations Management (3 credits)
• COMM_V 296: Introduction to Marketing (3 credits)
• COMM_V 396: Business Communications II (3 credits)
• COMM_V 438: Management of Information Systems (3 credits)
• CPSC_V 304: Introduction to Relational Databases (3 credits)
• CPSC_V 310: Introduction to Software Engineering (4 credits)
• CPSC_V 320: Intermediate Algorithm Design and Analysis (3 credits)
• One of the following CPSC courses:
  • CPSC_V 313: Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
  • CPSC_V 317: Introduction to Computer Networking
  • CPSC_V 319: Software Engineering Project
  • CPSC_V 322: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • CPSC_V 330: Applied Machine Learning
  • CPSC_V 340: Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • CPSC_V 344: Introduction to Human Computer Interaction Methods Total Credits: 31/32

Class Standing 4 / Fourth Year

• COMM_V 335: Information Systems Technology and Development (3 credits)
• COMM_V 393: Commercial Law (3 credits)
• COMM_V 394: Environment, Society, and Government (3 credits)
• COMM_V 4002: Capstone Experience (1 credit)
• COMM_V 436: Information Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
• COMM_V 491: Strategic Management (3 credits)
• One of the following COMM courses:
  • COMM_V 336: Introduction to Digital Business
  • COMM_V 338: Management of Cybersecurity
  • COMM_V 435: CIO Strategies
  • COMM_V 439: Business Telecommunications
  • COMM_V 456: Information Technology Risks, Protection and Audit
  • COMM_V 400 level (BTM): Business Technology Management course (excluding COMM 437)
• One of CPSC_V 300 level or higher
• Two of CPSC_V 400 level or higher
• Elective - COMM_V or non-COMM_V elective at any level Total Credits: 31

Continuation in the BCom Program

A winter session average of ≥60% based on all courses attempted from September to April is required to continue in the program at all year levels.

Completing Your Degree

Once you have fulfilled your BCom degree requirements, it’s time to apply to graduate. Note that if you achieve a winter session average below 60% in your final year, you will be permitted to graduate, but a notation of ‘Failed Year’ will appear on your academic transcript for that session.