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A Bachelor of Commerce (abbreviated BCom, B.Com., BComm, or B.Comm.) is an undergraduate degree in commerce and related subjects. The degree is also known as the Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, or BCA. It is predominantly offered in Commonwealth nations; however, the degree is no longer offered in the United Kingdom.The degree is designed to provide the student with a wide range of managerial skills while at the same time building competence in a particular area. Most universities therefore plan the degree such that additional to their major, students are exposed to general business principles, and required accounting, economic and quantitative skills. For a comparison with other degrees in business and management, see further under Bachelor's degree.The precise requirements for the degree vary, and the course structure tends to vary in different countries. The curriculum generally lasts three years in Australia, New Zealand, India, Malta, South Africa, the United States of America, parts of Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, and four years in majority of Canada, Republic of Ireland, Ghana, Philippines and the Netherlands. In South Africa, and some universitites in India, many students extend their studies to a fourth "Honours" year [BCom (Hons)] - an additional postgraduate qualification - usually focused exclusively on one subject. In Malta, the additional year is not considered as a postgraduate qualification. In Pakistan, BCom is of two-years, BCom (Hons) of three-years; while a four year program is known as BS/BS (Hons) Commerce. Arts students are strictly prohibited from signing up for the course.Depending on the institution, a formal academic major may or may not be established. Regardless, the Bachelor of Commerce requires students to take the majority of their courses in business-related subjects, namely the following and others depending on students' particular interests.A BCom graduate may pursue the Master of Commerce, or other post-graduate masters programs such as the Master of Finance (MFin), Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master in Business Administration (MBA). The degree - with appropriate courses - is usually recognised by the various professional accounting bodies, and graduates often therefore pursue accounting designations such as the Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified General Accountant (CGA). Graduates also commonly pursue professional certifications such as the CFA, CIM and PMP.
