Telfer BCom Program
Discover your purpose and build a better future with us by going straight to business.
Straight
to Business.
Telfer BCom Program
Pursue your purpose and career goals through the Telfer Honours Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). As a Telfer BCom student, you’ll gain access to several experiential learning opportunities, including CO-OP placements, case competitions, capstone courses, exchanges and more. These experiences build your career skills and help you get the most out of your time at Telfer.
You’ll start your BCom degree with common core courses to build a foundation in each major field of business, including marketing, financial management, business analytics, and human resources management.
Have any questions about the Telfer Bachelor of Commerce?
Your program structure
1. Choose from the following BCom degree structures
One business option
Two business options (e.g., Finance and Accounting)
One business option + One minor from another faculty (e.g., Marketing and Psychology)
One business option + Microprogram (e.g. Business Analytics and Management Consulting)
BCom + Master of Science in Management (with research project)
BCom + Juris Doctor (offered in French or French Immersion only)
Start
whenever
you want
Fall or winter – your business
journey begins on your terms.
2. Customize your studies by choosing from our business options, specializations or a joint program. Learn more about each area of study and its corresponding career opportunities:
Options
Accounting
Build your financial and managerial accounting skills so you’re ready to pursue a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation and achieve your career goals. This option lets you apply to Telfer’s CPA diploma (Graduate Diploma in Chartered Professional Accountancy) program, fast-tracking your path to a professional certification. This option is also offered as a specialization.
Business Analytics
Transform data into useful business insights. This comprehensive approach prepares you to become a valuable asset in the job market, capable of informing policy and driving strategic decisions across various sectors.
Business Technology Management
Understand how IT (information technology) can help make organizational processes better and more efficient. Focus your studies on business simulation, data mining, management information systems and predictive analytics.
Entrepreneurship
Acquire the skills to launch startups, drive innovation and manage growth within organizations. The program covers innovation, intellectual property, financing, risk and product development. You also benefit from experiential learning opportunities such as pitch competitions and entrepreneurship events, fostering a dynamic environment to develop and showcase your entrepreneurial ideas.
Finance
Gain the tools you need for a career in corporate finance, investments, risk analysis or stockbroking. Explore topics such as financial management, capital budgeting and modern valuation techniques.
Healthcare Analytics
Understand the role that data, systems engineering, management and organizational innovation play in delivering higher-quality, timelier service. Develop the skills you need to transform health-care systems with a career in healthcare analytics, applied biostatistics, technology forecasting or epidemiology.
Human Resource Management
Learn how to recruit, select, compensate, support, train and retain talent so your organization can succeed. Become a specialist in human resources planning, talent acquisition, compensation, occupational health and safety, employee well-being, labour relations, training and development or industrial relations.
International Management
Discover the global business world by learning how policy and strategies are developed and deployed in multinational corporations. As part of this program, you’ll have the opportunity to complete at least one study term abroad. Explore topics in international development, global relations, the social economy and sustainable business practices.
Management
Develop a foundation in strategic management while learning how to manage continuous performance improvement. Gain the skills you need to effectively lead teams, and create and implement an organizational strategy.
Marketing
Understand how marketing and communications impact a business’s growth and success. Develop skills in strategic marketing, digital marketing, advertising, sales, audience targeting, global marketing, brand management, and public relations.
Microprograms
Business and Sports Analytics
Dive into this interdisciplinary program to gain insight into how sport uses analytics to make decisions and improve performance.
Business Sustainability
Develop critical knowledge and skills in both social and environmental sustainability through this interdisciplinary program.
Capital Markets
Manage a portfolio of real money, receive mentorship, gain hands-on training and take courses to develop the skills you need to launch a career in high finance.
Management Consulting
Interact with leading industry professionals in a final-year consulting project, where you’ll work directly with client organizations. Build your knowledge and skills in the five-phase consulting process, and receive mentorship from Certified Management Consultants.
Research
Develop essential research skills in business-related fields by working closely with Telfer professors. You’ll engage in applied research, data analysis and academic writing to gain practical experience that prepares you for graduate studies or research-intensive careers.
Work-Integrated Learning
Engage in extracurricular activities of your choice, such as internships, club activities or career development workshops. This will complement your academic and professional growth.
Joint programs
Bachelor of Commerce +
Master of Science in Management (research project)
Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years by applying to the BCom and Master of Science in Management (research project) accelerated program. This integrated program helps you get a jump-start in a project-based master’s program. Complete two graduate courses during the last year of your undergraduate degree, and start your research project in a familiar environment over the summer term between your bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Bachelor of Commerce +
Juris Doctor (in French and French Immersion)
Combine courses in business and common law to gain a foundation in management and practise law in Canada (except Quebec).
Join us in building a better world through business; a greener, healthier, happier, wealthier, and more prosperous Canada for all.
Potential careers
- Accountant
- Business analyst
- Digital marketing strategist
- Entrepreneur
- Financial advisor
- Healthcare analyst
- International trade specialist
- Management consultant
- Project manager
- Public affairs lobbyist
- Risk and investment analyst
- Talent acquisition specialist
Discover the career possibilities in each business field to learn about what you can do with your studies
Applying for the BCom
Winter Admission
Did you know you can start your studies in the winter term? In addition to the typical start in September, learn about the program’s winter admission pathway. Start your academic journey in January for added flexibility and opportunities.
Bold beginnings scholarship
Interested in getting a scholarship for sharing your story? The Telfer BCom Bold Beginnings Scholarships, valued between $1,000 and $3,000, are awarded to new incoming students like you who have something bold to share. Whether your journey has been shaped by obstacles, adventures, surprising turns, or steadfast determination, we want to know: What makes your bold story unique? Complete the short questionnaire to apply today.
Beyond the classroom
The Telfer Career Centre is your hub for personalized career support — available exclusively to Telfer students and alumni. From your first year to long after graduation, we help you build your career path with confidence.
The Co-op Program gives you an advantage in the job market. Work in your field while completing your studies — you’ll gain 16 months (4 four-month terms) of work experience before you graduate. The Co-op Program gives you the flexibility to work with one employer or many, gain professional connections who can help you enter the job market, and earn a salary over each work term.
Offered through the Career Centre, the Connexions Program lets you earn course credits through an unpaid internship with a local business.
Commit to a minimum of one day a week (seven hours) over 12 weeks, apply your classroom learning in a professional setting and start building your résumé — before graduation.
You’re in charge of your future — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Telfer’s mentorship programs connect you with experienced peers and professionals who can offer guidance, encouragement and insight as you move through your BCom journey.
Peer Mentoring Program
As a first-year BCom student, you’ll be matched with an upper-year Telfer mentor who can offer support, encouragement and insight based on their own experience. These mentors understand the transition to university and can help you make the most of your time at Telfer — from getting involved on campus to exploring career paths and building good study habits.
Executive Mentorship Program
In your upper years, you can be matched with an experienced business professional, who will offer guidance as you explore career options, build your network and plan your next steps. These mentors are here to share real-world insights and support you as you shape your professional path.
Whether you want to launch a business, lead a family enterprise or drive innovation in an organization, Telfer offers entrepreneurship-focused courses and programs to help you build the right skills and mindset.
You’ll also have opportunities to pitch your ideas in competitions like the Elevator Pitch Competition, get involved in student-led initiatives such as Enactus uOttawa and connect with innovators at the uOttawa Entrepreneurship Hub. From classroom lessons to real-world challenges, we’ll help you turn your ideas into action.
The International Exchange Program allows you to combine travel experience with your university studies. Take some of your courses at one of our 60+ university partners to experience a new environment, enhance your adaptability and build global connections. Choose from over 30 countries to study in for one to two terms during your four-year program.
Or you could participate in our double-degree program, earning both a BCom from Telfer and a degree from an international partner school without extending your studies.
The Ottawa advantage
Major tech business hub
with companies like Shopify, IBM, Nokia, Adobe, and SurveyMonkey having offices in the city.
The Rideau Canal
a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is right next to campus and can be seen from several of our buildings.
Leading G7 country
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, a leading G7 country, home to many of the nation’s top decision-makers, as well as many key government departments.
In the centre of downtown
The main campus of the University of Ottawa is located right in the centre of downtown Ottawa, and is a five-minute walk from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Centre mall, and the historic ByWard Market.
Explore the campus
Become a student for a day
Explore the main campus of the University of Ottawa and learn more about the Bachelor of Commerce and the Telfer School of Management, while you experience a typical day in the life of a Telfer student. Sign up to be a student for a day!
Attend an open house
Visit the University of Ottawa on a day set aside just for you! Register to attend an upcoming Open House in the fall or spring to get to know the campus, faculty, staff and current students.
Tour the Desmarais building
Learn more about the building where you’ll spend the most time as a uOttawa business student. Participate in events, meet up with classmates, and attend lectures in DMS.
FAQ
You can visit the University of Ottawa and the Telfer School of Management to explore the campus and learn more about the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program.
Campus visits and events
Campus tours: The University offers in-person and virtual tours led by student ambassadors. They include a look at Telfer’s building, classrooms and common areas.
Open House events: Attend a uOttawa Open House to meet faculty, students and advisers from Telfer, and get detailed program information.
Class visits or webinars: Occasionally, Telfer offers opportunities to join info sessions or webinars specific to the BCom.
Student for a day: Register to become a student for a day at Telfer. Attend a class, meet with an academic specialist and talk with current students
Virtual tour: Take a uOttawa virtual tour.
Telfer BCom students have access to a wide range of scholarships and bursaries based on academic excellence, leadership, financial need, language stream, co-op participation and international experience participation.
Scholarships and bursaries include:
Admission scholarships (automatically awarded based on grades)
Telfer-specific scholarships and awards
French Studies Bursaries
Co-op and international experience funding
Needs-based bursaries
Learn more about Telfer scholarships and bursaries, including full details, eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Choosing the Telfer School of Management for your Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) means joining a top-tier business school at the heart of Canada’s capital. Here’s why students choose Telfer.
A globally-recognized business school
Telfer is triple-accredited—by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS—an achievement that fewer than 1% of business schools worldwide can claim. This ensures the highest international standards in business education.
Diverse, customizable programs
With 10 program options, including Marketing, Finance, Accounting, International Management, Human Resource Management, Business Technology Management, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship and more, you can tailor your degree to your career goals.
You can also study in English, in French — or in both through the French Immersion Stream.
Real-world experience
Telfer offers co-op placements, internships and consulting projects with leading organizations in Ottawa and beyond. You’ll graduate with valuable work experience and a stronger resumé.
International opportunities
Through student exchange programs and global case competitions, Telfer prepares you to succeed in a global business environment. Travel, learn and network internationally.
Close-knit community and networking
With smaller class sizes and strong support from professors, advisers and peers, Telfer students enjoy a tight-knit, collaborative learning environment. You’ll also benefit from an active alumni network and connections to government, business and non-profits in Ottawa.
Career-ready education
Telfer’s BCom program combines theory with hands-on learning to prepare you for leadership roles. Plus, the Career Centre helps you explore career paths, build your resumé and connect with employers.
Yes! Telfer and the University of Ottawa offer a wide range of academic support services to help you succeed in your BCom coursework. This includes tutoring, study help, writing assistance and career coaching.
Academic support at Telfer
- Telfer Academic Advising
- Personalized help with course planning, degree requirements, academic standing and program options.
- Book appointments or attend drop-in sessions.
- Peer Mentoring Program
- Connects you with experienced upper-year Telfer students who provide guidance, study tips and time management strategies.
- Workshops and seminars
- Telfer offers workshops on topics like exam prep, group work skills and case analysis, as well as a Quantitative Course Support Hub.
For more details, see our Student Services Centre.
University-wide learning support
- Academic Writing Help Centre
- One-on-one support for writing assignments, grammar, structure and citations in both English and French.
-> Academic Writing Help Centre
- One-on-one support for writing assignments, grammar, structure and citations in both English and French.
- Mentoring and coaching
- Get help with study strategies, goal setting and dealing with academic challenges through the Peer Mentoring Program.
- Workshops and study skills seminars
- Offered year round to help you boost productivity, manage stress and improve performance.
Language and French immersion support
If you’re in the French Immersion Stream, you’ll have access to the Immersion Mentoring Centre, conversation workshops and bilingual writing support.
Whether you need help with a tough assignment or just want to improve your study habits, there’s a support service ready to help. Learn more about uOttawa academic support services.
Yes! The Telfer Career Centre is dedicated to helping BCom students prepare for the job market and secure meaningful employment after graduation. From career coaching to networking opportunities, the centre provides personalized support every step of the way.
Telfer Career Centre services
Career coaching and advising
One-on-one sessions to help you:
- Explore career paths
- Build a job search strategy
- Set short- and long-term career goals
Resumé and cover letter review
Get feedback to craft polished, professional application materials tailored to your industry and job targets.
Mock interviews and interview coaching
Practise answering behavioural and technical questions.
Receive feedback on your communication style, tone and confidence.
Workshops and seminars
Topics include LinkedIn optimization, networking strategies, salary negotiation and job search tactics.
Career fairs and employer networking events
Telfer regularly hosts career events where you can meet employers, learn about job opportunities and make professional connections.
Includes exclusive recruitment sessions for BCom students with top firms.
Career Launch Job Board
Access job and internship postings aimed at Telfer students.
Filter by industry, program and graduation year.
Support after graduation
Alumni continue to have access to career coaching and job search tools for up to two years after graduation.
You can also join Telfer United, which offers mentorship and job referral opportunities through our alumni network.
Learn more about the Telfer Career Centre and book an appointment.
The co-op (co-operative education) program at Telfer allows Bachelor of Commerce students to gain real-world, paid work experience while earning their degree. It’s one of the best ways to build your resumé, develop professional skills and explore career options.
How the co-op program works
Alternating study and work terms
Starting in second year, co-op students alternate between study terms and paid work terms.
You complete three or four work placements (each lasting four months), adding up to 12 to 16 months of experience.
Paid positions
Work placements are full time and paid, with employers in:
- Government departments (especially in Ottawa)
- Corporations and startups
- Non-profit organizations
- Positions fit with your BCom option (e.g., finance analyst, marketing assistant, HR co-ordinator).
Support throughout the process
Telfer’s co-op office helps you prepare with:
- Job search coaching
- Resumé and interview workshops
- Employer connections
Academic credit
Co-op is an official part of your degree.
Your work terms appear on your transcript and add valuable context to your classroom learning.
Curious to learn more? Explore the full FAQ page on the Telfer School of Management website.
Contact
Please send us an email if you have questions about our academic programs.
Our officers and specialists are also available to answer questions by chat from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
