Program structure

The McGill BCom is one of the most flexible programs offered today, giving students the opportunity to tailor their studies to their career objectives. Its options allow for extensive customization, enabling students to design a program that reflects their interests and aspirations. However, all students must complete the same core curriculum to build a strong foundation in business skills, select at least one program of study, complete a minimum of 3 credits of approved Experiential Learning courses, and reach a total of 120 credits. BCom students come from a wide variety of academic backgrounds and may receive differing amounts of transfer credit from their previous studies.

To support this diversity, students are guided by a team of academic advisors who help them navigate their path through the degree, meet graduation requirements, and make the most of their academic and personal development. Academic advisors work with students from the time of acceptance through graduation—and beyond—supporting their transition to university learning and the different stages of an undergraduate degree. They provide specialized guidance during periods of academic stress, health challenges, or unexpected life events, as well as routine support with course registration, international exchange planning, program selection, degree tracking, important university deadlines, and more.

Program Length

All students are required to complete 120 credits to graduate with the undergraduate degree. 

All students apply to the undergraduate BCom program; however, Quebec CEGEP graduates are granted 30 credits for their DEC and can therefore complete the degree with 90 credits, typically over three years, while most other students complete the full 120‑credit, four‑year program. Students entering from a High School background begin the program in U0 and must complete 120 credits at McGill. Students with other forms of Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing will have their results evaluated after acceptance and may receive up to 30 credits toward their degree, depending on their individual academic background.

Management Core

All BCom students must completed the core curriculum. Students admitted to the program as of Fall 2024 are required to complete 42 credits. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 are required to complete 39 credits. However, the degree requirement remains 120 credits for ALL students. Students would usually take an additional elective course of 3 credits.

A grade of C or better is required for all core courses. If a D is obtained in a core course, the course must be repeated. The grade of D is counted in the GPA but does not earn credits for required and core courses.

Curriculum

Concentrations (15 credits)

Students in the General Management major acquire a strong business background by completing a minimum of two Concentrations or combining one Concentration with a Minor from another faculty. Choosing this option allows them to diversify their business background and to explore non-Management programs or electives. Here are some of your options:

• Two or Three Concentrations in Management
• One Concentration with a Minor in another Faculty

A Concentration consists of 5 courses in a particular discipline. There is a possibility to do multiple concentrations instead of doing a major, which provide breadth across several areas in management.

• In general, the student will begin taking courses from the chosen Concentration(s) in the U2 year.
• The minimum to graduate with a BCom is either, two concentrations or a concentration and a minor.
• Students who choose to take a second Concentration will be required to complete 15 non-overlapping credits at a satisfactory level with a minimum grade of C in each course.

*Students admitted to the program as of Fall 2024 are required to complete 42 credits. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 are required to complete 39 credits. However, the degree requirement remains 120 credits for ALL students. Students would usually take an additional elective course of 3 credits.

**Students admitted to the program as of Fall 2024 will be required to complete 3 credits for the Experiential Learning (EL) requirement. The EL requirement can be met in different ways: a course included in a program of study (Honours, Major or Concentration) or an elective course in Management. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 do not have an EL degree requirement to graduate. 

Areas of study for Concentrations:

Go to: Majors (30 credits) | Honours | Minors (18-21 credits)

Majors (30 credits)

A major consists of  10 courses in one discipline. Normally, students who are very passionate about a certain subject, pursue a major in that field. A major provides depth in one area of study.

Because of the heavier demands of Major programs, students desiring to pursue a program of this type are advised to declare their intention at the beginning of the program. Only grades of C or better may count towards the Major requirements.

*Students admitted to the program as of Fall 2024 are required to complete 42 credits. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 are required to complete 39 credits. However, the degree requirement remains 120 credits for ALL students. Students would usually take an additional elective course of 3 credits.

**Students admitted to the program as of Fall 2024 will be required to complete 3 credits for the Experiential Learning (EL) requirement. The EL requirement can be met in different ways: a course included in a program of study (Honours, Major or Concentration) or an elective course in Management. Students admitted prior to Fall 2024 do not have an EL degree requirement to graduate.

Areas of study for Majors:

Go to: Concentrations (15 credits) | Honours | Minors (18-21 credits)

Honours

An Honours program is available in Investment Management

The difference between the Honours and Major programs is not one of quantity but rather of quality, the Honours program involves study in greater depth. 

Graduation with an Honours standing normally requires a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and an average of 3.00 in the specified courses of the Honours program, although academic units may set higher requirements for their program GPA. The minimum grade acceptable in an Honours course is B-, although academic units may set a higher requirement for grades in their program.

Go to: Concentrations (15 credits) | Majors (30 credits) | Minors (18-21 credits)

Minors (18-21 credits)

The Minor programs offered in the Faculties of Arts and Science may be taken in conjunction with any BCom program.

A Minor Concentration consists of 18 credits taken outside the Faculty of Management. For example, Political Science, Economics, Computer Science. For all other Minors, please refer to the Arts and Science Faculty sections.

For students taking a minor concentration or minor outside the Faculty of Management, do not rely solely on myProgress. Students must review the requirements of each minor concentration and minor in the course catalogue and seek advising from the relevant department. Relying solely on myProgress may result in delaying graduation. It is a guide only and does not replace advising. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm requirements in the course catalogue and with departmental advisors.

Students must complete a Desautels Faculty of Management minor approval form listing the courses being applied to the minor and get it signed by the Minor Adviser in the relevant department, returning the signed form to the BCom Office, before the end of add-drop in your final term to ensure you meet the requirements to graduate on time. Failure to do so may result in delaying graduation or the Minor not being granted.

Go to: Concentrations (15 credits) | Majors (30 credits) | Honours