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.

Program Requirements

Degree Requirements for Year 1 Entry in 2022W or Later

We encourage you to make use of the BCom course planning worksheets as much as possible for the duration of your degree. We also encourage you to consult with academic advisors to develop a comprehensive academic plan that aligns with your academic goals and ensures timely progression towards degree completion, particularly if you are considering a reduced course load. Academic advisors can offer valuable insights and assistance in selecting courses, managing course loads, and navigating potential challenges in course registration.

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)
• 3 credits from COMM_V 393, 2041: 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 (3/4 credits)
• Elective COMM_V or non-COMM_V elective at any level (3 credits) Total Credits: 31/32

Class Standing 4 / Fourth Year

• COMM_V 335: Information Systems Technology and Development (3 credits)
• 3 credits from COMM_V 393, 2041: 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 (formerly COMM 486N)
  • 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) (3 credits)
• One of CPSC_V 300 level or higher (3 credits)
• Two of CPSC_V 400 level or higher (6 credits)
• Elective - COMM_V or non-COMM_V elective at any level (3 credits) Total Credits: 31

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.

Continuation in the BCom Program

If you have not completed all of your requirements for graduation, you may still continue in the next winter session, remaining in Year 4, provided your winter session average is greater than or equal to 60% on all courses attempted from September to April. You must achieve the minimum 60% continuation requirement by the end of the current winter session in April. When planning your studies, keep in mind that you must complete all of your degree requirements within six years of entering the program.

BUCS Requirements for Year 1 Entry in 2014W to 2021W

Your specific degree requirements will depend on when you were admitted. The following requirements apply to students who:

• entered directly to Year 1 of the BUCS program in 2021 or earlier
• transferred to Year 2 of the BUCS program in 2022 or earlier.

Alumni Advice

"It's really the degree that allows you to become the bridge between business and technology."

• Leemor Yuravlivker, BCom 2013

Making Travel Plans

Your exam schedule will be available midway through the term of study. If you are making advance travel plans before the exam schedule is published, assume that you may be writing your last exam on the last possible date and time during the exam week. The Office of Student Academic Services will not grant concessions due to conflicting travel arrangements.