What is a Commerce Degree?
In the United States, most people refer to commerce as the act of buying and selling products or services. But did you know that in other countries (like Canada and New Zealand) you can get a commerce degree?
The definition of commerce (accepted globally) is the activity of buying and selling, particularly on a large scale. So, it goes beyond the transaction you have with the local baker or hometown family-owned restaurant. Commerce is an integral part of the global economy.
In the United States, universities offer degrees in business with specializations for marketing, management, sales, and more. In other nations, getting a commerce degree also relies on the basics of business principles while offering specialization.
According to gyanunlimited.com, “commerce students get familiar with knowledge of business, trade, market fluctuation, basics of economics, fiscal policies, industrial policies, share market, stock markets, etc. Considering the burgeoning activity of market, talented commerce graduate are needed to make a balance in the demand and supply.”
The primary Bachelor of Commerce degree, known as B.Com, used to be available only with Accountancy and Management concentrations. However, as industries change, some specialized disciplines are becoming available: Bachelor in Accountancy and Finance (BAF), Bachelor in Banking and Insurance (BBI), Bachelor in Financial Markets (BFM), and the B.Com course and Advanced Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management.
What is a Business Degree?
In America, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of universities that offer degrees in business. In addition to the basic principles of business, students will complete coursework in the liberal arts as well as general studies.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration has two primary concentrations: Accounting and Management. Below are the basic curricular requirements for each type of degree:
BSBA in Accounting – Trine University
Business Core - 35-36 credit hours
- BA 102 University Experience or UE 111 Adult Learning Orientation
- BA 123 Business Concepts
- BA 201 Professional Development and Strategies
- AC 203 Accounting I
- AC 213 Accounting II
- BA 343 International Business
- FIN 303 Managerial Finance
- LAW 203 Business Law I
- MGT 353 Designing Operations
- MGT 363 Organizational Behavior
- MGT 453 Strategic Management
- MK 203 Marketing
- BA 3113 Business Internship (Advisor will determine the appropriate class)
Concentration Requirements - 30 credit hours
- AC 303 Cost Accounting
- AC 323 Intermediate Accounting I
- AC 333 Intermediate Accounting II
- AC 373 Accounting information Systems
- AC 403 Advanced Accounting
- AC 423 Income Tax
- AC 463 Auditing
- FIN 413 Corporate Finance
- Business Electives - 6 credit hours from (300-400 level from AC or FIN)
- Free Electives - 12-13 credit hours
BSBA in Management – Trine University
General Education - 42 credit hours
- MA 113 College Algebra
- MA 173 Essential Calculus
- MA 253 Statistics
- Science Elective - 3 credit hours
- ECO 213 Microeconomics
- ECO 223 Macroeconomics or ECO 203 Survey of Economics
- Social Science elective - 3 credit hours
- Humanities Elective - 6 credit hours
- ENG 103 English Compensation I
- ENG 113 English Composition II
- or COM 213 Business Communication
- SP 203 Effective Speaking
- PSY 113 Psychology
- BA 213 Advance Spreadsheet for Business
- General Education Elective - 3 credit hours
Program Requirements - 78 credit hours
- BA 101 University Experience or UE 111 Adult Learning Orientation
- BA 123 Business Concepts
- BA 201 Professional Development and Strategies
- AC 203 Accounting I
- AC 213 Accounting II
- BA 343 International Business
- FIN 303 Managerial Finance Honors
- LAW 203 Business Law I
- MGT 353 Design Operations
- MGT 363 Organizational Behavior
- MGT 453 Strategic Management
- MK 203 Marketing
- BA 3113 Business Internship (Advisor will determine the appropriate class)
- MGT 303 Risk Management
- MGT 313 Human Resource Management
- MGT 323 Leadership
- MGT 373 Facility Management
- MGT 383 Project Management
- MGT 413 Management of Quality
- Management electives (300/400 Level) - 6 credit hours
- Marketing Elective (300/400 Level) - 3 credit hours
- Business electives (300-400 level from AC, BA, ECO, ENT, FIN, HR, LAW, LDR, MGT, MK) - 3 credit hours
- Free electives - 12-13 credit hours
Job Prospects for Commerce Degree Graduates
According to gyanunlimited.com, there are multiple job opportunities for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. Some options include:
- Accountant
- Accountant Executive
- Chartered Accountant
- Company secretary
- Cost Accountant
- Finance Analyst
- Finance Planner
- Finance Manager
- Finance Consultant
- Investment Analyst
- Stock Broker
- Portfolio Manager
- Tax Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Auditor
- Statistician
- Economist
According to US News and World Report, the following are the best jobs for those with a Bachelor’s degree in Business:
- Accountant
- Financial Manager
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Actuary
- Operations Research Analyst
- Business Operations Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Cost Estimator
- HR Specialist
- Management Analyst
- Logistician
- Fundraiser
- Event Planner
- Compliance Officer
- Credit Counselor
- Bookkeeper
- Loan officer
- Executive Assistant
- Market Research Analyst
Conclusion
Whether you aspire to conquer the economies of Europe or Asia, or walk with the wolves of Wall Street, a degree in commerce or business will be your most important ally.
