Read about the curriculum in a bachelor's degree program in commerce. See what the admissions and graduation requirements are, and explore career options in the field.
What Will I Learn in a Commerce Bachelor's Degree Program?
Commerce is the process of buying and selling products and services, usually to meet the demands of a customer or market. Through a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Commerce program, you study consumer behavior and distribution channels for getting your product into the hands of its targeted recipients. You could also study international and domestic business strategies, including marketing techniques and economics. Some classes may emphasize entrepreneurship and the process of actualizing a business concept, while others may focus on business law, etiquette and contemporary trade tools. You may also study:
- Global financial systems
- Accounting
- Information sciences
- Customer relations protocols
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Marketing, business strategies, economics, entrepreneurship, accounting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma, or equivalent is required; some programs may require the fulfillment of some general education requirements</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Research marketer, consultant, financial planner, project manager, entrepreneur</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $134,180 (<i>for all financial managers</i>) </td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 15% growth (<i>for all financial managers</i>) </td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsAndAcademicRequirements">What Are the Admissions and Academic Requirements?</h3><p>For some Bachelor of Science in Commerce programs, you need only a high school diploma; others require that you first complete your general-education credits before enrolling in the commerce curriculum. Most programs combine core commerce classes with specific business topics, such as accounting and finance. However, some may have you specialize in a certain area by offering advanced training in economics, management or operations.
</p><p>Although online programs aren't available as of February 2016, at least one bachelor's degree program in commerce is available in a hybrid-style format. Classes only meet once per week, but you must still prepare for class by completing work, watching pre-recorded presentations and reading various texts on your own time. You can complete and turn in assignments online.
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseMyDegree">How Can I Use My Degree?</h3><p>You may need to complete an internship to earn your bachelor's degree in commerce. These opportunities can help you gain exposure to, and experience with, your area of specialty--for instance, business consulting, research marketing or similar roles. As a business analyst, you analyze how a business works and suggest ways to improve it. You could also go into research marketing, gathering information on behalf of a company to determine what sells and where so that it can smartly market and distribute its wares. Other career opportunities include owning or managing a business as well as becoming a project manager or financial planner.</p>
