Minors and Professional Designations

This minor introduces students to foundational concepts, theory and frameworks in key areas of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, organizational behaviour, operations management, and information systems. Through a series of introductory courses, students will gain a multidimensional understanding of how and why organizations function, make decisions, and compete in the ways that they do. Students will also have the opportunity to pursue more specialized upper-year electives in business areas of particular interest. This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning to particular areas of business knowledge.

Completion of this minor provides a broad overview in better understanding Business studies. It will complement a wide variety of degree programs from other faculties and will prepare students to be responsible, knowledgeable and thoughtful citizens and leaders of a wide variety of workplaces and organizations.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Business

This minor is intended to provide students with a strong foundation in financial and managerial accounting. The knowledge and skills acquired through the minor will prepare students to pursue careers in accounting, banking, finance, and consulting.

The required courses also constitute a significant portion of the academic prerequisites for the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Students interested in pursuing the CPA designation may contact DeGroote Student Services – Academic to be connected with McMaster’s CPA representative for further information about the academic requirements for the designation and the application process.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Accounting and Financial Management Services

This minor provides students with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of finance and business economics, preparing them for informed financial decision-making: which investments to pursue, how to fund them, and how to manage them over time. Doing this well requires a deep understanding of capital markets, investment objectives, funding instruments, and asset classes, along with their risk-return characteristics and valuation.

The Finance minor courses build this knowledge, show how the topics connect, and apply them to real industry problems. Furthermore, these courses develop the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers in the field value.

Upon successful completion of this minor, students can look forward to a variety of exciting and satisfying careers in investment management, banking, trading, or corporate finance.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Finance

This minor helps students understand how digital technologies and information systems are designed, implemented, and managed to support organizations. Students examine how technology can improve decision making, business processes, innovation, and digital transformation.

Through coursework in information systems and related business topics, students develop the ability to analyze organizational needs, evaluate technology-enabled solutions, and communicate across business and technical functions. The minor complements programs across McMaster by adding a practical understanding of how organizations use data, systems, and emerging technologies.

The minor can support career paths in business and systems analysis, technology and digital transformation consulting, IT project management, product management, and other roles that connect business needs with technology. It also provides a foundation for further study in information systems, analytics, digital innovation, and related fields.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Information Systems

Students in an eligible McMaster Humanities program can take almost all of the same core business courses a Commerce major would take, all while earning a Humanities degree. This combination will give students an edge in their future careers as graduates who not only have a solid foundation in core business topics but who can also engage in critical, ethical and constructive enquiry, work with and understand diverse customers and colleagues, develop persuasive arguments that are grounded in evidence, and communicate complex and thought-provoking ideas.

By taking this combination at McMaster, students will also benefit from the faculty’s emphasis on Humanities as Leadership, an emphasis which will prepare them to excel and rise to the challenges of an ever-changing society.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Specialized Minor in Commerce for Students Completing a Single Honours B.A. in Humanities

This minor introduces students to the principles and practices of data-driven decision-making and the applications of AI in business. It explores foundational concepts in business analytics and the application of generative artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning and predictive modeling.

Emphasis is placed on the application of AI and Analytics in solving real business problems, interpreting analytical results, and communicating insights effectively. Students will also examine ethical considerations and the strategic impact of AI in organizations.

The aim is to equip business leaders who understand the potential – as well as the risks and limitations – of AI and Analytics in Business and can responsibly integrate them into strategic, managerial, and operational decisions.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in AI and Analytics in Business

The Minor in Entrepreneurship equips students from any faculty to turn ideas into real ventures through staged, hands-on learning, supported by the Marinucci Entrepreneurial Bridge in the McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery.

Across Ideation and Exploration, Venture Creation, and Venture Growth, students’ work focuses on building their ventures while instructors and mentors provide timely, targeted support through workshops, field trips, and case discussions. The curriculum emphasizes customer discovery, rapid experimentation, ethical and sustainable practices, and evidence-based decision making.

By graduation, students will have developed market insight, validated business models, and practical operating skills. These experiences position them to launch new ventures, drive innovation inside organizations, or pursue further commercialization opportunities within McMaster’s ecosystem.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Entrepreneurship

This minor introduces students to the principles, practices, and policies that govern workplace relationships. It explores topics such as recruitment and selection, unions and labour relations, compensation, labour law, workplace diversity, employee engagement, conflict resolution, and the future of work. The minor helps students understand how organizations manage their workforces, as well as the role of governments, unions and other actors in regulating employment.

The minor equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in a wide range of people-focused roles across sectors and industries. Students develop competencies in critical thinking, communication, policy and legal analysis, teamwork, and leadership, while gaining a broad understanding of workplace regulations, labour markets, and organizational behaviour. These skills prepare graduates for careers in human resources, labour relations, recruitment, organizational consulting, public policy and administration, employment equity, and other professions that involve managing and supporting people in organizations. They also prepare students for advanced education in industrial relations, human resource management, law, management, and public policy.

Students should take the Minor in Human Resources Management and Employment Relations because it provides valuable skills that are relevant to virtually every workplace and profession. The minor prepares students to become more effective leaders, colleagues, and citizens by providing them with insights on the role of workplace dynamics, employment rights, and institutions in shaping employment outcomes. Understanding how organizations attract, develop, motivate, and retain employees gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market, regardless of their major field of study. Moreover, students should also take the minor if they are broadly curious about the world of work, including how issues of efficiency are balanced against issues of inequality, voice, and psycho-social wellbeing.

For more information, please refer to the Academic Calendar: Minor in Human Resources Management and Employment Relations

DeGroote is recognized by the CFA Institute for membership in its University Affiliation Program. You can obtain a solid grounding in the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and be well prepared for the CFA exams.

The DeGroote Commerce program offers all the courses required to fulfill the academic requirements of the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. These courses have been accredited by the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario. Students who satisfactorily complete the courses are qualified to write the National Knowledge Exam (NKE).

Required Courses

For further details on the CHRP, please refer to the Certified Human Resources Professional website.

Specific courses in McMaster’s Honours Commerce program are recognized as equivalents in the CPA Prerequisite Education Program (PREP). Graduates who have successfully completed these courses will be eligible to enter Core 1 of the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). 

McMaster’s Honours Commerce program (with specific courses) and the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy program (when combined) constitute a CPA Accredited program. 

DeGroote graduates who have completed all the CPA accredited courses (including the graduate diploma program) with a minimum of 60% in each and an average of 70% will gain direct entry into CPA PEP at the Capstone 1 (Integrative) Module. Candidates then complete the Capstone 2 (Preparatory) Module and write the Common Final Evaluation (CFE) to complete the CPA program requirements. Visit the CPA website for more information. 

To succeed in your CPA journey, we encourage you to:

1. Attend a CPA Information Session
2. Book a One-on-One Consultation: Following the session, students are invited to book a one-on-one consultation with campus lead Sean Mullin from CPA Ontario or our Student Rep Kevin Ball.
3. Attend a free CPA Ontario event.
4. Join the Post-Secondary Ambassador Program. It is a $10 annual membership that gives students exclusive access to networking, workshops, micro-credentials, conferences, competitions, and employer connections.
5. Graduating Students: Submit transcripts to CPA or Apply to GDPA.

Questions about the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy (GDPA) at DeGroote? Contact dpainfo@mcmaster.ca

DeGroote courses for the CPA Designation.

Level I

Commerce 1AA3 – Introductory Financial Accounting

Level II

Commerce 2AB3 – Managerial Accounting I
Commerce 2FA3 – Introduction to Finance
Commerce 2FB3 – Managerial Finance (or Commerce 3FA3 – Managerial Finance)
Commerce 2KA3 – Information Systems in Management

Level III

Commerce 3AB3 – Intermediate Financial Accounting I
Commerce 3AC3 – Intermediate Financial Accounting II
Commerce 4AA3 – Managerial Accounting II
Commerce 4SD3 – Commercial Law

Level IV

Commerce 4AC3 – Advanced Financial Accounting
Commerce 4AD3 – Introduction to Auditing
Commerce 4AF3 – Accounting Theory
Commerce 4PA3 – Business Policy: Strategic Management
Commerce 4SB3 – Introduction to Canadian Taxation
Commerce 4SC3 – Advanced Canadian Taxation

The CFP certification is the world’s most recognized financial planning designation and is offered only by FP Canada. CFP professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience, and ethics to examine their client’s entire financial picture at the highest level of complexity required of the profession and work with their clients to build a financial plan. 

The following courses, offered through McMaster’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Commerce program, meet FP Canada’s technical education (Core and Advanced Curriculum) requirements on the path to both QAFP certification and CFP certification.

1. Introductory Microeconomics (Econ 1B03)
2. Introductory Macroeconomics (Econ 1BB3)
3. Personal Financial Management (Commerce 4FL3)
4. Security Analysis (Commerce 3FB3)
5. Introduction to Canadian Taxation (Commerce 4SB3)
6. Advanced Canadian Taxation (Commerce 4SC3)
7. Insurance and Risk Management (Commerce 4FR3)
8. Pension, Retirement, and Estate Planning (Commerce 4FS3)
9. Personal Financial Planning and Advising (Commerce 4FM3)
10. Business Law (Commerce 4SD3)

Please note that due to enrollment levels, not every CFP-required course will be offered each year. The following courses will be offered once every two years.

Commerce 4FM3: Winter 2025, Winter 2026, Winter 2028
Commerce 4FR3: Fall 2024, Fall 2026, Fall 2028
Commerce 4FS3: Winter 2025, Winter 2027, Winter 2029

As Commerce 4FL3 is a prerequisite for Commerce 4FM3 we recommend you enroll in it during the Fall of your third year.