Business Administration

The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration at The University of British Columbia offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare them for a successful career in the dynamic world of business. This program provides a strong foundation in core business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, and operations, while also emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills. Students benefit from a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through case studies, group projects, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. The curriculum is carefully designed to foster analytical abilities and strategic thinking, enabling graduates to adapt to rapidly changing business environments and tackle complex challenges. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative mindset, supporting them in launching startups or driving innovation within established organizations. The program offers specialization options allowing students to focus on areas of interest such as finance, marketing, or management. Supported by world-class faculty and cutting-edge resources, students have access to a vibrant academic community and industry engagement opportunities that enhance their learning experience. The university's strong connections with local, national, and international businesses also facilitate networking and career placement. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue diverse roles in management, consultancy, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, or to continue their education through graduate studies. The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration at UBC is committed to developing responsible, innovative, and globally-minded business leaders who can make meaningful contributions to society and drive sustainable economic growth.

You can expect to do a minimum of two years of formal course work. Including thesis preparation and defence, most students require at least four years to complete the doctoral degree. 

The university has established a six-year overall limit on the time to completion of the doctoral degree and expects you to have a passed the comprehensive examination and presented a thesis proposal by the end of three years.

Your course work combines study of the foundation areas of business, the concepts and methods of which may be applied in research and the decision-making process, with core courses in relevant management decision areas.

Foundation areas include:

• mathematics
• statistics
• economics
• computer science
• psychology
• philosophy.

Choose core courses from:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Management Information Systems
• Management Science 
• Marketing
• Organizational Behaviour
• Strategy and Business Economics
• Real Estate and Urban Economics. 

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Graduate Management Aptitude Test and/or the Graduate Record Exam scores
• Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing Service or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Supplementary Application/Statement of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

For incoming students, our financial support includes tuition plus $30,000 per year for the first five years of the PhD Program, assuming that the student maintains satisfactory progress in the PhD program.

In addition to the $30,000 support, tuition fees are covered for the first five years.  The financial support of $30,000 per year is typically arranged in the following way:

First Year
$20,000 fellowship plus a summer research assistantship of $10,000.

Second Year
$20,000 research assistantship during the academic year plus a summer research assistantship of $10,000.

Third Year to Fifth Year
$20,000 combination of research assistantship and/or teaching assistantship during the academic year plus a summer research assistantship of $10,000.

Doctoral students are expected to be in residence year-round. For academic reasons, outside employment is discouraged. Course work, research papers, seminars, and summer research projects are all challenging and time-consuming. 

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Business Administration at The University of British Columbia is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with essential business knowledge and practical skills. This program emphasizes a strong foundation in core business disciplines such as accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Students have the flexibility to select concentrations or electives that align with their career goals, enabling a personalized educational experience. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with real-world applications, providing opportunities for internships, case competitions, and experiential learning projects. Through this approach, students develop critical thinking, leadership, communication, and analytical skills vital for success in the dynamic global business environment. The program fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere, encouraging teamwork and networking among students, faculty, and industry professionals. As part of the Sauder School of Business, the program benefits from faculty expertise, strong industry connections, and access to a wide range of resources and career services. Graduates of the Business Administration program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in management, consulting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, among others. The program also offers pathways for students interested in pursuing graduate studies or professional certifications. Overall, the Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration at UBC provides a rigorous and engaging education that prepares students to become innovative, responsible leaders in the business world, contributing positively to society and the economy.