If you’re thinking about a career in business, you’ve probably come across the Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) degree. But what is a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and what can you actually do with it?
Basically, a BCOM degree arms you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the business world. This degree sets the foundation for it all, including launching your own startup, analyzing financial data, and leading a global team. At the International Business University (IBU) in Toronto, we’ve designed our BCOM programs to prepare you for real-world success through hands-on learning and industry connections.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Commerce?
Let’s pause for a moment before we look at the specifics of a BCOM – what is commerce, really?
Commerce is the engine that keeps businesses moving. It’s the buying, selling, and exchanging of goods and services – the core of every successful company. But it’s more than just transactions. Commerce covers everything from financial planning and economic policies to marketing strategies and international trade.
A strong foundation in commerce allows professionals to make smart business decisions, understand what drives economies, and develop strategies that help businesses grow. And that’s exactly what a BCOM degree equips you to do.
Common BCOM Specializations
One of the best things about a BCOM is that it’s flexible. You’re not boxed into one career path – far from it. With BCOM specializations, you can tailor your degree to match your interests and goals. Here are some popular choices:
Business Management
Want to be the person making big decisions? This specialization is built for future leaders. You’ll learn how to manage teams, oversee operations, and navigate the complexities of corporate strategy.
Digital Sales and Marketing Management
If you love branding, social media, or understanding what makes people buy things, this option is for you. You’ll master digital campaigns, e-commerce strategies, and data-driven marketing techniques.
International Management and Technology
Business today isn’t limited by borders. This specialization focuses on global commerce, emerging technologies, and how innovation is reshaping industries worldwide.
Information Technology Management
Tech and business go hand-in-hand, and this specialization puts you at the intersection of both. You’ll learn how to implement IT solutions, manage business analytics, and stay ahead in a digital-first economy.
Of course, BCOM students also have the option to specialize in accounting – a field 93% of hiring managers struggle to find qualified candidates for. If you have a knack for numbers, this path is packed with opportunities.
What Do You Learn in a Commerce Program?
A BCOM program teaches you how businesses work – and then it teaches you how to make businesses work better.
So, what do you learn in commerce studies? Here’s a look at some of the core subjects in a BCOM program:
- Financial Analysis & Accounting – Learn how to track and manage the money that keeps companies thriving.
- Business Strategy – Understand what makes organizations successful and how to apply strategic thinking.
- Marketing & Consumer Insights – Dive into the psychology of why people buy and how businesses can attract them effectively.
- Data Analytics & Business Intelligence – Use numbers to make smart, profitable decisions.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation – If you dream of starting your own business, this will teach you how to turn an idea into reality.
At IBU in Toronto, our BCOM program goes beyond textbooks and lectures. With small class sizes, hands-on projects, and direct connections to industry leaders, our students graduate with the confidence and skills they need to make an immediate impact.
Skills Required for BCOM Students
A degree is just part of the equation. Ask any hiring manager, and they’ll tell you the same thing: skills matter just as much as qualifications.
Here are some of the top skills required for BCOM students:
- Communication Skills – Communication drives businesses, from pitching ideas and negotiating deals to leading teams. In short, you need to be able to articulate your thoughts clearly. That’s why 57% of global employers consider communication the most desirable skill in job candidates.
- Problem-Solving Abilities – In business, challenges are constant. Good problem solvers don’t panic—they find solutions.
- Tech & Digital Literacy – Today’s business world runs on technology – from financial software to digital marketing tools. Understanding these platforms gives you an edge.
Why Choose a BCOM at IBU?
A Bachelor of Commerce degree is a ticket to opportunity, a way to build expertise, and a path to a meaningful career. But choosing where to study matters just as much as choosing what to study.
At IBU in Toronto, we take a next-generation approach to business education. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Smaller class sizes – Personalized mentorship and meaningful faculty interactions ensure you’re not just another student in a lecture hall.
- Industry-driven curriculum – Our courses are co-designed with business leaders to match what employers are actually looking for.
- Work-integrated learning – Graduate with hands-on experience that puts you ahead of the competition.
So, what is a Bachelor of Commerce degree? It’s your stepping stone to the business world. And with the right university behind you, that world is yours to shape. Contact us today for more information about our BCOM programs.