Which is Better: a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Commerce Degree?

is Often, when I am counselling international students about studying business in Canada, there is some confusion between what is better, a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Commerce. So what is the real difference between them? Or is there a difference? And does it matter if you study Business Administration or Commence at a Canadian university or college?

In Canada, both a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) are undergraduate degrees focused on business and management, but there are some differences between them, primarily in their focus and curriculum:

 Focus and Scope

   - BBA programs often have a broader focus, covering various aspects of business administration such as management, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations. For example, if you study Business at Thompson Rivers (TRU), your first year will be focused on electives and then by the third year, students focus primarily on their specialisation. But if you study Business at the University of Waterloo, you immediately start with some of your specialisation subjects as in their Accounting & Finance degree.

   - BCom programs typically have a more specialized focus on commerce-related subjects such as accounting, finance, economics, and management. At Canadian universities, there is often a foundation year 1 and then students will take more of their desired subjects starting in the 2nd year. Good examples of this are the University of Alberta’s Commerce program and MacEwan University’s Commerce program.

 Curriculum

   - BBA programs may offer a wider range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their degree according to their interests.

   - BCom programs may have a more structured curriculum with fewer elective options, focusing more on core business subjects.

 Professional Designations

   - Both BBA and BCom graduates can pursue professional designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) depending on their chosen career path. For the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, each province administers their own chapters so students can see the Transfer Credit Guide from each university in that province.

   - Some BCom programs may have specific accreditation or partnerships with professional organizations that facilitate obtaining these designations. For instance, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is affiliated with Chartered Managers Canada in addition to CFA and CPA. The Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba offers accreditation with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

International students are often unaware of how they can achieve these professional designations as the pathways can differ according to countries. For example, in Pakistan, students may start off with ACCA courses. But in Canada, degrees are the starting point towards your CPA or other designation.

 Career Opportunities

   - Both degrees can lead to similar career opportunities in various sectors including finance, consulting, marketing, human resources, and management. Canadian colleges and universities, whether they offer the Business degree or the Commerce degree offer both national and international students valuable co-op work experience options which is the really driving force on enhancing your career opportunities.

   - However, the specialized focus of a BCom may be advantageous for certain career paths, such as accounting or finance, but again, the co-op work experience gives both business and commerce students an edge.

Institutional Differences

   - The specific differences between BBA and BCom programs can vary depending on the institution offering the degrees. Some universities may use the terms interchangeably or have overlapping curriculum structures. That’s why it is important to work with an in-country representative for Canadian universities and colleges so you can make an informed decision about which university or college you want to apply to.

 Ultimately, the choice between a BBA and a BCom depends on individual preferences, career goals, and the specific offerings of the institutions under consideration. It's important for prospective students to research and compare the curriculum, faculty, accreditation, and opportunities associated with each program before making a decision. For Pakistani students, you can also contact Go 2 Canada Education Services where their main education advisor has been trained on the programs for 18 Canadian institutions.

 Photo Courtesy of Nappy