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Commerce Scholars Program

The Commerce Scholars Program is an academically rigorous program designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about the research process first hand and to develop research skills, including the ability to define an interesting and relevant question, formulate and test hypotheses, and develop and execute research plans. The program is well suited for those considering academic careers, post-graduate study, and/or work in the field of consulting.

Ten to twelve third year Sauder students are chosen annually and immersed directly into a rich research environment. Students in the co-op program may begin in their fourth year.

Course requirements

The following required courses are available only to Commerce Scholars, normally in years three and four. The six credits will count toward the B.Com. Commerce elective requirement.

  • COMM 311 (3) Research Theory for Commerce Scholars
  • COMM 490 (3) Directed Studies Research Report

Scholar/Faculty Mentorship

Each Scholar is each matched with a distinguished Sauder faculty mentor who will introduce the Scholar to his/her research and to the research process in general. In addition, scholars attend monthly "Research Dinners" where faculty members conduct presentations on their research interests and their career paths into academia.

Research Work/Paid Stipend

Based on a mutual agreement, Scholars will work with their mentors as research assistants during the two academic years they are in the program or in the summer between their third and fourth year. Scholars receive a stipend of $5,000 for the work they do with their mentors. At the end of the two year program Scholars present their research at a student research conference.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Commerce Scholars program, students normally:

  • Are in third year of the B.Com. program (or in fourth year if co-op students);
  • Have achieved a First Class average (80%) in Commerce courses completed in the academic year prior to commencing the scholars program;
  • Have successfully completed COMM 290, 291, and 295; and
  • Have submitted the application and resume to the Undergraduate Office by the posted deadline.

The application asks students to identify and rank their preferred research topic from a posted list or they may propose their own research topic, in conjunction with a Sauder faculty member they have conferred with prior to making an application.

The selection committee, in addition to confirming that students have met the eligibility requirements will assess the prospective candidates' motivation for conducting research and overall potential. The committee will match the selected scholars with research faculty mentors based in part on the applicant's stated preference and on suitability. Conversely, students and mentors may develop an agreement prior to the application process.

Applicants are notified of their acceptance into the program before the deadline for choosing courses.

Upon completion of the Program requirements, students will have the designation 'Commerce Scholar' printed on their transcript.

See the Program for more information.


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