DeGroote School of Business
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Undergraduate Areas of Focus

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Personalizing Your Commerce Journey

After completing your first two foundational years within the Commerce program, you will have the opportunity to choose an area of focus. By choosing an area of focus, you may begin to align your course selection towards a specific subdiscipline within the area of business or continue learning about business broadly.

These areas of focus allow you to specialize in a specific business discipline by choosing electives that align with your interests and career goals.

 

How to choose an area of focus

 

In the video linked below, you will be guided through how to choose and pursue your area of focus, explore the benefits of deeper specialization, and show how these decisions can shape your future career, from professional designations to job market readiness. Watch to learn more about how you can tailor your DeGroote experience!

 

Jump to an area to learn more

Accounting

The Accounting area of focus allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and management practices. You will be well-prepared for diverse accounting and financial management careers.

Choosing this area of focus helps you work toward earning financial designations such as Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

This video explains accounting as the “language of business” and emphasizes the key skills needed, such as financial statement analysis, problem-solving, and communication. It covers recommended electives, the learning outcomes for accounting students, and the value of extracurricular activities like the DeGroote Accounting Association and case competitions. Additionally, it outlines the steps to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) through DeGroote’s PREP courses for the CPA Professional Education Program.

Finance

The Finance area of focus helps you gain expertise in financial markets, investment strategies, and economic principles. You will develop the analytical and decision-making skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and dynamic world of finance.

Choosing this area of focus helps you work toward earning financial designations such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and Certified Financial Planner® certification (CFP® certification).

This overview of finance explores the key aspects of corporate finance and investment management, emphasizing decision-making, risk assessment, and stakeholder impact. It highlights recommended electives for students based on their interests, the importance of quantitative and critical thinking skills, and the role of extracurriculars like the DFIC in providing practical experience. The video also discusses the CFA certification, which is a gold standard in the industry, and how DeGroote’s finance curriculum prepares students for this prestigious designation.

Human Resource Management

The Human Resource Management area of focus equips you with essential skills in people management, organizational behavior, and strategic human resource planning. You will become an effective leader in dynamic work environments, where managing human capital is crucial to achieving organizational success.

Choosing this area of focus helps you work toward earning the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation.

This video highlights key HR skills such as recruitment, training, leadership, and compensation, while emphasizing the importance of data analytics and evidence-based practices. The video also explores recommended electives, extracurricular opportunities, and the path to earning the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

Information Systems

The Information Systems area of focus gives you a strong foundation in technology, data management, and business processes. You will learn to leverage cutting-edge technologies and harness data effectively to drive innovation and streamline business operations.

The Information Systems (IS) area is introduced as a blend of technology, business, and management, focusing on the successful integration and implementation of advanced technologies in organizations. Students in the IS focus will develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and technical expertise through hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers from industry. The focus area also offers extracurricular opportunities like case competitions, internships, and the Business Technology Management (BTM) certificate, which combines business and technical knowledge to enhance job prospects in the field of information systems.

Marketing

The Marketing area of focus prepares you for today’s dynamic business environment by ensuring you gain thorough comprehension of consumer behaviour, market trends, and effective communication strategies. You will become a creative and strategic marketer, capable of driving brand success and meeting customer demands.

Marketing is more than just selling products; it’s about creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers through understanding their needs and building long-lasting relationships. At DeGroote, students gain hands-on experience by working on real industry projects, participating in case challenges, and collaborating with companies like Canadian Tire and PepsiCo. With opportunities for creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, the marketing focus equips students with the skills needed for roles in brand management, digital marketing, advertising, and more.

Operations Management

The Strategic Management area of focus will give you a foundation in business strategy, organizational planning, and decision-making processes. You will gain the necessary skills to analyze complex business environments, formulate effective strategies, and lead organizations to sustainable success.

Operations management focuses on delivering value to customers by optimizing business processes, ensuring products or services are provided on time, at the right price, and with high quality. Students in this field gain skills in data analysis, supply chain management, and process optimization, with opportunities to specialize through electives like business analytics and logistics. With certifications such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), graduates can pursue diverse careers across industries, driving efficiency and innovation.

Strategic Management

The Strategic Management area of focus will give you a foundation in business strategy, organizational planning, and decision-making processes. You will gain the necessary skills to analyze complex business environments, formulate effective strategies, and lead organizations to sustainable success.

This video discusses the significance of strategic management courses, covering topics such as international business, sports management, commercial law, and entrepreneurship. It encourages students to take elective courses that align with their interests and help develop practical business skills. Graduates can pursue careers in consulting, business analysis, or even launch their own ventures, with extracurricular activities like case competitions and networking events providing valuable experiences. The video also highlights various professional designations and career paths in business management, finance, and more, offering opportunities for career advancement.