Ask An Undergrad

Commerce, McMaster University

  • Application Process
  • Undergraduate Experience
  • Residence/ On-campus Living

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Commerce at McMaster University

Undergraduate Experience

Many individuals have skills that apply to different careers. I chose this program because I have strong communication skills, leadership skills and I like dealing with numbers. These skills that I possess can be used in future careers such as accounting, finance, marketing management, etc. 

The best part about this program is students will be required to take courses in all areas (accounting, finance, human resource and management, information systems, marketing and strategic management, and operations management), with having the option in third-year to focus on a specific area or continue to take courses in all areas. Having the option of focusing on a certain area in the last two years on this program allows students to prepare for their future careers. In addition, being required to take courses can allow students to figure out if this program, in general, is right for them, or if there is a certain area in this program that they would like to learn more about with the possibility of pursuing that as a career in the future. 

This program is unique because it offers internships to students in third-year who would like some hands-on learning experiences and it offers exchange opportunities for students who would like to experience learning in another country.

Enrichment Opportunities

Internship is available in third-year (through McMaster):

  • It is a 12 to 16-month work term with hands-on experience
  • Must be a full-time third-year student 
  • Must take and complete the Career Development Couse (Commerce 2IN0) in second-year to apply
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 7.0 after year two is completed

More information about clubs that are apart of the DeGroote Faculty (Business), can be found here.  

Career Paths 

There are many possible career paths from obtaining a Business Degree, but here is a list of a few:

  • Accountant
  • Economist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Management Consultant 
  • Marketing Managers
  • Human Resources Managers
  • Operations Research Analysts
  •  

Residence

Why live on campus?

Living on campus gives first-years the opportunity to build more relationships. First-year students find it a lot easier to build connections with other students in classes, in the same residence building, or even in libraries, study spaces, and food outlet(s). In addition, it is easier to attend all the activities during welcome week (frosh week). Living on campus might also make the adjustment to the life of a university student a lot smoother. Likewise, students can avoid the hassle of traveling from their homes to make it to their classes and meetings on time. Learning to be independent and responsible is an asset a first-year can achieve. The experience of living on campus is something every university student should have because this is the year where students can grow into mature individuals.

Residence Buildings

The campus has thirteen residence buildings, all vary in capacity and room types. Every building includes shared laundry facilities, study spaces, and a game room.

Here is a list of the buildings with the types of rooms found in each:

  • Bates Residence; One bedroom apartments with an occupancy of either two, four, or six students. Each apartment consists of one bathroom (toilet, shower,  sink), kitchen (stove, fridge), and living area (dining table, couch). 
  • Brandon Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink). Addition tunnel access to Centro in the basement. 
  • Edwards Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink). 
  • Hedden Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).
  • Les Prince Hall; Single and double rooms, each room has an ensuite bathroom (toilet, shower, sink).
  • Mary E. Keyes Residence; Suite-styled with an occupancy of four people, each suite has two bathrooms, a shared kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave), and a shared living area.
  • Matthews Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).
  • McKay Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).
  • Moulton Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).
  • Peter Geroge Centre for Living and Learning; Single rooms with attached shared private bathroom (shared with another individual next door) (toilet, sink, shower), Double room with attached private bathroom (shared with two individuals next door) (toilet, double sink, shower).  
  • Wallingford Hall; Female-only, traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink), and a “tea room.”
  • Whidden Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).  Addition tunnel access to Centro in the basement.
  • Woodstock Hall; Traditionally styled rooms (no apartments), shared common rooms, shared kitchenettes, shared male bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sinks), and shared female bathrooms on each floor (shower, toilets, sink).  Addition tunnel access to Centro in the basement.

More information about the residence building and locations can be found here

Room Types and Fees

Students must pay a $300 residence deposit with their submitted application. 

More information about the types of rooms can be found here

 

The occupancy and prices may be subject to change; what is stated right now is “single occupancy” because of the pandemic, however, McMaster University will make an announcement in the next few months.

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Author

Marisa Manichan

Executive member of ask an undergrad

Education

B. Comm

Favourite part of the program

Classes and the community. I really do enjoy the majority of the classes I am taking such as accounting, marketing, innovation, etc. The DeGroote (business) community is full of energetic, compassionate, and kindhearted people who are very welcoming to the new members (first-years). Everyone wants that sense of belonging and being apart of a community like DeGroote, has been one of the best experiences I could ever ask for.

Campus involvement

  • General Member of DeGroote Women in Business 
  • General Member of The Journey Towards Healthy Living McMaster
  • General Member of Girl Up McMaster
  • General Member of the McMaster Association of West Indian Students
  • Member of The Study Buddies McMaster