About
Accounting is the art of measuring, communicating, and interpreting financial activity, and is sometimes referred to as "the language of business." It involves interacting with numbers and people to determine the financial health of an organization.
- Four year degree
- Full-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
- Get an early start with COMM 101 Online
What you will learn
The Accounting major is designed to provide students with the general, business and accounting knowledge necessary for them to succeed as professional accountants. Since accounting is a dynamic field, all accounting majors will learn how to keep their knowledge up-to-date so they can continue to grow throughout their professional careers.
You will acquire the communication, computer, and interpersonal skills necessary to successfully resolve complex problems in unstructured settings. You will also benefit from participation in activities such as the Volunteer Tax Program where fourth year accounting students volunteer their time to prepare tax returns for seniors and people with disabilities.
A first-year schedule sample
All first year commerce students will take a common set of classes before entering a specialization, such as accounting, in their second year.
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| COMM 100.3 | Business Communication I |
| COMM 101.3 | Introduction to Business |
| COMM 104.3 | Foundations of Business Statistics |
| COMM 105.3 | Introduction to Organizational Behaviour |
| MATH 121.3 | Mathematical Analysis for Business and Economics |
| COMM 204.3 | Introduction to Marketing |
| COMM 211.3 | Human Resource Management |
| COMM 229.3 | Personal Financial Management |
| English Writing Requirement | |
| 100 level non-COMM Elective |
* These are elective courses. You'll have a number of courses to choose between.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Here are just a few of the classes you might take while you complete this degree:
COMM 210: Introduction to Management Accounting
Introduces students to the vital role that modern management accounting information plays in running a successful business in today's business world. Topics covered include the use of management accounting information to support decision making, planning and controlling activities and the behavioral impact of using accounting information to make decisions. In addition, students will gain an appreciation of the limitations of accounting information and an understanding of the needs of management accounting systems.
COMM 308: Cost Management Systems
The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of cost management systems from a preparer focus. Particular attention will be devoted to providing students with an understanding of Job Order Costing, Process Costing, and Hybrid Costing Systems. Students will examine cost allocations, variance analysis, and absorption and variable costing. This will be complemented by examining topics such as target costing, life-cycle costing, total quality management, just-in-time management and activity based management.
COMM 414.3: Integrative Analysis of Accounting Issues and Problems
This course is a capstone in the accounting major. Through a variety of cases and experiential instructional resources, students will study topics in financial and managerial accounting, information systems, audit and taxation in an integrated and applied manner. Students will develop their analytical, problem-solving and communication skills and prepare for entry into the professional accounting education program following the completion of the major.
Students from around the world choose to study at the Edwards School of Business because we offer hands-on experiential learning in every area of study. You go beyond analyzing cases and into communities, graduating with legitimate consulting experience on your résumé.
Our four year B.Comm. degree helps students develop the critical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork skills that employers demand.
At Edwards, we have a dedicated academic and career services student advisory team which means you can book an appointment to see an advisor within a day (using our online booking system).
Our young, vibrant faculty consistently earn prestigious teaching awards, attesting to their investment in your learning.
Careers
Most students who major in accounting choose to pursue a professional accounting designation after completing a B.Comm. degree. The accounting profession in Canada has united under the single banner of Chartered Professional Accountant – CPA. The new professional program is called the CPA-PEP and it leads to the CPA designation.
Students have the option of applying to the Edwards MPAcc program or to the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) to complete the requirements of the CPA designation.
Students who major in accounting may continue their professional development with careers in the following areas:
- accountant
- auditor
- budget analyst
- investment analyst
- taxation specialist
- assurance associate
Student Profile
Patricia Bautista
2017 Co-op Student: Assurance Associate, PwC
"I chose Accounting as my major because of the diverse job opportunities that are available to me when I graduate. In my work placement, I got to work with not-for-profits, for-profit organizations, and First Nations groups. By doing the co-op option at Edwards, I learned that Accounting requires a lot of professional judgment, which I appreciate because I love being challenged!"
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,206 | $44,558 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $11,827 | $47,179 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
Bachelor of Commerce
The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) degree is a four-year program offered by the University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business.
All undergraduate students admitted to the Edwards School of Business are required to complete a common first-year of studies. In January of your second year, you'll apply to a specialization in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.
While you complete your Bachelor degree, you can also enhance your experience with the following options:
Edwards Career Services, in the Edwards School of Business, provides career-related services to all our business students. We are responsible for the co-operative education program for 3rd year undergraduates and an MBA Internship Program for MBA students. Our office also partners with the main campus career centre to provide services and interview space to our business students and the employers recruiting them.
The Co-op Option is an opportunity for third-year business students to participate in an eight-month paid work term and gain practical experience in their field of study.
Edwards students have an opportunity to pursue studies around the world. Taking university classes in another country will broaden your horizons, enrich your university experience and open your employment opportunities globally.
Edwards School of Business have study agreements with a number of universities (in Austria, Australia, France, Sweden, Thailand and many other locations) where you can study a pre-approved set of classes and credit will transfer back to the B.Comm. degree program.
The University of Saskatchewan offers multiple second degree programs that allow you to earn two degrees in a shorter time frame than if you took each individually. Along with a Bachelor of Commerce, you could also earn a:
- Juris Doctor (Law degree)
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Speak with an academic advisor if you are interested in this option.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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